Apparatus for strapping packages
AssigneeSignode Industrial Group LLC
InventorsFriedhelm Schulz, Martin Spasov
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method for arranging an edge-protection device on a package. For this purpose, an arranging device is moved from a starting position in the direction of the package. The package edge is sensed by way of a first or a second sensor. Which sensor is to be used is determined by a controller. To this end, the latter checks whether one of the sensors is arranged above the package top side. Also disclosed is an arranging device, which is used in the abovementioned method.
Claims21
1-22. (canceled)
An apparatus for strapping a package, the apparatus comprising:
- a packaging table for supporting the package during strapping;
- a track above the packaging table;
- a carriage movable along the track in a forward direction from a starting position toward the package and in a backward direction opposite the forward direction, the carriage having:
- a carriage front;
- a carriage back;
- a first detection device closer to the carriage front than the carriage back;
- a second detection device closer to the carriage back than the carriage front;
- and
- a gripper configured to receive, hold, and release an edge protector;
- and
- a controller configured to, after the package has been introduced onto the packaging table and the gripper has received and held the edge protector:
- determine whether the first detection device detects the package while the carriage is in the starting position;
- and
- responsive to the first detection device detecting the package while the carriage is in the starting position:
- move the carriage in the forward direction until the second detection device detects the package;
- and
- responsive to the second detection device detecting the package, move the carriage in the backward direction until the carriage reaches an arrangement position at which the edge protector is to be released.
An edge-protector positioning method comprising:
- introducing a package on a packaging table;
- while a carriage positioned above the packaging table is holding an edge protector and in a starting position, determining whether a first detection device of the carriage detects the package;
- and
- responsive to the first detection device detecting the package while the carriage is in the starting position:
- moving the carriage in a forward direction from the starting position toward the package until a second detection device of the carriage detects the package;
- and
- responsive to the second detection device detecting the package, moving the carriage in a backward direction opposite the forward direction until the carriage reaches an arrangement position at which the edge protector is to be released.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.