Strapping device for packing machine

Abstract

A strapping device 1 for strapping flat objects stacked in bundles for a packing machine. A strap applicator attaches together the flat objects of each bundle. A first conveyor 60 moves each bundle from the entrance of the strapping device 1 to the strap applicator, and a second conveyor 70 moves each strapped bundle from the strap applicator to the exit of the strapping device 1 . The strap applicator is integrated into a standalone unit 10 which is independent of the first and second conveyor 70 , and which is mounted so as to be extracted from the strapping device 1.

1 . A strapping device for strapping flat objects stacked in bundles for a packing machine, the strapping device comprising:
 the strapping device having an entrance for a bundle of flat objects and an exit for strapped bundles of the objects;   a strap applicator for strapping together a plurality of the flat objects for producing each bundle;   a first conveyor configured and operable for moving each bundle from the entrance of the strapping device to the strapping applicator;   a second conveyor configured and operable for moving each strapped bundle from the strap applicator to the exit of the strapping device;   a standalone unit into which the strap applicator is integrated, the unit is independent of both the first conveyor and the second conveyor and is so mounted and positioned in the strapping device and so configured as to be extractable from the entire strapping device.   
     
     
         2 . A strapping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the standalone unit is mounted in the strapping device to be moved between an internal position, in which the standalone unit and the strap applicator operate inside the strapping device, and an external position, in which they are outside the strapping device. 
     
     
         3 . A strapping device according to  claim 2 , wherein the standalone unit comprises a transport device configured to move the standalone unit between the internal position and the external position. 
     
     
         4 . A strapping device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a guide configured for guiding movement of the standalone unit between the internal position and the external position. 
     
     
         5 . A strapping device according to  claim 4 , wherein the guide comprises:
 at least one internal guide rail attached inside the strapping device, and at least one external guide rail removably mounted outside the strapping device; each external guide rail is substantially in line with a respective internal guide rails; both of the internal and the external guide rails are configured to interact directly with the transport device of the strapping unit.   
     
     
         6 . A strapping device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a centering device configured for positioning the standalone unit inside the strapping device. 
     
     
         7 . A strapping device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a locking device configured for immobilizing the standalone unit inside the strapping device. 
     
     
         8 . A strapping device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the conveyors comprises a bundle conveyance member, which is operative to convey bundles of the objects up to inside the standalone unit and which is mounted and configured for moving between an active position, in which the conveyance member extends substantially in a plane along which the bundles travel in the strapping device, and a passive position in which, the conveyance member is at a distance from the standalone unit in order to allow movement of the unit. 
     
     
         9 . A strapping device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conveyance member is mounted to pivot relative to an axis thereof which is transverse relative to the strapping device and which is at a distance from the standalone unit. 
     
     
         10 . A strapping device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conveyor comprises a locking device configured for immobilizing the conveyance member in the active position. 
     
     
         11 . A strapping device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conveyor comprises an assistance device configured and operable for driving the conveyance member to the passive position. 
     
     
         12 . A machine for packing flat objects of the folding box type comprising at least one strapping device according to  claim 1 .