A method of binding one or more items together with a strap

Abstract

A method of binding one or more articles with a strap (10) is described, the method comprising the steps of providing a binding device (1) comprising a joining apparatus (1.0) having a joining jaw (1.1) and a joining base (1.2); positioning an end portion (10.4) of the strap around a joining base such that a fastening loop (10.5) is formed around the joining base; joining overlapping first and second strap segments (10.1, 10.2) of the fastening loop with the joining apparatus to form a strap joint; positioning the strap around one or more articles such that a third strap segment (10.3) overlaps a segment of the fastening loop; tensioning the strap around the one or more articles; joining the third segment of the strap to a segment of the fastening loop with the joining apparatus; shearing the tensioned strap from an untensioned bulk portion of the strap; and separating the binding device from the tensioned strap by removing the joining base from the fastening loop.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a strapping device, and a strapping system for strapping one or more items. [Background technology]

[0002] Strapping devices are used to package various items by placing a strap around an item such that at least two portions of the strap overlap each other by forming a loop around the item. Thereby, an end of the strap typically comprises a lower strap portion that overlaps another portion of the strap forming an upper strap portion. The overlapping upper and lower 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, gluing, 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, the end of the plastic strip is then guided as an upper strip which covers 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] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is to provide a method for binding one or more items with a strap, comprising: Providing a strapping device comprising a splice apparatus having a splice jaw and a splice base; placing an end of the strap around the interface base such that a fastening loop is formed around the interface base; joining the overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop with a joining device to form a strap joint; placing the strap around one or more articles such that a third strap segment overlaps a segment of the fastening loop; Tensioning the strap around one or more articles; joining a third segment of the strap to a segment of the fastening loop with a joining device; shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap; Separating the binding device from the tensioned strap by removing the interface base from the fastening loop; This is particularly achieved by a method comprising:

[0008] By forming a fastening loop around the joining base, the end of the strap can be held while the strap is tensioned. In particular, the fastening loop is secured by the strap itself by joining the overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop, so that additional parts for holding the end of the strap, such as additional clamps, may be reduced or avoided. Preferably, the fastening loop is closely positioned around the joining base such that the fastening loop abuts the joining base. In the context of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that placing the end of the strap around the joining base or forming the fastening loop around the joining base is placing or forming the end of the strap or fastening loop, respectively, around at least a portion of the joining base. The fastening loop provides the advantage that its segment can be used to join with a third segment of the strap to secure the tensioned strap around one or more articles. In some embodiments, the segment of the fastening loop joined with the third segment may be the strap junction or a segment adjacent to the strap junction.

[0009] The method thus provides the advantage that, due to the elaborate arrangement of the straps that places the different strap segments in a useful relationship to one another, the straps themselves can be used to hold the ends of the straps while they are placed and tensioned around one or more articles, and to secure the tensioned straps around one or more articles.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first and second strap segments, and the fastening loop segment and the third strap segment, are joined by welding, preferably friction welding.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of placing the end of the strap around the interface base such that a fastening loop is formed around the interface base includes placing a first strap segment on the upper toothed surface of the interface base and placing a second strap segment on the first strap segment.

[0013] Arranging the first strap segment on the upper toothed surface of the joining base provides the advantage that the first strap segment can be held during joining of the first strap segment with the second strap segment. In particular, undesired movements of the first strap segment, for example movements across the strap axis, may be reduced or avoided by the upper toothed surface. In the context of the present disclosure, a toothed surface shall be understood by the skilled person as a surface having a structure that increases the friction between the surface and the strap. By holding the first strap segment, a relative movement of the second strap segment with respect to the first strap segment during joining, in particular during welding, may be allowed. Furthermore, the upper toothed surface provides the advantage that a segment of the fastening loop can be held during joining of the segment of the fastening loop with the third strap segment. As with the first strap segment, undesired movements of the segment of the fastening loop, for example movements across the strap axis, may be reduced or avoided. By holding the segment of the fastening loop, a relative movement of the third strap segment with respect to the segment of the fastening loop during joining, in particular during welding, may be allowed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the strap portion adjacent the third strap segment is clamped by the clamp while the joining device joins the third segment of the strap and the segment of the fastening loop.

[0015] The clamp may be particularly suitable for applications where high tension forces are used.

[0016] In some embodiments, providing a strapping device comprising a bonding apparatus having a bonding jaw and a bonding base includes providing a replaceable bonding base.

[0017] By providing interchangeable joint bases, the joining device can be adapted to different strap requirements, for example, joint bases with a larger vertical diameter may be provided to adjust the joining height, particularly the weld height, of the joining device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the step of providing a strapping device comprising a joining apparatus having a joining jaw and a joining base includes providing a modular joining base having a base body, preferably a base plate, and a spacer arranged between the base body and the joining jaw and releasably connected to the base body.

[0019] By providing a modular joining base, the suitability of the joining device to various strap requirements can be improved. A spacer with certain characteristics, e.g. a specific geometric shape, may be exchanged for another spacer with different characteristics for different strap situations. For example, a spacer with a larger upper toothed surface may be provided to improve the retention of the first strap segment. Thus, the spacer may be adapted to the particular strap used. In a further example, a spacer with a larger vertical diameter may be provided to adjust the joining height, in particular the weld height, of the joining device.

[0020] In some embodiments, a cutter blade of a strapping device for shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap is moved to a retracted, inoperative position relative to the joining jaws prior to the step of joining the overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop with a joining device to form a strap joint.

[0021] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a strapping device for strapping one or more articles according to the method described herein, the strapping device comprising a joining apparatus having a joining jaw and a joining base, the joining base comprising an upper toothed surface configured to engage a first strap segment of a fastening loop disposed about the joining base.

[0022] As mentioned above, the upper toothed surface of the joining base provides the advantage of being able to hold the first strap segment during joining of the first strap segment with the second strap segment when forming the fastening loop around the joining base.Furthermore, the upper toothed surface provides the advantage of being able to hold the fastening loop segment during joining of the fastening loop segment with the third strap segment.

[0023] In some embodiments, the mating base comprises a base body, preferably a base plate, and a spacer arranged between the base body and the mating jaw and releasably connectable to the base body.

[0024] Thus, a modular joint base as described above can be provided, improving the suitability of the joint device to various strapping requirements.

[0025] The spacer may be releasably connectable to the base body by a form-fit and / or press-fit connection. For example, the spacer may be connectable to the base body by a threaded joint or by one or more suitable shoulders and / or legs and / or recesses on the spacer and / or base body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper toothed surface is arranged on the spacer.

[0027] In particular, the upper surface of the spacer facing the mating jaw may be provided with an upper toothed surface.

[0028] The spacers are preferably made from a metal, hi some embodiments, the spacers are made from a ceramic.

[0029] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises an upper bar and the base body comprises at least one shoulder configured to laterally position the spacer.

[0030] The spacer may therefore be arranged on the base body such that the upper bar is arranged between the base body and the joining jaws. The upper bar may comprise an upper surface with an upper toothed surface. The vertical diameter of the upper bar may preferably be adapted to achieve the required joining height, in particular the weld height. The at least one shoulder provides the advantage of improving the positioning of the spacer, in particular during joining of the different strap segments and tensioning of the strap. Moreover, the shoulder allows for the removal of the spacer together with the base body after joining the third segment of the strap with the segment of the fastening loop and shearing off the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk part of the strap. One of the at least one shoulder is therefore preferably arranged to abut against the base body opposite to the removal direction of the joining device from the tensioned strap.

[0031] In some embodiments, the base body includes two shoulders, and the upper bar is receivable between the two shoulders.

[0032] In some embodiments, the upper bar is receivable between a shoulder portion of the base body and a vertical wall portion of the joint device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the upper bar includes at least one recess engageable with the at least one shoulder.

[0034] The at least one recess provides the advantage that the lateral positioning of the spacer can be improved.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The arch shape provides the advantage of being able to hold the spacer in place relative to the direction along the strap axis.

[0037] In some embodiments, the interface base is releasably attached to the attachment interface of the strapping device.

[0038] The mating base may be releasably attached to the mounting interface by a form-fit and / or press-fit connection. For example, the mating base may be attached to the mounting interface by a threaded connection.

[0039] Thus, an interchangeable interface base may be provided, allowing the interface device to be adapted to various strap requirements, as described above.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 will be joined for a completed loop around the article. This may be accomplished by utilizing 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.

[0042] Selectively deactivating the cutter by retracting the blade relative to the splice jaws provides the advantage that the overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop may be spliced ​​without the straps being sheared at the approximated position. Preferably, the blade may be movable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the splice base.

[0043] After joining the overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop, forming the loop around the article to be tied may continue. After completion of the loop, the cutter may be actuated by advancing the blade relative to the joining jaws to an operative position so that the strap may be sheared while a third segment of the strap may be joined with a segment of the fastening loop for the completed loop around the article.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the splicing position of the splicing jaws, overlapping portions of the straps may be spliced ​​together. If shearing of the straps during splicing is desired, the cutter blade may be advanced to an operative position. If shearing of the straps during splicing is to be avoided, the cutter blade may be retracted to a non-operative position. In the retracted strap receiving position of the splicing jaws, the straps may be received or introduced between the splicing jaws and the splicing base, respectively.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a strapping system comprising a strapping device as described in the present disclosure and a plurality of spacers having different geometric shapes, preferably different vertical diameters and / or different upper toothed surface areas.

[0067] In some embodiments of the bundling system, the spacers comprise upper bars each having a different vertical diameter.

[0068] In some embodiments of the strapping system, the spacers each include 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, and each spacer preferably includes a different vertical diameter of the upper bar.

[0069] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a strapping system comprising a strapping device as described in the present disclosure and a plurality of joining bases having different geometric shapes, preferably different vertical diameters and / or different upper toothed surface areas. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0070] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to schematic drawings. [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having fastening loops disposed around a joint base of a bundling device with a spacer. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows the bundling device of FIG. 1a without the straps. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having fastening loops disposed around an interchangeable joint base of a strapping device. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows the bundling device of FIG. 2a without the straps. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a series of steps in one embodiment of a method for strapping one or more items. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the strapping device with the cutter blade in a forward operating position. [Figure 4b] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the strapping device with the cutter blade in a retracted, inoperative position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4c is a partial view of the cutter of FIGS. 4a and 4b. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6 is a vertical cutaway view of the cutter taken along line AA shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6 is a vertical cutaway view of the cutter taken along line AA shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows the strapping device with the splice jaws moved to a forward splice position relative to the splice base. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a cutter having a linear cam. [Figure 10a] FIG. 10 shows the cutter of FIG. 9 with the actuating element and the cutter in position. [Figure 10b] 10 shows the cutter of FIG. 9 with the actuating element and the cutter in another position. [Figure 10c] 10 shows the cutter of FIG. 9 with the actuating element and the cutter in yet another position. [Figure 10d] 10 shows the cutter of FIG. 9 with the actuating element and cutter in yet another position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] In the several embodiments in the description of the drawings, the same reference numbers may be used for corresponding parts of the embodiments.

[0072] Figure 1a shows a partial view of an embodiment of the invention of a strapping device 1 in the region of the joining device 1.0. The joining device 1.0 comprises a joining jaw 1.1, which in the illustrated embodiment is a welding jaw, and a modular joining base 1.2, which in the illustrated embodiment is a welding base. The welding base 1.2 comprises a base body 1.21 in the form of a base plate and a laterally open, arch-shaped spacer 1.22, which receives the base body 1.21. The base body 1.21 comprises a lateral shoulder 1.211 which engages in a recess 1.221 of the spacer 1.2. The spacer 1.22 is made of metal.

[0073] The end 10.4 of the strap 10 is arranged around the joining base 1.2 so that the fastening loop 10.5 is formed. Thereby, the first strap segment 10.1 is arranged on the upper surface of the spacer 1.22 and the second strap segment 10.2 is arranged on the first strap segment 10.1 so that the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 overlap. The overlapping first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 are joined by the joining device 1.0 to form a strap junction and secure the fastening loop 10.5. For illustrative purposes, the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 are shown separately in FIG. 1a and the strap junction is not explicitly shown. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that the strap junction is formed by joining the overlapping portions of the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2. Once the ends of the strap 10 are fastened to the joining base 1.2, the strap 10 is placed around one or more articles (not shown in FIG. 1a) such that the third strap segment 10.3 is located above the segment of the fastening loop (or the strap joint, or the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2, respectively). After tensioning the strap 10 around one or more articles, the third strap segment 10.3 is joined with the segment of the fastening loop by the joining device 1.0. The strap tensioned around one or more articles is then sheared from the bulk untensioned portion of the strap, and the strapping device 1 is separated from the tensioned strap by removing the joining base 1.2 from the fastening loop 10.5.

[0074] The removal of the joining base 1.2 from the fastening loop 10.5 is achieved by moving the strapping device 1 in a direction transverse to the strap axis (e.g., in FIG. 1a, into the plane of the drawing). Due to the shoulder 1.211 of the base body 1.21, the spacer 1.22 is removed together with the base body 1.21 from the fastening loop 10.5. The fastening loop 10.5 is closely positioned around the joining base 1.2 such that the fastening loop 10.5 abuts against the joining base 1.2. However, the tolerance between the fastening loop 10.5 and the joining base 1.2 is sufficient to allow the removal of the joining base 1.2 from the fastening loop 10.5.

[0075] Figure 1b shows the strapping device 1 of figure 1a without the strap. The spacer 1.22 comprises an upper toothed surface 1.226 configured to engage with a first strap segment of the fastening loop shown in figure 1a. The upper toothed surface 1.226 holds the first strap segment and allows relative movement of the second strap segment with respect to the first strap segment during joining of the first and second strap segments to form a strap joint. Furthermore, the upper toothed surface 1.226 holds the fastening loop 10.5 and allows relative movement of the third strap segment with respect to the fastening loop 10.5 so that the third strap segment can be joined with a segment of the fastening loop.

[0076] The spacer 1.22 comprises a front leg 1.222 and a second leg 1.223 connected by an upper bar 1.224 so as to form a laterally open arch which receives the base plate 1.21. The upper bar 1.224 serves to provide sufficient height for the operation of the mating jaw 1.1.

[0077] In the strapping system, spacers having different geometries, for example different vertical diameters of the upper bars and / or different upper toothed surface areas, may be used in the strapping device 1 .

[0078] The strapping device 1 further comprises a blade arrangement 1.7 for shearing the tensioned strap from the bulk portion of the strap.

[0079] The strapping device 1 further comprises a locating pin 1.6 which engages in a recess 1.225 of the spacer 1.22. In some embodiments, the locating pin may not engage in a recess of the spacer. In some embodiments, the locating pin may be arranged at a distance relative to the spacer. In some embodiments, the strapping device may comprise two or more locating pins. The locating pin 1.6 serves as a guide element for the strap. The locating pin 1.6 is retractable in an upward direction, i.e. away from the spacer 1.22. In particular, the locating pin 1.6 may be retracted before removing the strapping device 1 from the fastening loop.

[0080] Figure 2a shows a partial view of an embodiment of the invention of a strapping device 2 in the region of a joining device 2.0. The joining device 2.0 comprises joining jaws (not shown in Figure 2a) and an exchangeable joining base 2.2. The joining base 2.2 is made of metal.

[0081] The end 10.4 of the strap 10 is arranged around the joining base 2.2 such that a fastening loop 10.5 is formed. The first strap segment 10.1 is arranged on the upper surface of the joining base 2.2, and the second strap segment 10.2 is arranged on the first strap segment 10.1 such that the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 overlap. The overlapping first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 are joined by the joining device 2.0 to form a strap junction and secure the fastening loop 10.5. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2 are shown separately and the strap junction is not explicitly shown. Once the ends of the strap 10 are fastened to the joining base 2.2, the strap 10 is placed around one or more articles (not shown in FIG. 2a) such that the third strap segment 10.3 is positioned above the segment of the fastening loop 10.5 (or the strap joint, or the first and second strap segments 10.1, 10.2, respectively). After tensioning the strap 10 around one or more articles, the third strap segment 10.3 is joined with the segment of the fastening loop by the joining device 2.0. The strap, now tensioned around one or more articles, is then sheared off from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap.

[0082] The joining base 2.2 is removed from the fastening loop 10.5 by moving the strapping device 2 transversely to the strap axis (e.g. into the plane of the drawing in the case of FIG. 2a). The fastening loop 10.5 is closely positioned around the joining base 2.2 such that the fastening loop 10.5 abuts the joining base 2.2. However, the tolerance between the fastening loop 10.5 and the joining base 2.2 is sufficient to allow removal of the joining base 2.2 from the fastening loop 10.5.

[0083] The joining base 2.2 is releasably attached to the mounting interface of the binding device 2, for example by a screw joint, such that the joining base 2.2 can be released from the mounting interface of the binding device 2 by releasing the screw joint and at the same time can be removed together with the binding device 2 from the fastening loop 10.5, for example by movement across the strap axis.

[0084] FIG. 2b shows the strapping device 2 of FIG. 2a without the strap. The joining base 2.2 comprises an upper toothed surface 2.21 configured to engage with a first strap segment of the fastening loop shown in FIG. 2a. The upper toothed surface 2.21 is configured to hold the first strap segment and allows a relative movement of the second strap segment with respect to the first strap segment during joining of the first and second strap segments to form a strap joint. The upper toothed surface 2.21 is further configured to hold the fastening loop and allows a relative movement of the third strap segment with respect to the fastening loop during joining of the third strap segment with a segment of the fastening loop. The joining base 2.2 is releasably mounted from below at the mounting interface 2.3 of the strapping device 2. Different joining bases with different geometries, e.g. different vertical diameters and / or different upper toothed surface areas, may be used for the strapping device 2 in the strapping system.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a sequence of steps of an embodiment of a method for strapping one or more articles. A strapping device, for example with a joining device as shown in FIG. 1a or FIG. 2a, is provided in step S1. In step S2, an end of the strap is placed around a joining base of the strapping device such that a fastening loop is formed. In step S3, overlapping first and second strap segments of the fastening loop are joined by the joining device to form a strap joint and secure the fastening loop. In step S4, the strap is placed around one or more articles such that the third strap segment overlaps a segment of the fastening loop. In step S5, the strap is tensioned around one or more articles. In step S6, the third segment of the strap is joined to the segment of the fastening loop by the joining device. The tensioned strap is sheared from the bulk portion of the strap in step S7. In step S8, the strapping device is separated from the tensioned strap by removing the joining base from the fastening loop.

[0086] Figures 4a and 4b show partial views of one embodiment of the strapping device 1. The strapping device 1 comprises a cutter 1.4 for shearing the strap by means of 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 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 1a. 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 4a and 4b). The cutter 1.4 may thus shear the strap at a position next to the position where the overlapping strap portions are spliced.

[0087] FIG. 4a shows the blade 1.41 of the cutter 1.4 in the forward operating position, and FIG. 4b 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. 4b, 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.

[0088] 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. 4b, the actuating bolt 1.43 is advanced compared to the configuration of Fig. 4a 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.

[0089] As can be seen in Fig. 4b, 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. 4b) 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. 4a and the blade 1.41 to advance to the actuated position.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a partial view of the cutter 1.4 of FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b 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.

[0091] Figures 6a and 6b show vertical cutaway views of the cutter 1.4 along the line AA shown in Figure 5. 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.

[0092] In Fig. 6a, the blade 1.41 is in a forward operating position relative to the mating jaw and the connecting block 1.11. In Fig. 6b, the actuating element rotates the cam 1.46 so 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. 6a.

[0093] By raising the follower 1.45, the blade 1.41 is raised relative to the interface jaw and the connecting block 1.11 and thus moves from the forward operative position of Fig. 6a to the retracted inoperative position of Fig. 6b. 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. 6b to the forward operative position of Fig. 6a.

[0094] 7 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.

[0095] FIG. 8 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 working 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] FIG. 9 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 raising 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'.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Figures 10a and 10b show the cutter 1.4' with the blade 1.41' in the forward operating position (Figure 10a) and in the retracted non-operating position (Figure 10b). In Figure 10a, 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 with respect to the strapping device and may not move with either the joining jaws or the cutter 1.4'. In Figure 10b, 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'.

[0100] Figures 10c and 10d 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 10c and 10d) to the forward joining position. In Figure 10c, 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'.

[0101] In Fig. 10d, 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 method of binding one or more items with a strap (10), comprising: providing a bundling device (1, 2) comprising a joining device (1.0, 2.0) having a joining jaw (1.1) and a joining base (1.2, 2.2); placing the end of the strap (10.4) around the joining base so that a fastening loop (10.5) is formed around the joining base; joining the overlapping first and second strap segments (10.1, 10.2) of the fastening loop by the joining device to form a strap joint; placing the strap around the one or more articles such that a third strap segment (10.3) overlaps a segment of the fastening loop; tensioning the strap around the one or more items; joining the third strap segment of the strap to the segment of the fastening loop with the joining device; shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap; separating the binding device from the tensioned strap by removing the interface base from the fastening loop; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second strap segments (10.1, 10.2), and the segment of the fastening loop (10.5) and the third strap segment (10.3) are joined by welding.

3. placing the end (10.4) of the strap (10) around the joining base (1.2, 2.2) so that a fastening loop (10.5) is formed around the joining base, 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of placing the first strap segment (10.1) on the upper toothed surface (1.226, 2.21) of the joining base and placing the second strap segment (10.2) on the first strap segment.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a strap portion adjacent the third strap segment is clamped by a clamp while the joining device joins the third segment of the strap and the segment of the fastening loop.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the bundling device (2) comprising a joining device (2.0) having joining jaws and a joining base (2.2) comprises providing an interchangeable joining base.

6. The step of providing said bundling device (1) comprises a joining device (1.0) having joining jaws (1.1) and a joining base (1.2), 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of providing a modular joining base having a base body (1.21) and a spacer (1.22) arranged between the base body and the joining jaw and releasably connected to the base body.

7. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a blade (1.41, 1.41′) of a cutter (1.4, 1.4′) of the strapping device (1, 2) for shearing the tensioned strap from the untensioned bulk portion of the strap is moved to a retracted, inoperative position relative to the joining jaw (1.1) prior to the step of joining the overlapping first and second strap segments (10.1, 10.2) of the fastening loop by the joining device to form a strap joint.

8. A strapping device (1, 2) for strapping one or more articles with straps (10) according to the method of claim 1, comprising: a joining device (1.0, 2.0) having a joining jaw (1.1) and a joining base (1.2, 2.2), A bundling device (1, 2), wherein the joining base comprises an upper toothed surface (1.226, 2.21) configured to engage with a first strap segment (10.1) of a fastening loop (10.5) arranged around the joining base.

9. 9. The bundling device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the joining base (1.2) comprises a base body (1.21) and a spacer (1.22) arranged between the base body and the joining jaw (1.1) and releasably connectable to the base body.

10. 10. The bundling device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the upper toothed surface (1.226) is arranged on the spacer (1.22).

11. the spacer (1.22) comprises an upper bar (1.224), 10. The bundling device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the base body (1.21) comprises at least one shoulder (1.211) configured to position the spacer laterally.

12. The bundling device of claim 11 , wherein the base body includes two shoulders, the upper bar being receivable between the two shoulders.

13. 12. The bundling device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the upper bar (1.224) is receivable between a shoulder (1.211) of the base body (1.21) and a vertical wall portion of the joining device (1.0).

14. 12. The bundling device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the upper bar (1.224) comprises at least one recess (1.221) engageable with the at least one shoulder (1.211).

15. the spacer (1.22) comprises a front leg (1.222) and a rear leg (1.223) connected by an upper bar (1.224); 10. The bundling device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the front legs, the rear legs and the upper bar are arranged to form a laterally open arch for receiving the base body (1.21).

16. 9. The strapping device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the joining base (2.2) is releasably attached to the attachment interface (2.3) of the strapping device.

17. a cutter (1.4, 1.4') for shearing the strap; 9. The strapping device according to claim 8, wherein the cutter comprises a blade (1.41, 1.41') movable relative to the joining jaw (1.1) between a forward operative position and a retracted inoperative position.

18. 18. The strapping device according to claim 17, 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.

19. 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'), 18. The strapping device according to claim 17, 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.

20. 20. The strapping device of claim 19, wherein the actuating element (1.42) is biased against the cam spring (1.462) so 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.

21. 20. The strapping device according to claim 19, 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).

22. 20. The bundling device according to claim 19, 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.

23. A bundling device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 22, a plurality of spacers (1.22) with different geometric shapes; A bundling system comprising:

24. A bundling device (2) according to claim 16, a plurality of joining bases (2.2) with different geometric shapes; A bundling system comprising:

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