Method and device for making packs

Abstract

A method for making packs of in each case at least two coupled articles which are held together by a strap wherein said strap is tensioned in a horizontally manner about the outer surfaces of the articles. Said strap is laid about the articles during a continuous conveying process and fixed afterwards. A device for handling, conveying, packing and/or palletizing articles, wherein said device includes at least a horizontal conveying means for continuously conveying articles, a device for making packs of in each case at least two grouped and coupled articles as well as a subsequent grouping device for arranging the packs opposite to other packs and for the subsequent making of pallet layers and/or for the preparation of a palletizing afterwards.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for making packs each pack having at least two coupled articles held together by a strapping means, the strapping means having at least one strap arranged horizontally and stretched onto the outer surfaces of the articles, the method comprising:
 after entry of a container formation in a strapping module, moving the strapping applicator with the X and Z portal axes over the respective formation;   synchronizing the strapping applicator with the X axis to the feeding speed of the conveyor; and   lowering the strapping applicator via the Z axis onto a strapping level, wherein while the strapping applicator moves with the container formation, the strapping applicator straps the container formation with the at least one strapping means tensioned around the outer surfaces of the articles and afterwards fixed on each end in a pre-stressed state.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the strapping means is applied during the continuous conveying of the articles in a continuous process around said articles. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in claim I wherein the strapping means includes a plurality of straps tensioned around the outer surfaces of the articles and afterwards fixed on each end in a pre-stressed state. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the strap is made of rope material, wire, polymer, metal, paper or a composite material fixed on its ends by gluing, welding, cramping, knotting or other. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the strapping applicator is connected to a gantry robot, or buckling-arm robot, which moves the strapping applicator during the application of the strapping means in a vertical direction over the articles and simultaneously moves horizontally in the conveying direction of the articles with said articles. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein a strapping unit including the strapping applicator shifts or rotates the articles that form the packs, after the application of the strapping means onto the surface area of the horizontal conveyor for arranging the articles opposite to other packs and for the subsequent making of pallet layers and/or for preparing a palletizing afterwards. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1  further comprising applying and fixing a carrier handle during or after the application of the strapping means onto the outer surface of the pack and/or onto the strapping means.