Binding Device

Abstract

A strapping device (2) for strapping one or more articles (20) with a strap (10) is described, the strapping device comprising a joining apparatus for joining two overlapping portions of the strap, the joining apparatus comprising a joining jaw (2.1) and a joining base (2.2) arranged to receive two overlapping portions of the strap therebetween, the joining base comprising a base body (2.21) and a spacer (2.22) releasably connectable to the base body, the spacer comprising at least one lower support surface (2.226, 2.227) for the one or more articles and at least one upper support surface (2.224, 2.225) for the strap, the spacer being configured to be releasable from the base body when the two overlapping portions of the strap are joined.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a strapping device for strapping one or more articles, a method of operating the strapping device, and a spacer for the strapping device. [Background technology]

[0002] Strapping devices are used to package various items by placing a strap around an item such that two portions of the strap overlap each other by forming a loop around the item. Thereby, a free end portion of the strap typically overlaps another portion of the strap, the free end portion forming a lower strap portion and the other portion of the strap forming an upper strap portion. The overlapping portions of the strap are connected to each other by a tying device that is applied to tension the strap to join the overlapping portions of the strap. Various joining techniques can be used to join the overlapping portions, e.g., welding, crimping, adhesive bonding, etc., with the specific technique depending on the material of the item to be strapped and / or the strap. For example, friction welding is preferably used for plastic straps, although additional clamps may be used to join metal straps.

[0003] The process of tensioning straps placed around an item, joining overlapping portions of the straps using a strapping device, and releasing the strapping device from the loops of the tensioned and joined straps involves various operating elements of the strapping device that should be designed to optimize the packaging of one or more items.

[0004] For example, EP 0 949 146 A1 describes a strapping device in which a plastic strip is placed in a loop around the package, a first free end of the plastic strip forms a lower strip at the welding point, and the other end of the plastic strip as an upper strip is guided together with the lower strip under a welding plate after the formation of the loop at the welding point. The upper strip is then gripped by a friction wheel or a similar element and the loop is tightened around the package. At the other end of the loop, its end of the plastic strip loaded with tension is then guided as an upper strip over the free end of the plastic strip as the lower strip. The plastic strip is tightly wrapped around the package and in this state the lower and upper strips are pressed together at the point where they run parallel to each other. A welding plate is then lowered on the upper strip, which is not tensioned, at the welding point, and the welding plate is vibrated relative to the housing of the tightening strap device. At the same time, the welding plate presses the upper strip against the lower strip, so that due to the vibration of the welding plate and the upper strip, a relative movement between the upper and lower strips occurs, which leads to local melting of the heat-weldable plastic strip due to the friction created in the process. After the end of the vibration movement and a short cooling period, the upper and lower strips are welded to each other at the welding points. The clamping devices present at the welding points of the lower strip or on both sides of the welding points of the upper and lower strips can then be opened. Summary of the Invention

[0005] While packaging an item, it is desirable to obtain a stable tie, especially with straps that are sufficiently tensioned so that a reliable tie around the item can be achieved.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bundling device which at least partially improves upon the prior art and avoids at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description and drawings.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, this object is in particular achieved by a strapping device for strapping one or more articles, comprising a joining device for joining two overlapping portions of the strap, the joining device comprising a joining jaw and a joining base arranged to receive the two overlapping portions of the strap therebetween, the joining base comprising a base body and a spacer releasably connectable to the base body, the spacer comprising at least one lower support surface for the one or more articles and at least one upper support surface for the strap, the spacer being configured such that it is releasable from the base body when the two overlapping portions of the strap are joined.

[0009] The lower support surface for the one or more articles and the upper support surface for the straps allow the spacer to remain between the one or more articles and the straps after being released from the base body. In particular, the spacer may be held between the one or more articles and the straps by tension applied to the straps by the strapping device. After tensioning the straps to join the two overlapping portions of the straps to form a tensioned loop around the one or more articles, the strapping device can thus be removed from the joined strap portions and the one or more articles, leaving the spacer released from the base body. In particular, the base body, which is arranged between the overlapping portions of the straps and the one or more articles while tensioning the straps to join the overlapping portions of the straps, may be removed, leaving the spacer positioned between the straps and the one or more articles.

[0010] One or more strap portions may abut against at least one upper support surface while tensioning the strap to join the overlapping portions of the strap. The spacer remaining between the strap and the one or more articles provides the advantage that the tension established in the strap can be maintained since the strap can essentially remain stationary during and / or after removal of the strapping device due to the at least one upper support surface continuing to support the one or more portions of the strap that are abutting. Removal of the strapping device after strapping operation can be facilitated since the tension of the strap in the direction of the one or more articles can be absorbed by the spacer by the at least one upper support surface and thus not act on the base body.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, which reduces the tension of the strap due to the gap resulting from the joining base being removed together with the strapping device by tensioning the strap and joining the overlapping strap portions between the joining jaws and the joining base to form a loop around one or more items to be packaged, and then removing the strapping device, the strapping device, especially the spacer, preferably allows the tension of the strap to be maintained after the strapping device is removed, thus improving the reliability of the strap. Thus, the loss of the tension of the strap due to the removal of the strapping device can be prevented by the spacer.

[0012] At least one lower support surface of the spacer allows the spacer to abut against the one or more articles, thereby avoiding direct contact of the base body, which may be made of a material with a higher hardness than the one or more articles. By selecting a suitable material for the spacer, preferably having a hardness equal to or lower than that of the one or more articles, the surface of the one or more articles can be protected from damage.

[0013] Furthermore, the interchangeability of the spacers advantageously allows the geometry of the spacers to be adapted to specific strap requirements without the need to change the strapping device. For example, the geometry of the spacers may be adapted depending on one or more articles to be strapped, as described further below. The geometry of the spacers may be adapted depending on, for example, the size of one or more articles. Furthermore, the geometry of the spacers may be adapted to optimize the force transmission resulting from tensioning the straps. Thus, the spacers provide the advantage of a simple, flexible and adaptable tension-maintaining device.

[0014] By maintaining the tension of the straps by the spacers, the strapping device can operate with less tension. In particular, the strapping device may be used in certain applications without a separate clamp for clamping a portion of the strap adjacent to the upper side of the overlapping portion of the strap during splicing. Instead, holding said portion of the strap by the splicing jaws during splicing may be sufficient due to the smaller drop in tension of the straps and the smaller tension applied during operation of the strapping device.

[0015] The base body of the joint base may in some embodiments comprise a base plate. In some embodiments, the base body of the joint base may comprise a pin or bolt, in particular two cylindrical pins arranged parallel to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the joining device is a welder, preferably a friction welder.

[0017] Thus, in the case of a strapping device in which the joining apparatus is a welder, the joining jaws may be welding jaws and the joining base may be a welding base. The base body of the welding base may be a welding plate. Thus, the spacer preferably allows maintaining tension in the strap after removing the strapping device, in particular the welding base, from between the welded overlapping portion of the strap and the one or more articles.

[0018] In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to be releasable from the base body in a horizontal direction transverse to the strap longitudinal axis.

[0019] Releasing the spacer transverse to the strap longitudinal axis may be particularly suitable for small packages where the strap falls off the mating base along the strap longitudinal axis. However, in some embodiments, the spacer may be configured to be releasable from the base body in a direction along the strap longitudinal axis. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "transverse" in this context need not be limited to a direction strictly perpendicular to the strap longitudinal axis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spacer is releasably connectable to the base body by a form-fit and / or a press-fit connection.

[0021] In particular, the spacer may be connected to the base body by a user of the strapping device prior to strapping one or more items, and detached from the base body after strapping without application of undue force.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base body and the spacer are releasably connectable by a dovetail connection.

[0023] In some embodiments, the spacer is made from plastic.

[0024] Manufacturing the spacer from plastic offers the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs. Plastic spacers may offer the advantage that the shape of the spacer can be manufactured to fit in a simple manner to the particular article or articles to be bound. Plastic spacers may have the advantage in particular of preventing the surface of the article or articles from being damaged even if high tensions are applied to the strap. Furthermore, using plastic spacers offers the advantage that the spacer can be used to join, in particular weld, one or more parts of the strap onto the spacer, as will be further explained below. Plastic spacers may further be preferred, since they can be connected to the base body by a snap-fit ​​connection due to the elasticity of the plastic.

[0025] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a concave profile formed on an underside facing outwardly from the base body.

[0026] The concave profile of the spacer offers the advantage that the transmission of forces resulting from tensioning the straps can be optimized. Preferably, the profile of the spacer is concave along the longitudinal axis of the spacer oriented along the longitudinal axis of the straps. Concave in this context should also be understood to comprise a profile with kinks or buckles. Thus, the concave profile does not have to be a continuous smooth profile. However, the concave profile may in some embodiments be a continuous smooth curved profile. The concave profile along the longitudinal axis of the spacer can be used to facilitate the spacer to abut against one or more articles at the front and / or rear of the spacer relative to the longitudinal axis of the spacer, i.e. at least one lower support surface may be arranged at the front and / or rear of the spacer. Furthermore, the central portion of the spacer may be prevented from abutting against one or more articles. A concave profile may be particularly suitable for spacers in which at least one upper support surface is arranged at the front and / or rear of the spacer, since the forces resulting from tensioning the straps can be absorbed by at least the upper support surface at the front and / or rear and guided to at least one lower support surface also arranged at the front and / or rear of the spacer. In doing so, the spacer is preferably loaded mainly by pressure and not by bending. The concave profile of the spacer therefore allows an optimized distribution of the forces resulting from tensioning the straps.

[0027] In some embodiments, the concave profile has an arc shape.

[0028] In some embodiments, the concave profile has an arc shape with a radius of curvature of 5-50 mm, preferably 10-25 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises at least one chamfer adjacent to a concave profile or at least one convex profile.

[0030] At least one chamfer or at least one convex profile adjacent to the concave profile may act as a lower support surface against which the spacer may abut against one or more articles. A spacer comprising a central concave profile along the longitudinal axis of the spacer and two chamfers or convex profiles adjacent to the concave profile may provide the advantage that the distribution of forces is optimized when the spacer abuts against one or more articles. In particular, the forces may be well guided in the direction of the front and / or rear legs of the spacer due to the at least one chamfer or at least one convex profile adjacent to the concave profile.

[0031] In some embodiments, the joint device comprises a clamp configured to clamp a portion of the strap between the clamp and the spacer.

[0032] In some embodiments, a portion of the strap adjacent to the upper one of the two overlapping portions of the strap can be clamped while the two overlapping portions of the strap are joined. In some embodiments, a portion of the strap adjacent to the lower one of the two overlapping portions of the strap can be clamped while the strap is tensioned. In some embodiments, the clamp is arranged to clamp a portion of the strap between the clamp and one of the at least one upper support surface of the spacer. Furthermore, the clamp provides the advantage that the size of the base body can be reduced compared to a strapping device in which the strap is clamped between the clamp and the base body. The clamp may be particularly suitable for applications in which high tension is used.

[0033] In some embodiments, the joint device comprises a clamp configured to clamp a portion of the strap between the clamp and a front leg or a rear leg of the spacer, In some embodiments, the leg comprising the surface on which the portion of the strap is clamped by the clamp may have a larger transverse diameter than the other leg.

[0034] In some embodiments, the base body exhibits a tolerance relative to the spacer along the strap longitudinal axis.

[0035] The tolerance may allow the spacer to be more easily attached and / or released from the base body. The tolerance may be used to receive a portion of a strap between the spacer and the base body. In some embodiments, receiving a portion of a strap between the spacer and the base body may be used for a snap-fit ​​connection between the spacer and the base body due to the elasticity of the strap.

[0036] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises front and rear legs connected by a lower bar, the front legs, rear legs and lower bar arranged to form a trough for receiving the base body.

[0037] Thus, the spacer may present a C-shape. The front legs may comprise a first upper support surface for the strap and the rear legs may comprise a second upper support surface for the strap. The front legs and / or the lower bar may each further comprise a lower surface serving as a first lower support surface for the one or more articles. The rear legs and / or the lower bar may each further comprise a lower surface serving as a second lower support surface for the one or more articles. The lower bar may comprise a concave profile on a surface facing outwardly from the joint jaw. The lower surfaces of the front legs and / or the rear legs and / or the lower bar may each comprise a chamfer or a convex profile.

[0038] In some embodiments, the interface base comprises a gap between the base body and the spacer configured to receive a portion of the strap such that a portion of the strap is positionable about at least a portion of the base body.

[0039] Disposing a portion of the strap around at least a portion of the base body provides the advantage that the lower portion of the overlapping portion of the strap can be held while tensioning the strap, in particular, the lower portion of the overlapping portion of the strap may be held without the need for an additional clamp to hold the lower portion of the overlapping portion.

[0040] For example, in the case of a C-shaped spacer, a portion of the strap may be disposed between the lower bar and the base body, and between the front leg and the base body. By disposing the strap in this manner, the base body may be pressed against the rear leg by the elasticity of the strap so that the spacer can be connected with the base body in a snap-fit ​​manner. Thus, a gap may be arranged between the front leg and the base body, and between the lower bar and the base body when the spacer is connected to the base body.

[0041] In some embodiments, the base body includes teeth configured to frictionally engage a portion of a strap disposed around at least a portion of the base body or a portion of the spacer. The teeth may be arranged at a front portion of the base body facing the front leg of the spacer, and / or at a lower portion of the base body facing the lower bar of the spacer, and / or at an upper portion of the base body facing the mating jaw or upper bar of the spacer. The teeth or toothed surface may be any structure that increases friction between the base body and the strap or between the base body and the spacer.

[0042] In some embodiments, the spacer includes a shoulder and a gap between the base body and the spacer is shaped to receive a portion of the strap such that the base body engages the shoulder due to the resiliency of the portion of the strap.

[0043] In particular, the base body may be pressed against the shoulder by the elasticity of a portion of the strap.

[0044] In some embodiments, the front and / or rear legs include an undercut.

[0045] The undercut may be used to connect the spacer to the base body, for example, the undercut may be used to connect the spacer to the base body by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0046] In some embodiments, the front and / or rear legs include protrusions that can be engaged with recesses in the base body, or the front and / or rear legs include recesses that can be engaged with protrusions in the base body.

[0047] The protrusions and / or recesses of the spacer and / or the base body may be used to connect the spacer with the base body.

[0048] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises front and rear legs connected by an upper bar, the front legs, rear legs and upper bar arranged to form a laterally open arch for receiving the base body.

[0049] Thus, the spacer may be disposed on the base body such that the upper bar is arranged between the base body and the mating jaw. To release the spacer from the base body, the base body may be moved downwardly relative to the spacer and laterally removed. The upper bar may include an upper surface that serves as an upper support surface for the strap. The front and rear legs may include lower surfaces that serve as lower support surfaces for one or more articles.

[0050] In some embodiments, the front and rear legs are further connected by a lower bar, and the front legs, rear legs, lower bar and upper bar are arranged to form a laterally open hollow for receiving the base body.

[0051] The lower bar provides the advantage that it can improve the stability of the spacer. The lower bar may comprise a lower support surface for the strap. Furthermore, the lower bar may comprise a concave profile on the lower surface facing away from the mating jaw.

[0052] In some embodiments, the upper bar includes an interface surface facing the interface jaw, and the interface device is configured to interface a portion of the strap to the interface surface of the upper bar.

[0053] In the case of a bundling device with a welder as the joining device, the joining surface of the upper bar may be the welding surface. By joining a portion of the strap, preferably the lower portion of the two overlapping portions of the strap to be joined, the strap can be held while tensioning the strap. Thus, a separate clamp may not be required to hold the portion of the strap adjacent to the lower overlapping portion of the strap while tensioning. Joining a portion of the strap with the joining surface of the upper bar provides the further advantage of improved stability of the joined strap and one or more packaged items. For example, joining a spacer to the strap can prevent the spacer from slipping through sideways.

[0054] In some embodiments, the strapping device includes a cutter for shearing the strap, the cutter including a blade movable relative to the mating jaws between an advanced operative position and a retracted, inoperative position.

[0055] By providing a blade that is movable relative to the splicing jaws, the cutter can be selectively activated or deactivated. Typically, the strap is sheared by the blade at a location adjacent to where the overlapping strap portions are to be joined. Thus, reciprocating movement of the splicing jaws and appropriate location of the blade in contact with the strap while the overlapping strap portions are being joined may be used to effect shearing of the strap.

[0056] Selectively deactivating the cutter by retracting the blade relative to the mating jaws provides the advantage that a portion of the strap may be joined to the mating surface of the upper bar of the spacer without the strap being sheared off at the proximal position. Preferably, the blade may be movable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the mating base or surface.

[0057] After joining a portion of the strap to the joining surface of the upper bar, the loop may continue to be formed around the article to be strapped. After completion of the loop, the cutter may be actuated by advancing the blade relative to the joining jaws to an actuated position such that the strap may be sheared while the overlapping portions of the strap may be joined. In some applications, it may be preferred to retract the blade relative to the joining jaws to join the overlapping portions of the strap without the strap being sheared in the proximal position.

[0058] Thus, the blade may be moved from a forward operating position where the blade may contact the strap to be sheared, to a retracted non-operating position where the distance to the joining jaws is greater and the blade cannot contact the strap even when the strap is undergoing a joining process by the joining jaws.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cutter is movable simultaneously with the splice jaws relative to the splice base between a forward splice position and a retracted strap receiving position.

[0060] In particular, the cutter may be fixedly connected to the mating jaws to allow the cutter to be lowered and raised simultaneously with the mating jaws. The cutter may be movable simultaneously with the mating jaws as a whole, although the blade may be movable relative to the mating jaws, as discussed above.

[0061] In the joining position of the joining jaws, overlapping portions of the straps may be joined to one another or a portion of the straps may be joined to the joining surface of the spacer. If shearing of the straps during joining is desired, the cutter blade may be advanced to an active position. If shearing of the straps during joining is to be avoided, for example when a portion of the straps is joined to the joining surface of the spacer, the cutter blade may be retracted to a non-active position. In the retracted strap receiving position of the joining jaws, the straps may be received or introduced, respectively, between the joining jaws and the joining base.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cutter comprises a follower fixedly arranged relative to the blade and an actuating element having a cam, the actuating element configured to engage the cam with the follower to move the blade relative to the mating jaws between an advanced operative position and a retracted non-operative position.

[0063] The actuating element thus provides the advantage of an operating device in that the fixed alignment of the follower relative to the blade allows the blade to be moved relative to the mating jaws by a cam engaging the follower of the cutter, which may be a linear or rotating cam as further described below.

[0064] In some embodiments, the actuating element is biased against the cam spring such that the cam is movable against the biasing force of the cam spring in a direction to raise or lower the blade relative to the mating jaw.

[0065] The cam spring offers the advantage that active actuation of the actuating element and the cam respectively may only be required in one direction. For example, the actuating element may be actively actuated against the cam spring in a direction in which the blade may be raised relative to the mating jaw. To lower the blade, the actuating element may be passively actuated in the opposite direction utilizing the biasing force of the cam spring. Alternatively, the cam spring may be configured such that active actuation of the actuating element and the cam respectively is only required in a direction to lower the blade, and raising the blade is achieved passively using the biasing force of the cam spring.

[0066] In some embodiments, the follower is biased against the follower spring such that the follower is movable against the bias of the follower spring in a direction to raise or lower the blade relative to the mating jaw.

[0067] Similar to cam springs, follower springs offer the advantage that active actuation of the follower may only be required in one direction. For example, the follower may be actively actuated against the follower spring in a direction in which the blade may be raised relative to the mating jaw. To lower the blade, the follower may be passively actuated in the opposite direction utilizing the biasing force of the follower spring. Alternatively, the follower spring may be configured such that active actuation of the follower is only required in a direction to lower the blade, and raising the blade is accomplished passively using the biasing force of the follower spring.

[0068] The strapping device may include both a cam spring and a driven spring that effectively bias the blade movement in the same direction. Alternatively, the strapping device may include only a cam spring or only a driven spring.

[0069] In some embodiments, the strapping device comprises a catch configured to lock the actuating element in the raised or lowered position of the blade by engaging with the actuating element, preferably with a recess in the actuating element.

[0070] The catch can be used to lock the blade in a raised or lowered position. The catch may be released from engagement with the actuation element by a manual or driven handle, or a release element of the tensioning unit of the strapping device. The catch may present a profile configured to engage with an opposing profile of the actuation element.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cam is a rotating cam having a non-circular and / or eccentric cam profile, and the actuation element is configured to rotate with the cam.

[0072] In particular, the actuating element and the rotating cam may be supported on a common rotating shaft. The cam may have a non-circular profile and / or may be eccentrically mounted on the rotating shaft. Due to the non-circular profile and / or eccentricity, the cam may raise or lower the blade by engaging a follower upon rotation of the actuating element and the cam, respectively. The actuating element may comprise a rotatable plate or disk, with a lever extending therefrom in the plane of the rotatable plate or disk.

[0073] In some embodiments, the strapping device comprises an actuation bolt, the actuation element comprises a lever, and the actuation bolt is configured to engage the lever to rotate the actuation element.

[0074] The actuation bolt may move linearly, in particular in a depressible manner, to engage a lever of the actuation element. By advancing the actuation bolt, the lever of the actuation element may be pressed, resulting in rotation of the actuation element. The actuation bolt may be driven or moved manually.

[0075] In some embodiments, the actuation bolt may trigger the splicing operation while engaged with the lever to rotate the actuation element. In particular, the actuation bolt may trigger the lowering of the splicing jaw while engaged with the lever. For example, the actuation bolt may activate an end switch to trigger the splicing operation while engaged with the lever. The actuation bolt may trigger the splicing operation such that the blade is in a retracted, non-actuated position when the lever is engaged.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cam is a linear cam having a ramp facing the follower, and the actuation element is configured to move the cam linearly, preferably horizontally.

[0077] In particular, the actuating element and the linear cam may move transversely to the strap longitudinal axis. The ramp may engage with a follower to raise or lower the blade relative to the mating jaw upon linear movement of the linear cam. The actuating element may comprise a bar that may be linearly movable. The linear cam may be arranged at an end of the bar. The bar may comprise a recess or a counter profile configured to engage with a catch or a profile of the catch for locking the actuating element.

[0078] In some embodiments, the strapping device comprises a stop element having one or more stop surfaces, and the actuation element comprises a stop pin configured to engage the one or more stop surfaces to maintain the blade in the forward actuated position and / or the retracted non-actuated position.

[0079] In particular, the stop element may be spatially fixed relative to the strapping device and not move with either the joining jaw or the cutter. The stop element thus provides the advantage that the actuating element may engage with the stop element and lock the blade in an actuated or inoperative position depending on the position of the joining jaw between the joining position and the strap receiving position or in the joining position or in the strap receiving position. The stop pin may engage with the one or more stop surfaces by abutting against the one or more stop surfaces. One or more of the one or more stop surfaces may be part of a convex portion and / or a concave portion.

[0080] In some embodiments, the base body includes one or more lateral shoulders, the one or more shoulders configured to laterally position the upper bar.

[0081] The one or more lateral shoulders provide the advantage of improving positioning of the spacer, particularly during joining of the straps under tension.

[0082] In some embodiments, the upper bar includes one or more recesses engageable with one or more lateral shoulders of the base body.

[0083] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a slot configured to receive and fasten an end of the strap.

[0084] The ends of the straps may be folded over and inserted into the slots so that the straps may be clamped within the slots while tensioning the straps. The ends fastened to the slots are preferably adjacent the underside of the overlapping portions of the straps.

[0085] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a wedge insertable into the slot to fasten the ends of the straps with a press-fit connection.

[0086] The end may be folded around the wedge and inserted into the slot along with the wedge. Tension on the strap may clamp the end and wedge within the slot.

[0087] In some embodiments, the banding device comprises a plurality of spacers according to the present disclosure.

[0088] The use of multiple spacers provides the advantage of improved conformance to one or more articles to be bundled, in some embodiments, each of the multiple spacers may comprise a different shape to better conform to one or more articles to be bundled.

[0089] In particular, the bundling device may comprise two, three or four spacers.

[0090] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of operating a strapping device for strapping one or more articles as described herein, the method comprising: placing a strap around one or more items; connecting the spacer to the base body; fastening the ends of the straps to the spacer; Tensioning a strap around the one or more articles and the spacer; joining two overlapping portions of the strap positioned between the joining jaw and the joining base; shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap; separating the strapping device from the one or more articles and the tensioned strap around the spacer by releasing the spacer from the base body such that the spacer remains between the one or more articles and the tensioned strap; Includes.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps in the above method may be reordered. For example, the step of placing the straps around one or more articles may be performed after fastening the ends of the straps to the spacer. Fastening the ends of the straps to the spacer may include, among other things, placing the ends around a base plate connected to the spacer or joining the ends of the straps to the spacer.

[0092] In some embodiments of the method, multiple spacers are used to bundle one or more articles. The multiple spacers may be positioned at different locations along a strap to be placed or oriented around one or more articles. Thus, in addition to fastening an end of the strap to a first spacer, one or more additional spacers may be fastened at different locations along the strap.

[0093] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a spacer for a binding device according to the present disclosure, comprising at least one lower support surface for one or more articles and at least one upper support surface for a strap, the spacer being configured to be releasably connectable to a base body and to be releasable from the base body when two overlapping portions of the strap are joined. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0094] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to schematic drawings. [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art strapping device during strapping of articles. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows the article after removal of the fastening device of FIG. 1a. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a strapping device while strapping an article together with a spacer. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows the article after removal of the strapping device of FIG. 2a. [Figure 3a]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a spacer arranged between two items. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of spacers arranged on top of an article. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial view of an embodiment of a bundling device. [Figure 5a] FIG. 13 is a partial view of an embodiment of a strapping device before connecting a spacer to a base body. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows the bundling device of FIG. 5a after the spacer has been connected to the base body. [Figure 6a] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spacer. [Figure 6b] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spacer. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial view of an embodiment of a bundling device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial view of an embodiment of a bundling device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial view of an embodiment of a bundling device. [Figure 10a] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the strapping device with the cutter blade in a forward operating position. [Figure 10b] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the strapping device with the cutter blade in a retracted, inoperative position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10c is a partial view of the cutter of FIGS. 10a and 10b. [Figure 12a] 12 is a vertical cutaway view of the cutter taken along line AA shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 12b] 12 is a vertical cutaway view of the cutter taken along line AA shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows the strapping device with the splice jaws moved to a forward splice position relative to the splice base. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a cutter having a linear cam. [Figure 16a] FIG. 16 shows the cutter of FIG. 15 with the actuating element and the cutter in position. [Figure 16b] 16 shows the cutter of FIG. 15 with the actuating element and the cutter in another position. [Figure 16c] FIG. 16 shows the cutter of FIG. 15 with the actuating element and cutter in yet another position. [Figure 16d] FIG. 16 shows the cutter of FIG. 15 with the actuating element and cutter in yet another position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0095] In the several embodiments in the description of the drawings, the same reference numbers may be used for corresponding parts of the embodiments.

[0096] FIG. 1a shows a diagram of a prior art strapping device 1 during strapping of an article 20. The article 20 may also represent a plurality of articles. The strapping device 1 comprises a joining jaw 1.1 and a joining base 1.2 arranged to receive the strap 10 therebetween. The strapping device 1 further comprises a tensioning device 1.3 having a tensioning wheel. The strap 10 is shown positioned around the article 20 to form a loop. Two overlapping portions of the strap 10 are arranged between the joining jaw 1.1 and the joining base 1.2 at a position P. The portion 10.1 of the strap 10 adjacent to the lower one of the two overlapping portions of the strap 10 and the lower one of the two overlapping portions of the strap 10 are therefore referred to as the lower strap. The portion 10.2 of the strap 10 adjacent to the upper one of the two overlapping portions of the strap 10 and the upper one of the two overlapping portions of the strap 10 are therefore referred to as the upper strap. The base body 1.2 as a whole is fixedly attached to the strapping device 1. The terms "lower" and "upper" are to be understood with respect to the strapping device and straps in their typical operating positions. Thus, typically, "upper" should be understood as facing the strapping device and "lower" as facing the article or articles to be strapped.

[0097] Fig. 1b shows the article 20 with the strap 10 after removal of the strapping device of Fig. 1a. When the base body arranged between the overlapping portions of the strap 10 and the article 20 during joining of the overlapping strap portions is removed, a gap V is formed between the overlapping portions of the strap at position P and the article 20. Due to the tension of the strap 10, the gap V collapses after removal of the base body, i.e., the overlapping portions of the strap 10 move towards the article 20 as indicated by the vertical arrow. This reduces the tension of the strap 10 and makes the strap less reliable.

[0098] Figure 2a shows a diagram of one embodiment of a strapping device 2 during strapping of an article 20. The article 20 may also represent multiple articles, such as multiple pipes. The article 20 in Figure 2a is indicated with the same number as in Figure 1a, but it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the article is merely symbolized in the figure and may in fact be a different article. This may also apply to the other figures of the present disclosure.

[0099] The strapping device 2 comprises a joining device with a joining jaw 2.1 and a joining base 2.2. In the illustrated example, the joining device is a friction welder, the joining jaw 2.1 is a welding jaw and the joining base 2.2 is a welding base. The joining base 2.2 comprises a base body 2.21 in the form of a base plate and a spacer 2.22 releasably connected to the base body 2.21 in a form-fitting manner by a dovetail connection. The base body 2.21 and the spacer 2.22 are releasable from each other in a direction transverse to the strap longitudinal axis, i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The spacer 2.22 presents a C-shape forming a trough for receiving the base body 2.21. The spacer 2.22 is made of plastic and is arranged between the two overlapping parts of the strap 10 and the article 20. The two overlapping parts of the strap 10 can be received between the joining jaw 2.1 and the base body 2.21 and joined by friction welding. The lower strap is placed partially around the spacer 2.22.

[0100] FIG. 2b shows the article 20 and the strap 10 after the strapping device of FIG. 2a is removed. Due to the spacer 2.22 being releasable from the base body, the spacer 2.22 remains between the strap 10, in particular the overlapping portion of the strap 10, and the article 20 after the strapping device is removed. Compared to the situation in FIG. 1b, there is no gap between the overlapping portion of the strap 10 and the article 20, since the spacer 2.22 holds the overlapping portion of the strap 10 at position P and thus maintains the tension of the strap 10. Thus, the spacer 2.22 can create a space for the parts of the strapping device, such as the joining base and the base body, that are arranged between the article 20 and the strap 10 during strapping. Moreover, the spacer can prevent said space from collapsing after the strapping device is removed, so that the tension of the strap 10 can be maintained. This can prevent the loss of tension due to the removal of the strapping device.

[0101] As can be seen in Fig. 2b, the spacer 2.22 comprises a front leg 2.221 and a rear leg 2.222 connected by a lower bar 2.223. The terms "front" and "rear" shall be understood with respect to the strap longitudinal axis. The front leg 2.221, the rear leg 2.222 and the lower bar 2.223 are arranged to form a trough T for receiving the base body. The front leg 2.221 comprises an upper surface 2.224 serving as a first upper support surface for the strap 10 and a lower surface 2.226 serving as a first lower support surface for the article 20. The rear leg 2.222 comprises an upper surface 2.225 serving as a second upper support surface for the strap 10 and a lower surface 2.227 serving as a second lower support surface for the article 20. The lower bar 2.223 comprises, on its underside facing outwards from the trough T, a concave profile 2.228 in the shape of a circular arc. The arrangement of the first and second lower bearing surfaces 2.226, 2.227 and the concave profile 2.228 allows the spacer 2.22 to be loaded mainly by pressure and not by bending, and the forces resulting from the tension of the strap 10 and absorbed by the first and second upper bearing surfaces 2.224, 2.225 can be guided to the first and second lower bearing surfaces 2.226, 2.227, so as to allow an optimized force distribution as symbolized by the double arrow. The lower strap 10.1 is partially arranged around the spacer 2.22. The upper strap 10.2 is arranged above the lower strap 10.1 at the position P where the upper strap 10.2 and the lower strap 10.1 are joined.

[0102] Fig. 3a shows a diagram of one embodiment of a spacer 3.22 arranged between two articles 20.1 and 20.2. In the example shown, the articles 20.1 and 20.2 are pipes. The spacer 3.22 comprises a front leg 3.221 and a rear leg 3.222 connected by a lower bar 3.223. The front leg 3.221 comprises a first upper support surface 3.224 and a first lower support surface 3.226. The rear leg 3.222 comprises a second upper support surface 3.225 and a second lower support surface 3.227. The lower bar 3.223 comprises, on its underside facing away from the trough formed by the front leg 3.221, the rear leg 3.222 and the lower bar 3.223, a concave profile 3.228 in the shape of a circular arc. The upper support surfaces 3.224 and 3.225 are bordered laterally by walls that improve the retention of the spacer 3.22 during separation of the strapping device from the tensioned strap by releasing the spacer 3.22 from the base body. The side walls may prevent the spacer 3.22 from slipping out of position between the article or articles and the tensioned strap, especially when the base body is released from the spacer 3.22 in the horizontal direction transverse to the strap longitudinal axis. The side walls may further improve the positioning of the strap at the upper support surfaces 3.224 and 3.225. Furthermore, the side walls may improve the retention of the spacer 3.22 in position during transportation of the article or articles, since lateral forces may thereby act on the spacer. The rear legs 3.222 further comprise shoulders or protrusions 3.229, respectively, that are engageable with recesses in the base body of the strapping device and that create undercuts that may be used for a snap-fit ​​connection between the spacer 3.22 and the base body of the strapping device. The first and second lower support surfaces 3.226, 3.227 present a convex profile. In some embodiments, the first and / or second lower support surfaces 3.226, 3.227 may be chamfered. The spacer 3.22 is arranged between the articles 20.1 and 20.2 when the first and second lower support surfaces 3.226 and 3.227 abut against the articles 20.1 and 20.2, respectively. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable when the radius of curvature of the concave profile 3.228 is larger than the radius of curvature of the pipes 20.1 and 20.2.

[0103] FIG. 3b shows a view of an embodiment of a spacer 3.22' arranged on the top of an article 20.1' shown as a pipe. The spacer 3.22' has essentially the same shape as the spacer 3.22 shown in FIG. 3a. However, the radius of curvature of the concave profile 3.228' of the lower bar 3.223' may differ from that of the spacer 3.22 of FIG. 3a. In the example shown, the spacer 3.22' is arranged on the top of the article 20.1'. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable when the radius of curvature of the concave profile 3.228' is smaller than the radius of curvature of the pipe 20.1'. In comparison with FIG. 3a, the radius of curvature of the concave profile 3.228' may be smaller or the radius of curvature of the article 20.1' may be larger.

[0104] FIG. 4 shows a partial view of one embodiment of the strapping device 4 in the region of the joining device 4.0. The joining device 4.0 comprises a welding jaw 4.1 and a welding base 4.2. The welding base 4.2 comprises a base plate 4.21 and a spacer 4.22 having a shape similar to the spacer 3.22 shown in FIG. 3a. The spacer 4.22 comprises a hole in the front leg 4.221 into which the pin 4.5 engages to connect the spacer to the base plate 4.21. The joining device 4.0 further comprises a clamp 4.4 configured to clamp the upper strap portion 10.2 between the clamp 4.4 and a first upper support surface 4.224 during welding of the overlapping portions of the lower strap 10.1 and the upper strap 10.2 between the welding jaw 4.1 and the base plate 4.21. The clamp 4.4 may be optionally used to improve the retention of the upper strap portion 10.2 during joining of the overlapping strap portions, especially in applications where high tensions are used. The base plate 4.21 exhibits tolerances with respect to the spacer 4.22, particularly along the strap longitudinal axis. The welded base 4.2 provides a gap between the base plate 4.21 and the spacer 4.22 into which the end of the lower strap 10.1 is inserted, such that the end of the lower strap 10.1 is positioned around a portion of the base plate 4.21 and along the top, front and bottom surfaces of the base plate 4.21. By positioning the end of the lower strap 10.1 partially around the base plate 4.21, the strap 10 can be held while it is tensioned. The base plate 4.21 provides teeth 4.211 at the front of the base plate 4.21, which may frictionally engage the portion of the lower strap 10.1 that abuts the front of the base plate 4.21 when the strap 10 is tensioned, thereby improving the retention of the strap 10 during tensioning. The base plate 4.21 further comprises a recess 4.212 which may engage with a shoulder 4.229 of the spacer 4.22. In some embodiments without the pin 4.5, the recess 4.212 may engage with the shoulder 4.229 due to the resilience of a portion of the strap 10 received in the gap between the base plate 4.21 and the spacer 4.22.

[0105] Such an engagement between the base plate and the spacer is shown in figures 5a and 5b. Figure 5a is a partial view of an embodiment of the binding device 5 before the spacer 5.22 is connected to the base plate 5.21. The recess 5.212 of the base plate 5.21 is not engaged with the shoulder 5.229 of the spacer 5.22. The recess 5.212 and the shoulder 5.229 are provided with corresponding lateral chamfers in the lateral direction which prevent the release of the engagement between the recess 5.212 and the shoulder 5.229 in a certain lateral direction. In the illustrated example, the recess 5.212 is provided with a lateral chamfer which closes in the direction towards the plane of the drawing, such that the spacer 5.22 is laterally released from the base plate 5.21 in the direction away from the plane of the drawing or the base plate 5.21 is laterally released from the spacer 5.22 in the direction towards the plane of the drawing, respectively.

[0106] Figure 5b shows the binding device 5 of figure 5a after the spacer 5.22 has been connected to the base plate 5.21. The recess 5.212 of the base plate 5.21 engages with the shoulder 5.229, at least in part using the elasticity of the end 10.11 of the lower strap 10.1 which is partially positioned around the base plate 5.21.

[0107] Fig. 6a shows a view of an embodiment of a spacer 6.22 with a slot 6.2210 configured to receive and fasten the end 10.11 of the lower strap 10.1. A wedge 6.211 is inserted into the slot 6.2210 of the spacer 6.22, with the end 10.11 of the lower strap 10.1 arranged around the wedge 6.2211. By tensioning the strap 10, the end 10.11 is fastened by the wedge 6.211 clamped in the slot 6.2210 with a press fit. The base plate 6.21 is dimensioned to leave a sufficient gap between the front of the base plate and the front leg 6.221 of the spacer 6.22, so that the lower strap 10.1 can be guided from the wedge 6.2211 over the base plate 6.21 to the rear leg 6.222 of the spacer 6.22. The lower strap 10.1 may further hold the base plate 6.21 in the rear area of ​​the trough of the spacer 6.22 while joining the strap 10 in tension.

[0108] FIG. 6b shows a view of an embodiment of a spacer 6.22' with a slot 6.2210' configured to receive and fasten the end 10.11 of the lower strap 10.1. The end 10.11 is folded back and inserted into the slot 6.2210' without a wedge. The end 10.11 of the strap is clamped in the slot 6.2210' while tensioning the strap 10. Similar to FIG. 6a, the base body 6.21' is dimensioned to leave enough room for the strap portion to extend in the trough of the spacer 6.22'. Furthermore, the lower strap 10.1 may hold the base body 6.21' in the rear region of the trough of the spacer 6.22' while tensioning and joining the strap 10.

[0109] FIG. 7 shows a partial view of one embodiment of the strapping device 7. The spacer 7.22 comprises front legs 7.221 and rear legs 7.222 connected by a lower bar 7.223 and an upper bar 7.2212. The front legs 7.221, rear legs 7.222, lower bar 7.223 and upper bar 7.2212 are arranged to form a laterally open hollow H for receiving the base plate 7.21. The base plate 7.21 comprises a lateral shoulder 7.213. The upper bar 7.2212 is receivable between the shoulder 7.213 and a vertical side wall portion of the splicing device (hidden behind the spacer 7.22 in FIG. 7) such that the shoulder 7.213 serves as a lateral positioner for the upper bar 7.2212. The shoulder 7.213 engages in a recess 7.2213 formed in the upper bar 7.2212. The spacer 7.22 is thus suspended on the base plate 7.21. To remove the base plate 7.21 after joining the straps to form the loops, the base plate 7.21 may be moved downwards relative to the spacer 7.22 such that the shoulder 7.213 disengages with the upper bar 7.2212 and the recess 7.2213 and is subsequently laterally removed from the hollow H. In some embodiments, the base plate may comprise two lateral shoulders between which the upper bar of the spacer can be received. The upper bar of the spacer may thus comprise, in some embodiments, two recesses engageable with the lateral shoulders. The binding device 7 further comprises two locating pins 7.6 which engage with the recesses 7.2214 of the spacer 7.22. In some embodiments, the locating pins may not engage with the recesses of the spacer. In some embodiments, the locating pins may be arranged at a distance relative to the spacer. The locating pins 7.6 serve as guide elements for the straps, which can be guided to lie between them and on the upper surface 7.2215 of the upper bar 7.2212. The locating pins 7.6 may further contribute to the lateral positioning of the spacer 7.22. The upper surface 7.2215 may serve as a joining surface, in particular a welding surface, to which a portion of the straps can be joined, in particular welded, onto said surface 7.2215. The locating pins 7.6 can be retracted upwards, i.e. away from the spacer 7.22.

[0110] Figure 8 shows a partial view of an embodiment of the binding device 8. The spacer 8.22 has a shape corresponding to the spacer 7.22 shown in figure 7. However, instead of a lateral shoulder, the base plate 8.21 is provided with teeth or a toothed surface 8.214 arranged to engage with the underside of the upper bar 8.2212 of the spacer 8.22. Due to the downward force exerted by the mating jaws, the upper bar 8.2212 is pressed against the teeth 8.214 so as to fix the spacer 8.22 and in particular to prevent lateral movement of the spacer 8.22.

[0111] FIG. 9 shows a partial view of one embodiment of the strapping device 9. The spacer 9.22 comprises front legs 9.221 and rear legs 9.222 connected by an upper bar 9.2212. The front legs 9.221, rear legs 9.222 and upper bar 9.2212 are arranged to form a laterally open arch for receiving the base plate 9.21. The base plate 9.21 comprises a lateral shoulder 9.213 for positioning the spacer 9.22. The lateral shoulder 9.213 engages in a recess 9.2213 formed in the upper bar 9.2212. The spacer 9.22 is further positioned by a locating pin 9.6, which also serves to guide the strap. The locating pin 9.6 is retractable away from the spacer 9.22. The upper bar 9.2212 is provided on its upper surface with a joining surface 9.2215 to which a portion of the strap may be joined, in particular welded, onto said surface 9.2215. The front and rear legs 9.221 and 9.222 project vertically beyond the base plate 9.21, thereby providing a first 9.226 and a second 9.227 lower support surface for one or more articles. Furthermore, as the front and rear legs 9.221 and 9.222 project vertically beyond the base plate 9.21, the base plate 9.21 may be moved downwards relative to the spacer 9.22 in order to release the spacer 9.22 from the base plate 9.21 after joining the strap under tension.

[0112] Figures 10a and 10b show partial views of one embodiment of the strapping device 1. The strapping device 1 comprises a cutter 1.4 for shearing the strap with a blade 1.41 movable with respect to the splicing jaw 1.1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the splicing base 1.2. The splicing base 1.2 comprises a base plate and a spacer corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figure 7. The cutter 1.4 is arranged in a rear position next to the splicing jaw 1.1 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strap introduced between the splicing jaw 1.1 and the splicing base 1.2 (not shown in Figures 10a and 10b). The cutter 1.4 may thus shear the strap at a position next to the position where the overlapping strap portions are spliced.

[0113] FIG. 10a shows the blade 1.41 of the cutter 1.4 in the forward operating position, and FIG. 10b shows the blade 1.41 in the retracted inoperative position. In both cases, the cutter 1.4 is shown in the retracted strap receiving position. The cutter 1.4 may be lowered together with the joining jaw 1.1 towards the joining base 1.2 to the forward joining position. In the forward joining position of the joining jaw 1.1, the cutter 1.4 may shear the strap while joining the overlapping strap portions, if the blade 1.41 is in the forward operating position. As shown in FIG. 10b, if the blade 1.41 is in the retracted inoperative position, the cutter 1.4 may be lowered together with the joining jaw 1.1 to the forward joining position without the strap being sheared during the joining action of the joining jaw 1.1.

[0114] The cutter 1.4 is fixedly connected to the connecting jaw 1.1 via a connecting block 1.11 so that the entire cutter 1.4 may be movable together with the connecting jaw 1.1. However, the blade 1.41 may be movable relative to the connecting jaw 1.1 by means of a rotating actuating element 1.42. The actuating element 1.42 comprises a disk with a lever 1.421 extending from the disk in the plane of the disk. A linearly movable actuating bolt 1.43 is engageable with the lever 1.421 to rotate the actuating element 1.42. In Fig. 10b, the actuating bolt 1.43 is advanced compared to the configuration of Fig. 10a and pushes the lever 1.421 so that the actuating element 1.42 rotates, thereby retracting the blade 1.41 to the retracted inoperative position.

[0115] As can be seen in Fig. 10b, the actuating element 1.42 is locked in the raised position of the blade 1.41 by a catch 1.47 which engages with an opposing profile of the actuating element 1.42 in the form of a recess 1.422. The catch 1.47 may be disengaged from the recess 1.422 using, for example, a manual or driven handle (not shown in Fig. 10b) of the tensioning unit of the strapping device 1 to allow the actuating element 1.42 to rotate back to the position shown in Fig. 10a and allow the blade 1.41 to advance to the actuated position.

[0116] FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the cutter 1.4 of FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b mounted on a connecting block 1.11. The cutter 1.4 is connected to the connecting jaw via the connecting block 1.11 and is thereby movable together with the connecting jaw. The blade 1.41 is arranged slidably relative to the connecting block 1.11. The cutter 1.4 is fixedly arranged relative to the blade 1.41 and comprises a follower 1.45 biased against a follower spring 1.44. The follower 1.45 is movable against the biasing force of the follower spring 1.44 in a direction to raise the blade 1.41 relative to the connecting block 1.11 and thus relative to the connecting jaw. As mentioned above, the actuating element 1.42 may be rotated by pressing and releasing the lever 1.421 by means of the actuating bolt 1.43.

[0117] Figures 12a and 12b show vertical cutaway views of the cutter 1.4 along the line AA shown in Figure 11. The cutter 1.4 comprises a rotating cam 1.46 with a non-circular profile 1.461. The cam 1.46 is supported on a common rotating shaft as an actuating element and is configured to be rotatable by the actuating element. The non-circular profile allows the cam 1.46 to raise or lower the blade 1.41 by engaging with the follower 1.45 by rotation of the cam 1.46.

[0118] In Fig. 12a, the blade 1.41 is in a forward operating position relative to the mating jaw and the connecting block 1.11. In Fig. 12b, the actuating element rotates the cam 1.46 such that the cam 1.46 pushes the follower 1.45 with the non-circular profile 1.461 against the biasing force of the follower spring 1.44. The follower spring 1.44 is therefore compressed compared to the configuration shown in Fig. 12a.

[0119] By raising the follower 1.45, the blade 1.41 is raised relative to the interface jaws and the connecting block 1.11 and thus moves from the forward operative position of Fig. 12a to the retracted inoperative position of Fig. 12b. By rotating the cam 1.46 back, the follower 1.45 can be lowered by the biasing force of the follower spring 1.44 and the blade 1.41 can be moved from the retracted inoperative position of Fig. 12b to the forward operative position of Fig. 12a.

[0120] 13 shows a semi-transparent perspective view of the cutter 1.4 with the rotating element 1.42 locked by the catch 1.47 in the retracted, inoperative position of the blade 1.41. The actuating element 1.42 is biased against the cam spring 1.462 such that the cam is movable against the biasing force of the cam spring 1.462 in a direction to raise the blade 1.41 against the mating jaws.

[0121] FIG. 14 shows the strapping device 1 with the splicing jaw 1.1 moving to the forward splicing position relative to the splicing base 1.2. The cutter 1.4 is also moving together with the splicing jaw 1.1 towards the splicing base 1.2 as a whole due to its fixed connection to the splicing jaw 1.1 via the connection block 1.11. The blade 1.41 is in the forward operating position and can therefore shear the strap while the overlapping part of the strap is being spliced ​​between the splicing jaw 1.1 and the splicing base 1.2. By retracting the blade 1.41 by pressing the actuating bolt 1.43 and rotating the actuating element 1.42, the splicing operation of the strap between the splicing jaw 1.1 and the splicing base 1.2 can be performed without shearing the strap next to the splicing jaw 1.1.

[0122] The lever 1.421 of the actuating element 1.42 has a sufficient length to be able to engage with the actuating bolt 1.43 also in the forward joining position of the joining jaw 1.1, in which the cutter 1.4 is generally lowered towards the joining base 1.2. The lever 1.421 is thus configured to be able to engage with the actuating bolt 1.43 both in the forward joining position of the joining jaw 1.1 and in the retracted strap receiving position of the joining jaw 1.1.

[0123] FIG. 15 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a cutter 1.4' with a linear cam 1.46'. The linear cam 1.46' comprises an inclined portion 1.461' facing the follower 1.45'. The inclined portion 1.461' may engage with the follower 1.45' and push the follower 1.45' against the biasing force of the follower spring 1.44', thereby lifting the blade 1.41' against the mating jaws upon linear movement of the cam 1.46'. The actuating element 1.42' has a bar-like shape and the cam 1.46' is arranged at the end of the bar. The actuating element 1.42' and the cam 1.46' are each linearly movable in a direction transverse to the strap longitudinal axis or parallel to the cutting edge of the blade 1.41'.

[0124] The actuating element 1.42' is provided with a recess 1.42' into which a catch 1.47' can engage to lock the actuating element 1.422' in a position where the blade 1.41' is in the forward operative position. Arranged next to the actuating element 1.42' is a stop element 1.5' having a stop surface with which a stop pin 1.463' of the actuating element 1.42' can engage to selectively maintain the blade 1.41' in the forward operative position or in the retracted inoperative position.

[0125] Figures 16a and 16b show the cutter 1.4' with the blade 1.41' in the forward operating position (Figure 16a) and in the retracted non-operating position (Figure 16b). In Figure 16a, the catch 1.47' engages the recess 1.422' of the actuating element 1.42' so that the blade 1.41' is locked in the forward operating position. The stop element 1.5' comprises a first stop surface 1.51' and a second stop surface 1.52' with which the stop pin 1.463' of the cam 1.46' can engage, depending on the horizontal position of the actuating element 1.42' and the vertical position of the cutter 1.4'. The stop element 1.5' may thus be spatially fixed relative to the strapping device and may not move with either the joining jaws or the cutter 1.4'. In Figure 16b, the catch 1.47', supported against the catch spring 1.471', is disengaged from the actuating element 1.42'. The actuating element 1.42' moves in a direction parallel to the cutting edge of the blade 1.41' such that the ramp 1.461' of the cam 1.46' engages the follower 1.45' and pushes it against the biasing force of the follower spring 1.44, thereby raising the blade 1.41' to its retracted, inoperative position. The stop pin 1.463' engages with a second stop surface 1.52' of the stop element 1.5' so as to prevent further lateral movement of the actuating element 1.42' away from the blade 1.41'.

[0126] Figures 16c and 16d show the cutter 1.4' in different positions of the actuating element 1.42', which has been moved together with the joining jaws (not shown in Figures 16c and 16d) to the forward joining position. In Figure 16c, the stop pin 1.463' engages with the second stop surface 1.52' of the stop element 1.5' to form a recess for receiving the stop pin 1.463'. Due to the engagement of the stop pin 1.463' with the second stop surface 1.52', the blade 1.41' is locked in the retracted non-actuated position. Thus, the joining jaws may perform the joining operation without the strap being sheared by the blade 1.41'.

[0127] In Fig. 16d, the stop pin 1.463' engages with the first stop surface 1.51' which forms an abutment surface against which the stop pin 1.463' abuts. The engagement of the stop pin 1.463' with the first stop surface 1.51' locks the blade 1.41' in the forward operating position. Thus, the blade 1.41' may shear the strap during the joining action of the joining jaws.

Claims

1. A binding device (2, 4, 7-9) for binding one or more articles (20, 20.1-2, 20.1'-2') with straps (10, 10.1-2, 10.11), comprising a joining device (4.0) for joining two overlapping portions of said straps; The joining device is Joining jaws (2.1, 4.1), a joining base (2.2, 4.2) arranged to receive the two overlapping portions of the strap therebetween; Equipped with The joining base is A base body (2.21, 4.21 to 6.21, 6.21', 7.21 to 9.21), spacers (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22 to 6.22, 6.22', 7.22 to 9.22) releasably connectable to the base body; Equipped with The spacer is at least one lower support surface (2.226, 2.227, 3.226, 3.227, 9.226, 9.227) for the one or more articles; at least one upper support surface (2.224, 2.225, 3.224, 3.225, 4.224, 7.2215, 9.2216) for said strap; Equipped with A bundling device (2, 4, 7-9) configured such that the spacer is releasable from the base body when the two overlapping portions of the strap are joined.

2. The bundling device (2, 4, 7-9) according to claim 1, wherein the joining device (4.0) is a welding machine.

3. 2. The strapping device (2, 4, 7-9) according to claim 1, wherein the spacers (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22-6.22, 6.22', 7.22-9.22) are configured to be releasable from the base body (2.21, 4.21-6.21, 6.21', 7.21-9.21) in a horizontal direction transverse to the strap longitudinal axis.

4. 2. The bundling device (2, 4, 7-9) according to claim 1, wherein the spacers (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22-6.22, 6.22', 7.22-9.22) are releasably connectable to the base body by a form-fit and / or press-fit connection.

5. 2. The bundling device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the base body (2.21) and the spacer (2.22) are releasably connectable by a dovetail connection.

6. 2. The bundling device (2, 4, 5, 7, 8) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22-8.22) comprises a concave profile (2.228, 3.228, 3.228') formed on an underside facing away from the base body (2.21, 4.21-8.21).

7. 7. The bundling device (2, 4, 5, 7, 8) according to claim 6, wherein the concave profile (2.228, 3.228, 3.228') has an arcuate shape.

8. 7. The bundling device (2, 4, 5, 7, 8) according to claim 6, wherein the spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22, 5.22, 7.22, 8.22) comprises at least one chamfer or at least one convex profile (3.226, 3.227) adjacent to the concave profile (2.228, 3.228, 3.228').

9. 2. The bundling device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the joining device (4.0) comprises a clamp (4.4) configured to clamp a portion of the strap between the clamp and the spacer (4.22).

10. the spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22, 5.22, 6.22, 6.22') comprises front legs (2.221-4.221, 6.221) and rear legs (2.222, 3.222, 6.222) connected by a lower bar (2.223, 3.223, 3.223'), 2. The bundling device (2, 4, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the front legs, the rear legs and the lower bar are arranged to form a trough (T) for receiving the base body (2.21, 4.21, 5.21, 6.21, 6.21').

11. the front legs (2.221-4.221, 6.221) have first upper support surfaces (2.224-4.224) for the straps (10, 10.2), 11. The binding device (2, 4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein the rear leg (2.222, 3.222, 6.222) comprises a second upper support surface (2.225, 3.225) for the strap (10, 10.1).

12. 11. The bundling device (4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein the joining base (4.2) comprises a gap between the base body (4.21, 5.21) and the spacer (4.22, 5.22) configured to receive a portion of the strap (10.11) such that the portion of the strap is positionable around at least a portion of the base body.

13. 13. The bundling device (4, 5) according to claim 12, wherein the gaps are arranged between the front legs (4.221) and the base body (4.21, 5.21) and between the lower bars and the base body when the spacers (4.22, 5.22) are connected to the base body.

14. the spacer (4.22, 5.22) has a shoulder (3.229, 4.229, 5.229), 13. The bundling device (4, 5) of claim 12, wherein the gap between the base body (4.21, 5.21) and the spacer is shaped to receive the portion of the strap (10.11) such that the elasticity of the portion of the strap causes the base body to engage with the shoulder.

15. 11. The bundling device (2, 4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein the front legs (2.221, 3.221, 4.221) and / or the rear legs (2.222, 3.222) are provided with undercuts.

16. the front and / or rear legs (3.222) have protrusions (3.229-5.229) that can engage with recesses (4.212, 5.212) of the base body (4.21, 5.21), or 11. The bundling device (4, 5) according to claim 10, wherein the front legs and / or the rear legs are provided with recesses that can be engaged with protrusions of the base body.

17. the spacer (9.22) comprises a front leg (9.221) and a rear leg (9.222) connected by an upper bar (9.2212); 2. The bundling device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the front legs, the rear legs and the upper bar are arranged to form a laterally open arch for receiving the base body (9.21).

18. the front legs (7.221) and the rear legs (7.222) are connected by upper bars (7.2212, 8.2212) and lower bars (7.223), 2. The bundling device (7, 8) according to claim 1, wherein the front legs, the rear legs, the lower bar and the upper bar are arranged to form a laterally open hollow (H) for receiving the base body (7.21, 8.21).

19. 18. The bundling device of claim 17, wherein the upper bar (7.2212, 8.2212, 9.2212) has a joining surface (7.2215, 9.2215) facing the joining jaw, and the joining device is configured to join a portion of the strap to the joining surface of the upper bar.

20. a cutter (1.4, 1.4') for shearing the strap; 20. The strapping device according to claim 19, wherein the cutter comprises a blade (1.41, 1.41') movable relative to the joining jaw (1.1) between an advanced operative position and a retracted inoperative position.

21. 21. The strapping device according to claim 20, wherein the cutter (1.4, 1.4') is movable simultaneously with the splicing jaw (1.1) relative to the splicing base (1.2) between a forward splicing position and a backward strap receiving position.

22. the cutter (1.4, 1.4') comprises a follower (1.45, 1.45') fixedly arranged relative to the blade (1.41, 1.41') and an actuating element (1.42, 1.42') having a cam (1.46, 1.46'), 21. The strapping device according to claim 20, wherein the actuating element is configured to engage the cam with the follower to move the blade relative to the joining jaw (1.1) between the forward actuating position and the retracted inactuating position.

23. 23. The strapping device according to claim 22, wherein the actuating element (1.42) is biased against a cam spring (1.462) such that the cam (1.46) is movable against the biasing force of the cam spring (1.462) in a direction that raises or lowers the blade (1.41) relative to the joining jaw.

24. 23. The strapping device according to claim 22, wherein the follower (1.45, 1.45') is biased against the follower spring (1.44, 1.44') such that the follower is movable against the biasing force of the follower spring (1.44, 1.44') in a direction that raises or lowers the blade (1.41, 1.41') relative to the connecting jaw (1.1).

25. 23. The bundling device according to claim 22, comprising a catch (1.47, 1.47') configured to engage with the actuating element (1.42, 1.42') to lock the blade (1.41, 1.41') in a raised or lowered position.

26. 23. The strapping device according to claim 22, wherein the cam is a rotating cam (1.46) having a non-circular and / or eccentric cam profile (1.461), and the actuating element (1.42) is configured to rotate together with the cam.

27. It has an operating bolt (1.43), 27. The strapping device according to claim 26, wherein the actuating element (1.42) comprises a lever (1.421), the actuating bolt being configured to engage with the lever to rotate the actuating element.

28. the cam is a straight cam (1.46') with an inclined portion (1.461') facing the follower (1.45'), 23. The strapping device according to claim 22, wherein the actuation element (1.42') is configured to move the cam linearly.

29. a stop element (1.5') having one or more stop surfaces (1.51', 1.52'), 23. The bundling device of claim 22, wherein the actuating element (1.42') comprises a stop pin (1.463') configured to engage with one or more stop surfaces to maintain the blade (1.41') in the forward actuating position and / or the retracted inactuating position.

30. the base body (7.21, 9, 21) comprises one or more lateral shoulders (7.213, 9.213), 18. The bundling device (7, 9) according to claim 17, wherein the one or more shoulders (7.213, 9.213) are configured to laterally position the upper bar (7.2212, 9.2212).

31. 18. The bundling device (8) according to claim 17, wherein the base body (8.21) comprises a toothed surface (8.214) configured to engage with the underside of the upper bar (8.2212) of the spacer (8.22).

32. 2. The bundling device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer (6.22, 6.22') comprises a slot (6.2210, 6.2210') configured to receive and fasten the end (10.11) of the strap (10).

33. 33. A bundling device according to claim 32, wherein the spacer (6.22) comprises a wedge (6.2211) insertable into the slot (6.2210) for fastening the end (10.11) of the strap by a press-fit connection.

34. A method of operating a bundling device (2, 4, 7-9) according to any one of claims 1 to 33 for bundling one or more articles (20, 20.1-2, 20.1'-2'), comprising: placing a strap (10) around said one or more items; connecting the spacers (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22 to 6.22, 6.22', 7.22 to 9.22) to the base body (2.21, 4.21 to 6.21, 6.21', 7.21 to 9.21); fastening the ends (10.11) of the straps to the spacer; tensioning the strap around the one or more articles and the spacer; joining two overlapping portions of the strap positioned between the joining jaws (2.1, 4.1) and the joining base (2.2, 4.2); shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap; separating the bundling device from the one or more articles and the tensioned strap around the spacer by releasing the spacer from the base body so that the spacer remains between the one or more articles and the tensioned strap; A method comprising:

35. A spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22 to 6.22, 6.22', 7.22 to 9.22) for a bundling device (2, 4, 7 to 9) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, comprising at least one lower support surface (2.226, 2.227, 3.226, 3.227, 9.226, 9.227) for said one or more articles (20, 20.1-2, 20.1'-2'); at least one upper support surface (2.224, 2.225, 3.224, 3.225, 4.224, 7.2215, 9.2216) for said strap (10, 10.1-2); Equipped with a spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22-6.22, 6.22', 7.22-9.22) configured to be releasably connectable to the base body (2.21, 4.21-6.21, 6.21', 7.21-9.21) and to be releasable from the base body when the two overlapping portions of the strap are joined;

36. A spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22 to 6.22, 6.22', 7.22 to 9.22) according to claim 35, wherein the spacer is made from plastic.

37. A spacer (2.22, 3.22, 3.22', 4.22-8.22) according to claim 35, comprising a concave profile (2.228, 3.228, 3.228') formed on an underside facing outward from the base body (2.21, 4.21-8.21).

38. It comprises front legs (7.221) and rear legs (7.222) connected by a lower bar (7.223) and an upper bar (7.2212, 8.2212), A spacer (7.22, 8.22) according to claim 35, wherein the front legs, the rear legs, the lower bar and the upper bar are arranged to form a laterally open hollow (H) for receiving the base body (7.21, 8.21).

Images