JPH0132084B2 - - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article (P). The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface (224) and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop (LP) while permitting the primary strap loop (LP) to twist off of the guide surface (224). With the free end of the strap (S) held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap (S) is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article (P) is inserted in the loop (LF) and the trailing portion of the strap (S) is withdrawn to tighten the loop (LF) about the package (P). The trailing portion of the strap (S) is severed from the tightened strap loop (LF) and the overlapping portions of the strap (S) are then sealed by a friction-fusion weld.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming loops using flexible strapping material and securing the loops around packages, articles, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A typical apparatus for tying packages with loops of flexible strapping material is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 1357883, No. 3146694, No. 3215064, No.
No. 3636861, No. 3691939, No. 3875855, No.
No. 3916779 and No. 3946659. In these devices, various strap guide structures are provided to allow the strap to loop around the package.

Alternatively, some machines may first form a small loop in some way, then enlarge the loop and fit it around the package. In the past, Signode Corporation, the rightful owner of this invention, has formed strap loops around packages, tightened the loops, and finally used several methods to join the overlapping portions of the tightened loops. The method and mechanical device have been developed.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,062,278, 4,077,313 and
In the method described in No. 4,079,667, a small primary strap loop is first formed along a circular guide and then the primary loop is enlarged to fit around the package. The operation is then completed by tightening the loop around the package, joining the overlapping strap portions, and separating the secured loop from the trailing portion of the strap.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In the prior art described above, the method of extending the strap around the article requires a large device for guiding the strap around the article. Additionally, the method of first creating a small loop, then enlarging it, and moving the object into the loop can reduce the size of the device, but the device for forming the small loop becomes complex. There were flaws. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for securing an article using a strap, in which the mechanism for forming a small loop is simple and compact in a device that initially forms a small loop. That's true.

(Means for solving the problem) The method of the present invention includes an operation of pressing a part of the strap against a guide surface, and
and moving the guide surface through a passageway to form a loop. The loop is further enlarged during or after loop formation. Relative movement is then caused between the enlarged loop and the article to position the loop around the article. Tighten the loop around the item if necessary. Finally, the adjacent overlapping portions of the strap loops are joined in a suitable manner. The trailing portion of the strap may be separated from the loop before, during, or after joining the overlapping portions of the strap.

One embodiment of the apparatus for bundling articles of the present invention includes a package support table;
The table has a horizontal guide surface against which the free end of a length of thermoplastic strap is pressed and moved along the same surface to form a small primary strap loop.

A rotatable cantilevered anvil is disposed on the guide surface and is reciprocatable vertically relative to the guide surface along an axis of rotation of the anvil. The anvil is lowered into engagement with the strap and then rotated to move the free end of the strap in a circular motion over the guide surface to form a small primary strap loop.

Because the portion of the strap that follows the formed loop is restrained from twisting, the strap will necessarily twist within the primary strap loop and
This forces the loop into a plane substantially perpendicular to the guide surface.

After the primary strap loop is formed, rotation of the anvil causes one segment of the free end of the strap to
restrained from further movement relative to the guide surface and such that the leading segment of the free end of the strap is over and aligned with the trailing portion of the strap located below the edge of the guide surface; It will be terminated in a state where

The strap is then fed to expand the primary loop to a larger predetermined diameter and the package is inserted into the expanded loop. The trailing portion of the strap is then pulled, tightening the loop around the package.

The leading segment of the strap is secured to an adjacent underlying portion of the strap loop;
This fixation can be accomplished, for example, by pressing the proximal portion of the strap loop against the strap leading segment between a vertically reciprocatable vibration welding member and an overlying anvil to effect friction-fusion welding of the thermoplastic strap. things will be implemented.

The strap is cut by a cutter on the welding part at the beginning of the welding process when the overlapping strap portions are pressed between the anvil and the welding part. After the friction-fusion welding is completed and the weld zone has cooled, the laced package can be removed from the device by lowering the welding member.

(Example) The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The basic method of binding articles or packages with a ring of straps according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 1 shows a guide surface 100 with grooves 102 through which the strap S passes from below the guide surface 100. The strap may be drawn from a suitable strap source, such as a strap reel, and/or fed by a suitable strap feeding device.

An anvil 104 is provided above the guide surface 100 and is adapted to press the leading portion of the strap S flat against the guide surface 100.
Preferably, anvil 104 rotates 360 degrees about shaft 106. Anvil 104 rotates along guide surface 100 in the direction of arrow 108;
The leading portion of the strap is then continuously pressed against the guide surface 100 as it passes through the passage forming the primary strap loop L _P as shown in FIG.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the strap S has a flat strip profile and has a first or top surface 110 and a second or bottom surface 112. When the primary strap loop L _P is formed, the strap S is twisted in the region T, and the primary loop L _P is lifted off the guide surface 100 and guided into a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the guide surface 100 . This phenomenon arises inter alia from the stiffness of the strap S and from the relatively small diameter of the primary strap loop L _P.

Preferably, the trailing portion of the strap S below the guide surface 100 is not twisted relative to the leading strap portion above the guide surface 100 as the strap S is moved by the anvil 104 to form the primary strap loop _LP . It's good to be restrained.

Preferably, the end of rotation of the anvil 104 is such that a portion of the anvil 104 is in the groove 1 as illustrated in FIG.
This is done so that it overlaps with 02. Thus, while the strap S is pressed against the guide surface 100 by the anvil 104, the trailing portion of the strap S is fed and looped through the primary loop L _P to form an expanded final section with predetermined large dimensions. It can be expanded to loop L _F. Then, as shown in Figure 4,
Move an article such as package P into said expansion loop _LF .

If the expansion loop L _F is relatively large, the loop L _F may sag above the guide surface 100;
It may deform or collapse. In this case, the strap S can be made into a size and shape suitable for storing the package P by appropriately guiding or lifting it by hand or the like.

However, depending on the thickness of the strap, expanding the loop may not necessarily cause it to deform or collapse. If the strap is relatively thick, it may be able to stand on its own as long as the loops are not too large.

Of course, instead of moving the package P into the expansion loop L _F , the guide surface and the guide surface 10
0 as well as the associated mechanism carrying the loop L _F may be moved towards the stationary package P.

In either case, after a relative movement has taken place between the package P and the expansion loop L _F and the expansion loop L _F has been placed around the package P,
The loop L _F is tightened around the package P;
Sealed in tension. In FIG. 5, strap S is retracted in the direction of dotted arrow 114 and tightened around package P. The anvil 104 only partially overlaps the slot 102 so that the leading end segment of the strap S presses against the trailing portion of the strap S, tightening the loop around the package P so that the strap S
I have not done anything to prevent them from drawing in.

When binding compressed elastic material, it is not necessarily necessary to retract the strap S in order to tighten the loop around the material. For example, a bale of cotton is first compressed strongly by suitable auxiliary equipment (not shown) and then placed in the strap loop L _F. Next, the compressive force on the cotton bale is released so that the cotton bale expands relative to the loop L _F. Of course, the trailing part of the strap S is
It is necessary to prevent the cotton from being pulled out by the outward expansion force of the cotton.

After wrapping the strap S around the article, the leading strap portion and the overlapping strap loop portion are joined together. There are many ways to join overlapping strap loop sections. If a metal strap is used, a sealless joint with an interlocking slit can be used. It is also possible to tighten sleeve-type seals around the overlapping segments.

If thermoplastic straps are used, a "welded" joint can be achieved by heating the overlapping segments of the straps. A method of joining overlapping segments of plastic straps by friction welding joints is illustrated in FIG. Weld pad 11
8 is moved upwardly in the direction of arrow 122 by a suitable mechanism 120 and is pressed against the trailing portion of the strap S. The trailing portion of the strap S is pressed upwardly under the overlapping free ends of the straps, which are pressed against the portion of the anvil 104 that rests in the slot 102.

It is also possible for the cutting blade 124, which cuts the trailing part of the strap S from the loop, to be carried upwardly by the mechanism 120. Of course, the trailing portion of strap S must not be cut by knife 124 until the overlapping strap segments are pressed firmly between anvil 104 and weld pad 118. For this purpose, anvil 1
04 will normally be biased downwardly (by a suitable device not shown) towards the guide surface 100 and allowed to move upwardly by a small amount against the downwardly biasing force. That is, as weld pad 118 moves upwardly, initially overlapping strap segments are pressed tightly together against anvil 104. Further upward movement of weld pad 118 and cutter 124 overcomes the downward biasing force acting on anvil 104, causing anvil 104 to move (as indicated by arrow 1 in FIG.
26) is pressed upward. During this upward movement, the trailing portion of the strap S
It is cut by 4.

In the slightly raised position, the part of the strap loop around the bottom of the package P is no longer in contact with the guide surface 100. Thus, by rapidly vibrating the anvil 104 (in the direction of double arrow 128 in FIG. 6), the free ends of the straps are moved back and forth relative to the stationary overlap, generating frictional heat and melting the interface. After holding the overlapping strap segments long enough for the weld to cool, weld pad 118 and cutter 124 are lowered to allow the tied package P to be removed.

Although the guide surface 100 is illustrated as being substantially flat in FIGS. 1-6, it does not necessarily have to be flat and may be curved, such as wavy or frustoconical. In such a case, the anvil 104
The guide must have a shape and mechanism that match the shape of the guide surface so that it can properly follow the curved surface.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to lift the anvil 104 from the guide surface 100 during friction welding. However, lifting the anvil eliminates frictional heating between the strap and guide surface and ensures that melting of the strap material is confined to the overlapping contact surfaces of the strap.

One preferred embodiment of an apparatus for bundling articles according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-29. FIG. 7A shows an apparatus 150 for binding articles with loops of thermoplastic flat straps in the form of a relatively small countertop unit.

In FIG. 7A, device 150 is shown at base 152.
, a package support table 154, a strap reel housing 156, and a package activated cycle switch cover 158. The table 154 defines a slot 160 through which the strap S passes from inside the device to form a strap loop. The strap S is supplied from a strap supply source such as a reel 162 within the housing 156 by a mechanism described in detail below.

The switch cover 158 may have a pair of ribs 159 spaced apart on both sides of the groove 160. rib 15
9 can project outwardly onto the table 154 and serve to support the enlarged loop of the strap S so that it does not tip over.

Inside the table 154, an anvil assembly 164 is located adjacent to the cycle switch cover 158.
(Fig. 7A) is provided. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, anvil assembly 16
4 is a rotatable anvil 204 and a lift member or feed pad 205 that can be reciprocated in the vertical direction.
and a vertically movable weld pad 218.

As best shown in FIG. 8, anvil 204 has a disc-like shape and has an outwardly extending protrusion 222. As best shown in FIG. Protrusion 22
The bottom of the strap S is serrated to enhance its grip on the top surface of the strap S. A cover plate 220 is mounted on top of the anvil 204 and has a generally circular profile and a diameter larger than the disc-shaped anvil 204. The cover plate 220 is attached to the anvil 204 by any suitable method such as welding or gluing. The cover plate 220 and anvil 204 connection assembly is attached to the shaft 400 via countersunk machine screws 221 (FIG. 21).

As shown in FIGS. 7B and 9, anvil 204 and cover 220 are housed on guide surface 224 within a cavity defined by sloped sidewalls 226 within table 154. As shown in FIGS. Anvil 204
When the cover plate 220 is installed in the storage cavity above the guide surface 224, the top surface of the cover plate 220 is flush with the surface of the table 154 and serves to support the package placed thereon. As shown in FIG. 7B, the peripheral edge of the cover plate 220 and the inclined side wall 2 of the table 154
There is a space between the straps 26 and 26 for the strap S to pass through.

As shown in FIGS. 7B, 8 and 9, strap S is conveyed by table 154 from strap reel 162 into a suitable restraint guide or channel 228. As shown in FIG. 7B, channel 228 connects weld pad 218.
It opens into a vertical surface 230 in the vicinity.

Weld pad 218 and feed pad 205 are positioned between vertical surfaces 230 and 232. Feed pad 218 and weld pad 205 are vertically reciprocatable via a mechanism not visible in FIGS. 7A-19.

8 to 19, in the order of figure numbers, illustrate in detail the sequence of operations of the anvil, feed pad and weld pad when the package P is bound by the loop of the strap S. After explaining the operating sequence,
The operating mechanisms of the anvil, feed pad, and weld pad will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 29.

Before the package is placed on the device 150,
The strap S is formed into a relatively small primary strap loop, which is then expanded into a larger final loop of a predetermined size suitable for accommodating the packages to be tied. To form a small primary strap loop, strap S is first fed through channel 228 onto weld pad 218 and feed pad 205 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. At this stage in the operating sequence, weld pad 218 and feed pad 205 are each maintained in a lowered position below the level of channel 228 and guide surface 224.

A strap S of a predetermined length is attached to the feed pad 205.
After being fed upward, feed pad 205 is raised in the direction of arrow 234, as shown in FIG. 10, forcing the leading segment of the strap upwardly to the level of guide surface 224. At the same time, the first
As illustrated in FIG.
6 and rotated through a predetermined arc, initially in the direction of arrow 238, thus engaging the strap onto the feed pad 205 and moving the engaged portion of the strap away from the feed pad 205.
24 move up. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, feed pad 205 is lowered as indicated by arrow 240.

Anvil 204 continues to rotate over guide surface 224 as shown in FIGS. 13-15, twisting the strap at T and forming strap S into a primary loop. During the formation of the primary loop, the strap S is withdrawn from the strap source (in the direction of arrow 242 in FIG. 15) by anvil 204. As shown in FIG. 15, when the strap S is formed into a loop by the anvil 204,
The strap loops bend upwardly away from the guide surface 224.

The primary loop can be formed by withdrawing the strap S from a freely rotating supply drum or from a relaxed strap by an anvil 204, but also at the same time pulling the strap S from some supply device (e.g. the 20th, 21st It may also be actively pushed forward using feed wheels 274, 276 (such as the feed wheels 274, 276 described below with reference to the figures).

The rotation of the anvil 204 is shown in FIGS. 7B and 16.
As shown, a portion of anvil projection 222 overlies guide surface 224 and terminates overlying surface 230 beyond weld head 218. In this manner, the leading segment of strap S is constrained in movement by being pressed against guide surface 224, while the trailing portion of strap S remains unconstrained below anvil 204 and above lowered weld pad 218. is maintained.

When the free end of the strap is restrained from moving by the anvil 204, the trailing portion of the strap S is moved along the arrow 20 as shown in FIG.
It is fed in the direction of 3. This feeding action of the strap S causes the primary strap loop to expand to a larger size. When the strap loop is expanded to the desired dimensions, the package P can be inserted into the loop as shown in FIG.

Part of the enlarged loop is switch cover 1
58 between the ribs 159 (7th A)
figure). If the loop tries to fall sideways, part of the strap will hit one of the ribs. Depending on the thickness of the strap and the diameter of the enlarged loop, the ribs against the loop prevent it from tipping over into a horizontal configuration on the table 154. The loop may be tilted somewhat from the vertical plane, but will remain perpendicular enough to not prevent insertion of the article. If the loop is so large that it falls horizontally beyond the rib 159, it can be raised manually to insert the article.

Push the package P into the loop, and then cycle switch cover 1 that can be moved backwards a small amount.
58 (FIG. 7A) to properly position it within the loop. cycle switch
The SW is located behind the switch cover 158 (the switch cover has been removed in FIG. 18) and is activated by rearward movement of the cover 158. When cycle switch SW is activated, it energizes the strap tensioning mechanism (described in detail below) and retracts the trailing portion of strap S in the direction of arrow 244 as illustrated in FIG. 18, thereby tightening the loop. Tighten it tightly around the package P.

After the strap S is pulled tight around the package P, the weld pad 218 will be located at the arrow 246.
(FIG. 19), the overlapping strap segments are forced between weld pad 218 and anvil 204. Anvil 20
4 is spring biased downwardly towards the guide surface;
Preferably, the upward movement corresponds to the upward movement of weld pad 218. When the anvil 204 is pressed upwardly, the anvil 204 is capable of lifting the package upwardly by a small amount.
As the weld pad and anvil move upwardly across the overlapping strap segments, a cutter blade 248 (FIGS. 7B and 19) separates the trailing portion of the strap from the strap loop.

Weld pad 218 is attached to strap guide surface 22
4, a relatively small amount, that is, the trailing portion of the strap S, is cut by the cutter blade 248,
and the package P of the strap S is raised sufficiently high to separate from the strap guide surface. The anvil 204 is then vibrated by a mechanism described in detail below to effect the friction fusion welding of the straps. In certain embodiments of the apparatus, feed pad 205 is also raised as the weld pad is raised. However, because weld pad 218 moves upwardly a greater amount than feed pad 205, the overlapping strap segments pressed between weld pad 218 and anvil 204 are removed not only from the top of raised feed pad 205 but also from guide surface 224. It's also far away.
Both feed pad 205 and weld pad 218 are lowered after friction fusion welding has been completed and they have been sufficiently cooled.

Anvil 204 is then raised to a slightly elevated position via suitable equipment (described in detail below) while weld pad 218 is opened with sufficient clearance to remove the laced package from the apparatus. is lowered to provide the following. Anvil 204
This further movement causes the package to be raised upwardly by a small additional amount.

Next, send strap S, tighten it, and anvil 2
04, the feed pad 205 and the welding pad 218.
This will be explained with reference to FIG. 29.

FIG. 20 shows apparatus 150 with base 152, table 154, and reel housing 156 removed to better show the internal components mounted on base plate 249. Three separate motors: strap feed and tension motor 250 and anvil rotation and vibration motor 252
and a cam drive motor 254.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22,
Strap feed and tension motor 250 is mounted on plate 256 and has an output shaft 258 pivoted within vertical support plate 260. Shaft 258 is sprocket 262
(FIG. 20), around which a drive chain 264 runs. The drive chain 264 also has a driven sprocket 266 (21st
The sprocket 266 is mounted on a shaft 268 which is pivoted within a support plate 270 (Figs. 20 and 21).

On the side of the support plate 270 opposite the sprocket 266, the shaft 268 is connected to another gear 272.
and a rotatable fixed axis drawer or feed wheel 274 (second
0). Fixed axis feed wheel 2
Proximate 74 is a movable feed drawer or feed wheel 276 which is keyed and mounted to a shaft 278 which is pivoted within a pivotable support plate 280. The support plate 280 is connected to the fixing plate 286 by a pin 288 (FIGS. 20 and 23) through a hole 282.
It is pivoted to.

The shaft 278 of the feed wheel 276 carries a gear 284 rotating therewith (20th
figure). Referring to FIG. 23, plate 280 is normally biased (to the right by a suitable spring, not shown) to a first position in which gear 284 is attached to feed wheel 274 and associated sprocket 272. It's meshing with each other.

Thus, when gear 284 meshes with gear 272,
Rotation of shaft 268 causes gear 272 to rotate, and therefore shaft 278 to rotate. Both the feed wheel 274 and the feed wheel 276 are mounted in rotation with the shafts 268 and 278, respectively, such that the feed wheels rotate in opposite directions and the strap S is retracted between the two feed wheels. Frictionally engages and pulls it.
When the motor 250 rotates in one direction, the strap S
is fed forward and enters the device, while motor 2
When 50 is rotated in the opposite direction, the strap S is pulled out of the device.

Plate 280 (on the left in FIG. 23)
Pivotable to a second position in which gear 284 is disengaged from gear 272. Plate 280 is pivoted to the left by arm 290, which is connected to screw 29.
2 and 294 to plate 280. Arm 290 includes a roller 296 mounted for rotation about screw 298 at the opposite end.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, the roller 296 is connected to the control cam drum 3.
02, and the drum 302 is rotatably mounted on a camshaft 304. Shaft 304 is suitably pivoted within a pair of upright support plates 306 and 308. As cam drum 302 rotates cam 300 (by a mechanism described in detail below) into engagement with roller 296 on arm 290, plate 280 is pivoted to the left (as viewed in Figure 23); Feed wheels 274 and 276 are spaced apart from each other. Thus, even if the feed wheel 274 continues to be rotated by the motor 250, the strap S will not have sufficient frictional engagement with the feed wheel to continuously pull it. The rotating feed wheel 274 simply slides on the strap S.

As cam 300 rotates past roller 296, plate 280 is urged back to the right as viewed in FIG. 23 by a spring (not shown). The strap S is thus pressed with frictional meshing between the feed wheels, and the gear 284 is again pressed against the gear 2.
72 so that both feed wheels rotate in unison to pull the strap.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21,
Control cam drum 302 is rotated by cam drive motor 254. Specifically, motor 254 includes an outer sprocket 316 around which a drive chain 318 extends. A sprocket 320 is attached to the camshaft 304 on the outside of the plate 308, and a chain 318 is also stretched around the sprocket 320. Thus shaft 3
04 is driven by a motor 254 via a chain 318.

A switch cam drum 322 is mounted on the shaft 304 between the two plates 306 and 308 and rotates with the control drum 302 on the cam shaft 304.The switch cam drum 322 is connected to the first switch cam 33.
1, a second switch cam 332, and a third switch cam 333. Base plate 33
Switches 341, 342 and 343 are mounted on the switch 6, and these switches are aligned with and opposed to switch cams 331, 332 and 333, respectively, and are activated by these. When these switches are activated, the three motors operate in the proper sequence.

The first switch 341 is connected to the anvil rotation and vibration motor 252, and the second switch 342 operates the cam drive motor 254.
A third switch 343 operates the strap feed and tension motor 250. Activation of these switches by the switch cam drum 322 and the resulting operation of the individual motors will be described in detail below.

Next, a mechanism for raising and lowering weld pad 218 and feed pad 205 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7B, 21, and 28. As best shown in FIG.
18 and feed pad 205 are held at the rear of plate 286, which includes an elongated slot 351 associated with weld pad 218 and an elongated slot 353 associated with feed pad 205.

As shown in FIG. 21, pin 355 passes through slot 351 and weld pad 218.
It is stored inside. Similarly, pin 357 passes through slot 353 and is housed within feed pad 205. As shown in FIG. 28, a pin 355 is carried on the end of a weld pad actuation arm 359, and a pin 355 is carried on the end of a weld pad actuating arm 359 by a sufficient amount to carry a roller 361 rotationally mounted on the arm.
It extends beyond 9. Similarly, pin 357 is L
The feed pad is carried at the end of a letter-shaped actuating arm 363. The other end of the L-shaped arm 363 carries a pin 365 on which a roller 367 is rotatably mounted.

Weld pad activation arm 359 is attached to vertical side plate 286 by pin 369 as shown in FIG.
The cam drum 302 is pivoted to the cam drum 302 and is spring biased downwardly with respect to the cam drum 302 by a helical compression spring 371 .

The feed pad activation arm 363 is pivotally connected to the vertical plate 286 by a pin 373. Arm 363 is biased inwardly against roller 367 relative to cam drum 302 by spring 375 mounted within spring support block 377 as shown in FIG. The spring support block 377 is attached to the vertical support plate 2 by screws 379.
It is attached to 86.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21,
The cam drum 302 is the feed pad activation arm 363
A cam 380 that meshes with a roller 367 is provided. Similarly, cam drum 302 includes a cam 382 that engages roller 361 on weld pad activation arm 359. Thus, as cam drum 302 is rotated by cam drive motor 254, weld pad 218 and feed pad 205 are raised and lowered as necessary during the tying cycle.

With particular reference to FIGS. 21 and 24 through 28, a novel mechanism for actuating anvil 204 will now be described.

As shown in FIG.
4 is attached to the shaft 400 together with the cover 220 by screws 221, and rotates together with the shaft 400.
The shaft 400 is inserted into the hole 402 of the bearing block 404.
It is oriented vertically within the interior. Shaft 4
00 rotates about its longitudinal axis and is adapted to reciprocate vertically along the axis by a mechanism described below.

Vertical movement of shaft 400 and anvil 204 is effected by control cam drum 302 via a linkage system acting on the bottom of shaft 400. Specifically, anvil lift cam 406 is located below the bottom of shaft 400. Cam 406 and pin 410 are pivotally mounted to fixed block 412 (FIG. 29). As best shown in FIG. 28, the upper end of the cam 406 carries a pin 414 to which a roller 216 is rotationally mounted. Roller 416 meshes with control cam drum 302 and is adapted to be cammed outwardly by cam 418 on drum 302. When rollers 416 are moved outwardly by cam 418, anvil lift cam 406 pivots about pin 410 (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 28), causing anvil shaft 400 and anvil 204 to move upwardly. to rise to.

As shown in FIG. 21, a helical coil compression spring 420 is mounted around the lower end of shaft 400. The upper end of the spring 420 engages the lower side of the bearing block 404, and the spring 420
The bottom end of ring 4 is held onto the bottom of shaft 400 via an adjustable retaining nut 424.
22. The shaft is thus normally biased downwardly against the anvil cam 406 by the spring 420, holding the roller 416 against the control cam drum 302. In this lowered position, the anvil 204 abuts the lower strap (as illustrated in FIG. 10). However, as control cam drum 302 rotates in accordance with the control system described below, cam 418 engages cam roller 416 to raise anvil shaft 400 and anvil 204 to the raised position. Spring 4 on shaft 400
The force of 20 can be adjusted by nut 424.

The anvil rotates with shaft 400 to form the primary strap loop and performs vibrational friction fusion welding by motor 252 operated by a novel mechanism. Specifically, the 21st
Referring to the drawings and FIG. 24, the motor 252 includes a shaft 430 having a pulley 432 attached thereto for rotation therewith. A toothed drive belt 434 is stretched around pulley 432 and pulley 436. Pulley 436
A shaft 438 that rotates together with the shaft 438 is attached to the shaft 438. Shaft 438 rotates within a pair of bearing support blocks 440 and 442 (illustrated in FIG. 24 but omitted from FIG. 21 for clarity).

Projecting from the end of shaft 438 is an offset or eccentric cylindrical shaft 444 .
Eccentric shaft 444 carries a roller 446 that rotates freely on eccentric shaft 444 . Eccentric shaft 444 and roller 446
is housed within the opening 448 of the locker member 450.

Locker member 450 is mounted on anvil shaft 400 and includes a one-way clutch that engages shaft 400. As shown in FIG. 26, the clutch has a plurality of inward clutch teeth 452.
It is possible to make it a type with
The teeth 452 have a cylindrical roller 4 between them.
54, and the tooth 452 is the locking member 45.
0 is allowed to rotate freely around the shaft 400 in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 26), but when the rocker member 450 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 26), the roller 454 The locking member 450 and the shaft 400 are connected or restrained to the shaft 400 so that the rocker member 450 and the shaft 400 can be rotated as one unit. Such clutch mechanisms are well known and need no explanation.

The locker member clutch engages and disengages as necessary during rotation of the anvil to form the strap loop and during subsequent friction welding vibrations of the anvil. This operation will be described in detail after explaining the rocker guide and pawl mechanism that cooperate with the rocker member 450 and the control cam drum 302 to rotate the anvil by a predetermined arc.

As shown in FIGS. 21, 24, and 25, the top rocker guide 456 is attached to the shaft 400 via a pin 458 and an outwardly projecting projection 460 that engages a cam 462 on the control cam drum 302. It is equipped with cam 462
is carried on the end face of the control cam drum 302 and rotates in a circular motion in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil shaft 400. As cam 462 rotates into engagement with projection 460, shaft 400 and anvil 204 rotate together by a predetermined angle as cam 462 passes projection 460. This makes the strap 11th
From the feed pad 205 onto the guide surface 224 as shown.

The bottom rocker guide 464 is connected to the shaft 400 by a pin 466 below the rocker member 450.
installed on. As shown in FIG. 27, the bottom rocker guide 464 defines a notch or detent portion 468 along its outer periphery that receives and engages a pawl 470. As shown in FIG.
It is attached to the bottom of 4. A projection 474 projects outwardly from rocker member 450.

The end of pawl 470 opposite bottom rocker guide notch 468 defines a hole 476 in which a helical compression spring 478 is housed. A spring 478 projects outward from the hole 476 and engages the side surface of the rocker member 450 to lock the pawl 470 (the 24th
27 (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 27), it engages with the notch 468 of the bottom rocker guide 464.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21, 24, and 27, control cam drum 302 includes an additional cam 480 on its end surface that engages the distal end of pawl 470. Cam 480 is cam 4
62, it rotates in a circle in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil shaft 400.
Thus, as the control cam drum 302 rotates, the cam 480 engages the pawl 470 and the pawl 470 is separated from the notch 468 in the bottom rocker guide 464.

A pawl 470 is moved by a control cam protrusion 480 into a notch 46 in the bottom rocker guide 464.
8, the locking member 450 moves toward the anvil shaft 400 in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIG.
It can be rotated freely on the top. In this case eccentric shaft 4
44 rotates within rocker member opening 448, anvil shaft 400 rotates incrementally and unidirectionally about its longitudinal axis. That is, when eccentric shaft 444 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 24, roller 446 carried on eccentric shaft 444 engages the left hand side of opening 448 in rocker member 450. Therefore, the rocker member 450 is rotated (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 24). However, because clutch roller 454 is constrained between rocker member 450 and anvil shaft 400, shaft 400 necessarily rotates counterclockwise with the initial incremental rotation of rocker member 450.

As eccentric shaft 444 continues to rotate within opening 448 of rocker member 450, eccentric shaft 444
Upper roller 446 begins to engage the opposite side of rocker member 450, thus causing the rocker member to rotate in the opposite direction. In this direction of rotation, clutch roller 454 is released and anvil shaft 400 is not driven in that direction by rocker member 450. Therefore, anvil shaft 400 is stationary during one half of the eccentric shaft 444 rotation cycle. The anvil shaft 400 is thus incrementally driven in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 24 by one-half cycle, causing the anvil to rotate. This corresponds to the anvil movement illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 16.

When the control 302 is rotated so that the projection 480 completely passes the pawl 470, the pawl 470 is returned onto the periphery of the bottom rocker guide 464 by the biasing spring 478. However, as the bottom rocker guide 464 rotates with the anvil shaft 400, the pawl 470 does not engage the notch 468 until the anvil has made one complete rotation. After the anvil is rotated to its original position, the rear pawl 470 again engages the notch 468 in the bottom rocker guide 464.

When the pawl 470 re-engages with the notch 468 on the bottom rocker guide 464, the rocker member 450 moves into the second position.
When rotated half a cycle by eccentric shaft 444 clockwise in Figure 4, pawl 470 causes anvil shaft 400 to rotate slightly clockwise. On the other hand, the counterclockwise half-cycle rotation of locker member 450 causes anvil shaft 400 to rotate counterclockwise due to clutch engagement. That is, the rocker member 450 is
Movement relative to 00 is locked. Thus, nail 4
70 are engaged, when the eccentric shaft 444 rotates within the locker member opening 448, the locker member 4
50 and anvil shaft 400 are oscillated about the longitudinal axis of the anvil shaft.
This motion is utilized during the friction fusion welding process to join overlapping strap segments.

The sequence of operations for one complete tying cycle will now be described. The tying sequence begins just before the termination of the previous cycle ends, as the enlarged strap loop finishes forming. The expanded strap loop has approximately the orientation shown in FIG. 7A.

To begin the tying cycle, the package is placed within the extended strap loop of device 150 (FIG. 7A) and opposite cycle switch cover 158. The cycle switch (switch SW in FIG. 18) is activated by inward movement of the cycle switch cover 158.

The cycle switch energizes the strap feed and tension motor 250, causing the strap feed wheels 274 and 276 to be pressed together to tighten the loop around the package. Once the strap is pulled to a predetermined tension, the strap feed and tension motor 250 is stopped.

A suitable conventional electrical control circuit is connected to motor 2.
50 is detected and the cam drive motor 254 is energized, the switch cam drum 322 and the control cam drum 302 start rotating together with the camshaft 304. Similarly, strap feed and tension motor 250 is deenergized and motor 25
An electric brake (not shown) associated with zero is activated to maintain strap tension around the package.

Cam drive motor 254 rotates, causing camshaft 304 to rotate clockwise as viewed in FIG. The sequence of operation of the device occurs within the range of rotation of the camshaft 3041, as will be explained in detail below.

For convenience of explanation, the rotation of the camshaft 304 is as follows:
0 at the start of the last half of the previous tying cycle
It is assumed that the reference rotation position is in degrees. During the last half of the previous tying cycle, the camshaft 304 moved from the 0 degree reference position in forming a new expanded strap loop as illustrated in FIG. 7A.
It has finished rotating to the 150 degree position.

When the camshaft 304 has rotated 150 degrees and is ready to store the package in the expansion loop, the camshaft 304 is said to be in the "home position" and ready to begin a new packaging cycle. When a new package is placed in the loop and the cam drive motor 254 is activated, the camshaft 304 begins to rotate from its 150 degree "home position".

As the shaft 304 begins to rotate from the "home position", both the control cam drum 302 and the switch cam drum 322 rotate with the shaft. control cam drum 302
When the cam 380 has completed 160 degrees of rotation (i.e., 160 degrees of rotation from the reference position), the downwardly curved end of the cam 380 (FIGS. 21 and 28) engages the roller 367 on the feed pad activation arm 363. Start moving past. Next, the operating arm spring 375
rotates arm 363 about its pivot pin 373, raising feed pad 205 to the raised position. When the camshaft has rotated 174 degrees from the reference position, the feed pad 205 is fully raised. Further, at the camshaft rotation position of 174 degrees, the cam 382 begins to engage the roller 361 and raises the welding pad 218. At a rotational angle of 195 degrees from the camshaft's reference position, weld pad 218 has been raised to its maximum height. At this maximum height position, weld pad 2
The top of 18 is higher than the top of feed pad 205, forcing the overlapping strap segments upwardly against the underside of anvil 204, as shown in FIG.

In addition, as weld pad 218 moves upwardly, anvil 204 (anvil shaft 400
is raised by a small amount (against the biasing force of a compression spring 420 provided at the bottom of the frame). Anvil 2
04 upwardly allows the overlapping strap segments to rise off the strap cavity guide surface 224. As weld pad 218 and anvil 204 move upward together, cutter blade 248 cuts the trailing portion of the strap.

At the position where the camshaft has rotated 195 degrees,
The switch 341 is connected to the associated cam 331 (second
0), which energizes the anvil rotation and vibration motor 252 to weld the looped overlapping strap segments together.
In this welding position, the pawl 470 engages with the bottom rocker guide notch 468 (FIGS. 24 and 27), so that the locking member 450 locks the anvil shaft 400 due to the combined restraining effect of the pawl and the locking member.
is locked. Thus, as detailed above, when eccentric shaft 444 is rotated within rocker member 450 by motor 252, shaft 400 and anvil 20 connected thereto are rotated.
4 is vibrated to perform friction fusion welding. When the weld is being formed, anvil 204 and weld pad 218 are approximately in the position illustrated in FIG. 19.

The amplitude of the anvil vibration is preferably about 1/8 inch (3.2mm) and the frequency of vibration is preferably 5000
~6000 hertz. Under these conditions, the shaft and anvil are preferably vibrated for about 0.25 seconds to effect friction fusion welding of the overlapping strap segments.

When switch cam 331 passes switch 341 at the 295 degree rotational position of the camshaft, switch 341 is released (i.e., reset) to deenergize anvil rotation and vibration motor 252. Although anvil 204 is no longer vibrating, weld pad 218 and anvil 204 remain in their raised position, with the overlapping strap segments being pressed between them while the weld cools. Preferably, this holding time is about 0.1 seconds.

In the 315 degree rotational position of the camshaft, weld pad 218 is forced downwardly away from the welded strap. Specifically, cam 3
As 82 is conveyed past rollers 361, rollers 361 can be urged inwardly against cam drum 302 by springs 371 (FIG. 20). As a result, the weld pad 21
8 is pulled downward toward the lowered position. The weld pad reaches the lowest position after the control cam drum 302 has rotated 330 degrees from the reference position.

When weld pad 218 begins to move to its lowest position, 315 degrees of full camshaft rotation, anvil 204 moves further above strap guide surface 224. Specifically, cam 4
18 begins to engage roller 416, forcing it outwardly. For this reason, the anvil lift cam 406
pivots upward, pressing the anvil shaft 400 upward. This moves anvil 204 upward (further compressing shaft spring 420) and provides more clearance for removal of the tied package. The anvil reaches its maximum height when the camshaft 304 has rotated 330 degrees from the reference position.

At the 330 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the feed pad 205 begins to lower. To this end, cam 380 engages roller 367 on feed pad activation arm 363, causing the arm to pivot (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 28) and move feed pad 205 downwardly. In the 350 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the feed pad 205 has been moved to its lowermost position.

When the camshaft rotates 345 degrees, switch 3
42 is the switch cam 332 (Figs. 20 and 21).
The drive motor 254 started by (FIG.) is deenergized. The motor 254 coasts and slows to a stop until the camshaft 304 has rotated a full 360 degrees (ie, the first reference position is achieved). However, the package cage can be removed at any time once the anvil has been raised to its maximum height position (and the camshaft has rotated 330 degrees).

When the tied package is removed from the table of the tying device 150, the cycle switch cover 158 (FIG. 7A) is pressed and released to return to its original position and the cycle switch is reset.

Cam drive motor 254 is started again by resetting the cycle switch. This occurs with the camshaft in the reference position (0 degree position at full camshaft rotation). Switch 343 at the 15 degree rotation position of the camshaft.
is actuated by switch cam 333 (FIG. 20) to bias strap feed and tension motor 250 in the strap feed direction. Strap feed and tension motor 250 is energized through contacts in a conventional off-delay timer (not shown). Note that the contacts are closed via appropriate relays when switch 343 is actuated by cam 333. The timer is later activated to de-energize motor 250 at a desired time, as will be explained in detail below.

When motor 250 is energized as described above, feed wheels 274 and 276 rotate in a direction that advances strap S into the apparatus as shown in FIG. Specifically, referring to FIG. 21, feed wheel 274 is rotated clockwise as shown by arrow 490 while feed wheel 276 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow 492. At this stage of the process feed wheel 2
76 and its gear 284, the pivot plate 280 is rotated to the right (as viewed in FIGS. 21 and 23) by a suitable spring (not shown) against the strap S and the adjacent wheel 274. ) Please note that it is biased.

In the 32 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the control cam 380 engages the feed pad activation arm 36.
Since it passes through the roller 367 on spring 3,
75 can rotate the arm 363 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 28 to raise the feed pad 205. Similarly, the control cam 300 engages a roller 296 on an arm 290 mounted to a pivotally mounted feed wheel support plate 280. This causes plate 280 to pivot (to the left as viewed in FIG. 23), separating feed wheel 276 from feed wheel 274 and terminating strap feed. However, motor 250
continues to rotate.

At the 32 degree rotational position of the camshaft, downward movement of the anvil 204 is also initiated. Specifically, the control cam 418 is the anvil lift cam 4.
06 passes through the roller 416. This allows the anvil shaft 400 to move downward under the action of the spring 420. Rollers 416 on anvil lift cam 406 are urged inwardly against control cam drum 302 by springs 420. When the camshaft has rotated 34 degrees, the anvil 204 has returned to its lowermost position.

At the 35 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the feed wheel 276 has also been moved to its furthest position from the feed wheel 274.

At the 44 degree camshaft rotation position, the feed pad 205 has been raised to its maximum height position as illustrated in FIG.

The control cam drum 302 is moved from the reference position.
In the 44 degree rotated position, cam 480 (FIGS. 24 and 27) on the end surface of control cam drum 302 engages pawl 470. At the 79 degree camshaft rotation position, the pawl 470 has been moved to the extreme disengagement position (indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 27), thus causing the anvil shaft 400 to
can rotate counterclockwise with respect to rocker member 450.

In the 79 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the cam 46 on the end face of the control cam drum 302 also rotates.
2 engages projection 460 on top rocker guide 456, causing anvil shaft 400 and anvil 204 mounted thereon to move the free end of the strap away from raised feed pad 205, and as shown in FIGS. Rotate it onto the hollow guide surface 224 as illustrated. FIG. 10 shows the initial position of the anvil and feed pad, in which the anvil 204 is in its lowermost position and the feed pad 28
5 is in the raised position, with the free end of the strap lying on the feed pad 205. In FIG. 11, the anvil 204 (bottom lock guide 4
64 to rotate the anvil shaft and the anvil).
It is rotated so that it can be brought up.

In addition, at the 79 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the switch cam 331 is connected to the switch 341 (second
0), start the anvil rotation and vibration motor 2.
52 is energized. Thus eccentric shaft 444
(FIG. 24) is rotated within rocker member 450. As detailed above, the eccentric shaft 44
4 causes the rocker member 450 to vibrate, the shaft 400 is moved via the rocker member clutch (second
The first
Anvil 204 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 16
is rotated around the hollow guide surface 224. Strap feed wheel 276 is held spaced apart from feed wheel 274 so that the strap can be threaded by anvil 204 through the device as needed during formation of the primary strap loop as shown in FIG. reel 1
62.

In the 95 degree rotational position of the camshaft, switch cam 331 has passed switch 341, which is thus reset and anvil rotation motor 252 is deenergized. The strap is restrained by anvil 204, which is partially suspended from the front face 230 (Figure 7B).

At the 95 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the cam 380 on the control cam drum 302 begins to engage the feed pad activation arm 367, causing the arm 3
63 so that the feed pad 205 is moved toward the lowered position (counterclockwise as seen in Figure 28).
Pivot.

In the rotational position of the camshaft between 79 degrees and 95 degrees, the control cam 480 on the end of the control cam drum 302 passes past the pawl 470 and away from it (FIG. 27) so that the pawl 47
8 can press the pawl 470 against the periphery of the bottom lock guide 464. however,
The anvil shaft and bottom rocker guide are rotated to convey the notch 468 past the pawl 470 so that the pawl 470 rotates to the position of FIG. 16 where the anvil 204 responds to a 95 degree rotational position of the camshaft. It does not engage with the bottom rocker guide notch 468 until it is engaged.

At the 104 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the control cam 300 is positioned such that the roller 296 on the arm 290 begins to move inwardly toward the control cam drum 302 such that the feed wheel 276 is (under the action of a spring) inwardly towards the feed wheels 274 and press the strap S between them. At the 112 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the feed wheels 276 have completed their travel relative to the feed wheels 274 and are ready to frictionally grip the straps S and advance them to expand the loop. ing.

Also, at the 112 degree rotational position of the camshaft, the control cam 380 is fully engaged with the roller 36.
7 and meshing arm 363 and feed pad 205
is rotated so as to move it to the lowest position.

Motor 250 is still energized, causing feed wheel 204 to rotate in the strap feeding direction. Therefore, when the feed wheel 276 makes a return movement against the feed wheel 274 with the strap S sandwiched between them, the strap S is immediately advanced through the device to spread out the loop.
At this point, anvil 204 is positioned to retain the still overlapping strap ends on guide surface 224 as illustrated in FIG.

The strap feed motor 250 continues to rotate and the strap is fed to enlarge the loop by a predetermined time interval, thus providing a loop with the desired dimensions. This dimension is determined by the aforementioned off-delay timer (not shown) suitably connected within the control circuitry of motor 250.

The contacts of the off-delay timer are initially connected to the motor 25.
Closed to energize 0. Closing of the timer contacts was effected via appropriate relays in response to actuation of switch 343 by cam 333 at the 15 degree rotational position of the camshaft. Thus, after a new primary strap loop has been formed, motor 250 continues to rotate, expanding the strap loop as the camshaft continues to rotate.

At the 134 degree rotational position of the camshaft, cam 333 passes switch 343 causing it to reset. Resetting switch 343 also initiates the off-delay timer timing sequence. This timing sequence causes the timer contacts in the motor circuit to maintain for a predetermined time interval. Thus, energization of motor 250 continues and the strap loop is further expanded. At the end of the preset time interval, the contacts of the off-delay timer open and the motor 250 is deenergized, terminating the expansion of the strap loop to the desired dimension.

Also, at the 134 degree rotational position of the camshaft,
Switch cam 332 passes switch 342, thus resetting switch 342 and deenergizing drive motor 254. The cam drive motor 254 decelerates and stops at the 150 degree rotational position of the camshaft. At this point, the camshaft 304 and the switch cam drum 322
and the control cam drum 302 carried thereon is in the home position. The enlarged strap loop is now ready to accommodate a new package, and the device now appears as illustrated in FIG. 7A. In this state, the device is ready to begin the next tying cycle by inserting the next package into the loop and against the cycle switch (see Figures 17 and 18). ).

(Effects of the Invention) As can be understood from the above explanation, in the present invention, a small loop is formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the guide surface by pressing the free end of the strap against the guide surface and making the strap go around the guide surface. I'm letting you do it. Its mechanism is original, simple and compact.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

In the figures, similar parts are numbered similarly. 1 to 6 schematically illustrate, in numerical order, the steps of the method of the invention. 7th
Figure A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, showing an enlarged strap loop formed to accommodate articles bound by the straps. FIG. 7B is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 7A, illustrating the anvil assembly. 8-19 are enlarged, fragmentary views of the anvil assembly of the device of FIG. 7A, with portions of the device removed to better illustrate internal details. These figures also show the sequence of steps for forming the strap loops and tying the packages with the strap pools. FIG. 20 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the device of FIG. 7A, with the outer housing removed to illustrate the internal mechanisms. FIG. 21 is a further enlarged perspective development view of some of the mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 20, and some of the mechanical parts are omitted for clarity. 22 is a fragmentary, scaled-down plan view of the internal mechanism of the device illustrated in FIG. 20, and FIG. 23 is a plane 23-23 of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a highly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 24--24 of FIG. 21; FIG. 24 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the top rocker guide and control cam; FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the anvil shaft and rocker member of FIG. 24; and FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top rocker guide and control cam of FIG.
7-27, FIG. 28 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view of the bottom rocker guide, pawl and control cam taken along plane 28-28 of FIG. cross-sectional view,
FIG. 29 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along plane 29-29 of FIG. 28. 124...Katsuta cutlery, 154...Table,
164...Anvil assembly, 204...Anvil, 205...Feeding pad, 218...Welding pad, 224...Guide surface, 250...Strap feed motor, 252...Anvil rotation motor,
254...Cam drive motor, 274, 276...
Feed wheel, 300...cam, 302...cam drum, 359...welding pad starting arm, 36
1...Roller, 363...Starting arm, 367...
...Roller, 400...Shaft, 406...Cam, 416...Roller, 418...Cam, 420
... Spring, 444 ... Eccentric shaft, 446 ...
Roller, 450... Locker member, 460... Protrusion, 462... Cam, 470... Claw.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A method of forming and fixing a strap S loop around an article P, supplying a strap S to form a primary strap loop L _P , and distributing the primary strap loop L _P in a predetermined manner. Expand the expanded loop L _F to a size L F, perform a relative movement between the article and the expanded loop so that the expanded loop L _F is positioned around the article P, and join the overlapping ends of the expanded loop. (a) the first surface 110 of the strap S is pressed by a movable pusher member or anvil 104, 204 to force the second surface 112 of the strap into the guide surface 110, 224, 225, (b) the anvil moves while pressing the strap against the guide surface, moving the leading portion of the strap starting from its initial position and returning to its original position in a closed loop; (c) said ( b) During the operation, the trailing part of the strap is guided in such a way that part of it remains in the vicinity of said initial position, so that the strap forms said loop L _P and said leading part remains in the vicinity of said initial position. A method in which the part and part of the trailing part are arranged to overlap. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said operation (a) is carried out by raising the feed pad 20 whose top surface functions as part of the guide surface.
In contrast to No. 5, the method includes an operation of pressing the strap. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation (c) is carried out in the groove 10 adjacent to the guide surface.
2,228. 4. A method according to claim 1, in which the leading portion is moved by an anvil along an arc on a guide surface. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operations (a), (b), and (c) are carried out on the second portion of the leading portion.
The method is carried out in such a way that a surface is positioned opposite a first surface of a portion of the trailing portion adjacent to the leading portion. 6. In the method according to claim 1, when the operations (b) and (c) are performed, the primary strap loops are arranged so that the strap dimensions, strap elasticity, primary loop size, etc. interfere with each other. The method is such that the primary strap loop twists away from the guide surface when a sufficient force is exerted on the primary strap loop. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a primary strap loop is formed and expanded into an expanded loop of predetermined size, and after the expanded loop is positioned around the article, the strap is retracted to open the loop. method of shrinking and tightening the loop around the item. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said operation (a) pushes a portion of the strap adjacent the free end of the strap upwardly with the pad 205 in contact with the second surface of the strap. , applying a downward force to the anvil against the first surface of the strap to press a portion of the strap against the pad; and rotating the anvil while keeping it in contact with the pressed strap portion to release the pressed strap. Move the part from the pad onto the guide surface,
A method comprising forming a primary strap loop. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, after operation (c), continuing operation (a) and expanding the primary strap loop L _P into an expanded loop L _F of a predetermined size. How to be. 10 Apparatus for forming a strap loop S and securing the loop around an article P, supplying a strap to form a primary strap loop L _P , and enlarging the primary strap loop to form an expanded loop of a predetermined size. L _F is formed, relative movement is performed between the expanded loop and the article such that the loop is positioned around the article, the overlapping portions of the expanded loop are joined together, and the loop is fixed around the article. (a) a guide surface 10 against which the strap S is pressed;
0,224,205; (b) an anvil 104, 204 pressing against the first surface 110 of the strap and pressing a second surface 112 of the strap against the guide surface; and (c) an anvil 104, 204 pressing the strap against the guide surface. (d) moving a portion of the trailing portion of the strap in the vicinity of said initial position; a split groove 102, 228 for guiding the strap so that the leading portion of the strap overlaps a portion of the trailing portion. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the guide surface is an arcuate path along which the strap is moved while being pressed against it. 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein a vertically reciprocating feed pad is provided, and when the pad is lifted, the top surface of the pad functions as part of the guide surface and the pad When the cam drum 302 is lowered, it is possible to pass a strap over the pad, and the pad is connected to a starting arm 363, and a roller 367 attached to the arm moves the cam drum 302.
cam 380 of the strap to lift the pad below the strap and move a portion of the strap at least to the level of the guide surface, the anvil having a shaft 400 and a cam 406
engages the shaft, the roller 416 of the cam engages the cam 418 of the cam drum 302 to raise the anvil above the guide surface, and the anvil is directed downwardly toward a strap supported on the pad. The anvil shaft 400 is moved by the motor 252 to a pulley 432, a belt 434, and a pulley 436.
An eccentric shaft 444 driven through
Driven through a one-way clutch in rocker member 450, the locker member 450 is rotated to move the strap over the raised feed pad and onto the guide surface to form a primary strap loop, with a portion of the anvil resting on the remaining guide surface. A switch 341 is provided to stop the rotation of the anvil when partially overlapping the section, and a cam 300 is provided to control the strap feeder to feed more straps to enlarge the primary strap loop. a vertically reciprocating weld pad 218 is provided movable between a high position and a low position adjacent the remaining portion of the guide surface, and an activation arm coupled to the weld pad 218; The roller 361 attached to the roller 359 is the cam 3 of the cam drum 302.
82, moving the weld pad to the elevated position, compressing the leading portion and a portion of the trailing portion between the weld pad and the overlapping portion of the anvil; A cutter blade 248 is provided to separate the strap from the remaining strap, and a spring-loaded pawl 470 is pivotally mounted on the locker member and engages a notch 468 in a lock guide 464 secured to the shaft 400. , the locking member 4 in cooperation with the one-way clutch.
50 is locked onto an anvil shaft 400, the leading part and the trailing part adjacent thereto are sandwiched between the anvil and the welding pad, and the anvil is vibrated to effect friction welding of the expanded loop. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the strap feeding device is adapted to retract the trailing portion of the strap to tighten the loop around the article after the expanding loop has been placed around the article. Device. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the guide surface is substantially planar, and wherein the guide surface, the anvil, the motor driving the anvil, and the strap feeder are configured to control the dimensions and elasticity of the strap, the primary strap If the size of the loops interferes and acts on the primary strap loop, the primary strap loop and expansion loop are raised in a plane that forms a certain angle to the guide surface, and the expansion loop also acts on the guide surface. Rib 159 that engages a portion of the strap of the expansion loop when it is about to tip over onto a surface.
A device equipped with 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the two ribs are spaced apart and adapted to receive a portion of the expansion loop strap therebetween.