WO2009011469A1

WO2009011469A1 - Automatic bundle packing apparatus using bonding tape

Info

Publication number: WO2009011469A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003443
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tae-Pyo Park; Cheol-Hee Park
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-13
Filing date: 2007-07-13
Publication date: 2009-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2010-01-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bundle packing apparatus, and more particularly, to a bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape, for packing a predetermined number of one or more binding targets in a unit bundle using a thermoplastic binding tape, thermally fusing the binding tape, and promoting a firm and rapid work and allowing a close bonding of a bonding part of a binding tape binding binding targets, thereby binding the binding targets in a unit bundle.

Description

AUTOMATIC BUNDLE PACKING APPARATUS USING BONDING TAPE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bundle packing apparatus, and more particularly, to a bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape, for packing a predetermined number of one or more binding targets in a unit bundle using a thermoplastic binding tape, thermally fusing the binding tape, and promoting a firm and rapid work. Background Art

In general, farms producing agricultural products such as radish, cabbage, scallion, etc. or industries producing industrial products such as an electric wire, a hose, etc. (Hereinafter, referred to as "binding target") require binding binding targets by a predetermined amount to facilitate transportation and sale. For this, most farms or industries use a method for, by a manual work, binding the binding targets in a bundle one by one. Thus, it takes a long time as well as it is very hard to do such. Specifically, an enormous amount of manpower and economic loss was brought about in agricultural villages short of manpower, it frequently happens that poor binding caused unwanted unbinding, and poor appearance deteriorated the value of products. In order to provide a solution to the above defects, there has been provided Korean Patent Application No. 2006- 25936 entitled "Bundle Packing Apparatus Using Binding Tape" earlier filed by this applicant as shown in FIG. 7. This invention is referred to as "Prior Invention" hereinafter. In a brief description with reference to FIG. 8, the prior invention includes a club head 2 in which tension rollers are provided at both insides of an arm 1; a "U"-shaped transfer hopper 8 rotating in engagement with a chain; a bonding and cutting head 3 including an assembly of a push stick 7, a cutter 6, and a heater 4; a horizontal activating unit 5 for activating the cutting head in a direction of front/rear; a tension control unit 9; a tension support guide 8a of the transfer hopper 8, etc.

In the prior invention, as the activation arm is activated down and the club head is pressed to the heater, bonding and cutting are performed. There was a disadvantage that a fusion part is not formed smoothly because of a poor contact power of a horizontal transfer device. Specifically, in bonding and cutting, the binding targets is not bound well, the binding tape is not fused, and cutting is not done well by a cutter because the club head is pushed out as if being bounced due to malfunction. In addition, there was a disadvantage that a fusion part of the binding tape binding the binding targets in a bundle is easily separated and the binding targets is damaged or is fallen and destroyed. In the prior invention, there was a drawback that the binding tape is released when being pulled or wound around the binding targets because of a weak holding power of the tension roller catching the binding tape.

The roller winding the binding tape around is installed under the table such that the binding tape is forcibly supplied as being pulled from top to bottom. This causes a malfunction that the binding tape is released from the club head or a bundle is loosely bound when the binding tape is pulled or wound around the binding targets. There was a drawback that an insufficient space makes installation difficult and makes a smooth supply of the binding tape difficult. In addition, installation or replacement is inconvenient, and repair and conservation are difficult.

Also, there was a drawback that the ^vU"-shaped hopper makes an introduction of the binding targets inconvenient, causes a damage of the binding targets during introduction, the binding targets is broken in the worst while a tension support guide presses and clumps the binding target, and a bundle of the binding targets is not bound and supported at regularity because the tension control unit does not support the tension support guide by a proper force. Disclosure Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Technical Solution

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, there is provided a bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape. The apparatus comprises a binding tape (T) wound around binding targets 100 and thermally fused and bonded; a table 10 having a guide groove 13 provided lengthwise and a through-hole 14 provided at one side; a hopper 30 for housing the binding targets 100; an elastic support guide 35 for pressing a cover of the hopper 30; a transfer motor 20 for driving a chain 25 coupled with the hopper 30 and installed in the guide groove 13; and an activation arm 60 for performing sectional activation over the table 10. A tape wheel 70 is installed over the table 10 and supplies the binding tape (T) . The activation arm 60 comprises at least one guide 66, a bundle bar 67 protruding downward from an end, and a press part 61, and guides and winds the binding tape (T) around the binding target. A heater 40 corresponding to the press part 61 is installed under the through-hole 14 and bonds the binding tape by fusion. A pusher 42 interworking with a driving motor 45 is installed under the heater 40 and clumps the binding target. A tape holder 50 engaged by a pair of gears 51 is installed at one side of the pusher 42 and holds a lower end of the binding tape (T) . A cutter 54 having a blade is provided at an end of a folding member 54 interworking with a driving motor 57 at one side under the heater 40.

The activation arm 60 may be constructed to operate as an activation cam 63 interworking with a driving motor 62. Advantageous Effects The present invention allows a close bonding of a bonding part of a binding tape binding binding targets, thereby solving the above drawbacks and concurrently providing the following effects of binding the binding targets in a unit bundle.

First, the present invention installs a tape wheel over a table such that a binding tape can be naturally advanced down and smoothly supplied.

Second, the present invention can prevent the binding tape from being twisted or released from the activation arm by a guide provided at an activation arm and enable the binding tape to uniformly and regularly bind the binding targets.

Third, the present invention facilitates housing of binding targets of a variety of standards such as a size or a volume. In addition, the present invention enables a cover to sufficiently press and clump the binding targets housed in the hopper by an elastic support guide extending in a forward direction of the hopper and enables binding of the binding targets in a predetermined bundle.

Fourth, the present invention provides an advantage of preventing a malfunction by continuously activating a pusher and a cutter interworking with respective driving motors when pulling the binding tape by the activation arm and closely adhering and thermally fusing the binding tape to a heater. Also, the present invention provides an effect of closely binding the binding targets by the binding tape and concurrently, firmly bonding the binding tape, smoothly cutting and finishing a bonding part, preventing a damage of a product, enhancing a value of packing, and doubling a value of a product.

Fifth, the present invention provides an effect of engaging and fixing a tape holder holding a lower end of the binding tape by a gear, thereby resulting in firm fixation, preventing a release of the binding tape, and closely binding the binding targets. Sixth, the present invention provides an effect of providing a manual lever activating the pusher and the cutter and enabling a manual work by partial processes.

Also, the present invention has an advantage of broad applicability to industrial fields because it can bind, binding targets of a variety of kinds such as an electric wire or a hose including agricultural products such as vegetables and greens in a bundle. In other words, a hopper can be replaced and installed in a different type according to a type or a usage of the binding target, thereby enabling a wider use. Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a front view and a right side view illustrating an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4, 4A, 5, and 5A are perspective cut-away views illustrating a main part of an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 6A are views illustrating operation states of an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a disassembled perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to a conventional art . Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are a front view and a right side view illustrating an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the automatic bundle packing apparatus includes a table 10 having a predetermined height and having a frame 11 and a plurality of legs 12 coupled to a lower part of the frame 11; a hopper 30 for housing a plurality of binding targets 100 over the table 10; a tape wheel 70 at one upper side of which a binding tape (T) is wound; and an activation arm 60 installed under the tape wheel 70.

The table 10 includes a plurality of guide grooves 13 extending in a lengthwise direction and guiding a transfer of the hopper 30; and a through-hole 14 provided at one side. Further, driving shafts 22 are transversely installed at both sides of the table 10. Sprockets 24 are disposed in the guide grooves 13 of the table. A chain 25 is coupled to connect the both-side sprockets 24 in the guide groove 13. An idle shaft 22a controllable in height is transversely installed at supports 23 provided at both sides under the table 10. The idle shaft 22a controls a tension of the chain 25. A sprocket 24a is coupled to correspond to the sprocket 24 and connects with the chain 25.

The hopper 30 is bent upward at both-side flat plates and extends in front to prevent a damage of binding targets and facilitate housing. A second hopper 30a with a cover 32 is installed to be at a distance in rear of the hopper 30. The binding tape is bound between the hopper 30 and the second hopper 30a. The hopper 30 is provided at least one. The hopper 30 is coupled with the chain 25 by attaching the chain 25 provided at regular intervals and is transferred along the guide groove 13.

The hoppers 30 and 30a can alter in structure depending on a kind and a type of the binding targets (T) . This does not only prevent a damage of the binding targets (T) but also facilitates housing, regularly binds the binding targets (T) in a bundle, and is applicable to broad industrial fields.

FIGS. 4, 4A, 5, and 5A are perspective cut-away views illustrating a main part of an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention.

An elastic support guide 35 installed at one upper side of the table 10 extends in a forward direction of the second hopper 30a and connects with a support 37 coupled at both sides with a spring 36. Thus, the elastic support guide 35 elastically presses a protrusion jaw 33 of the cover 32.

The tape wheel 70 is coupled with a shaft 72 and is rotatably installed at a support 73. As shown in FIG. 4A, a tension band 75 hangs on a roller 71 coupled to one side of the shaft 72. The tension band 75 connects with a bracket 74 fixed to the support 73. One-side lower end is connected with and supported by the bracket 74 via a spring 75. Thus, the spring 75a provides a restoration force in an opposite direction to advancing a binding tape. In detail, the binding tape can be supplied in a tension state because a pulling force not to continuously unwind the binding tape acts.

The activation arm 60 includes a plurality of guides 66 for guiding the binding tape on an upper curved surface part; a press part 61 provided at an end; and a bundle bar 67 protruding downward. The binding tape hangs under the bundle bar 67 via the guide 66.

As in FIG. 4A, a rotary bar 64 is coupled to one end of the driving shaft 65 coupled with the activation arm 60. The rotary bar 64 is engaged with an operation cam 63 interworking with a cam gear 63a and is operated as a cam. The cam gear 63a connects and interworks with a driving motor 62 via a gear box 62a. A spring 64a fixed to the support 73 is connected to one end of the rotary bar 64.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A, a heater 40, a pusher 42, a tape holder 50, and a cutter 53 are installed inside under the table, in more detail, under the through-hole 14, and are supported by a support 46 installed at the frame 11.

A middle support 48 inserted to the guide 46 is coupled with the heater 40. A pusher 42 is positioned under the heater 40. The pusher 42 is installed in front of a slider 43 and is slid along a guide bar 44. The slider 43 is connected with a gear box 45 for converting a rotary motion into a straight-line motion and interworks with the driving motor 45. The tape holder 50 is installed facing a front of the pusher 43. The tape holder 50 is equipped with a pair of holder gears 51 that are engaged up/down with a support 52 inserted. The tape holder 50 holds the inserted binding tape. In more detail, the holder gears 51 are supported by a spring and are engaged with each other. The lower holder gear is such that the binding tape can be inserted as pushing down through a flow hole. The upper holder gear, which is a ratchet 51a, is such that the binding tape rotates only in a direction of introduction and prevents a release of the binding tape.

The cutter 53 is installed at one side of the tape holder 50. The cutter 53 is pin connected with folding members 53 intersecting with each other in an "X" form. The cutter 53 has blades intersecting like scissors in its front. The cutter 53 is hinge connected at one side with a support 58. The cutter 53 is connected at an end with a slider 55 sliding along a guide bar 56. The slider 55 interworks with a driving motor 57 through a gear box 57a converting a rotary motion into a straight-line motion. In detail, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the slider 55 is pulled to the rear with respect to a central pin 54a fixed to the support 58, the folding member 54 is unfolded. At the same time, as the cutter 53 advances, the blade is crossed to cut the binding tape. Vice versa, if the slider 55 advances, the cutter is restored to an original state as the folding member 54 is folded. Manual levers 47 and 59 each are provided to the gear boxes 45a and 57a. The manual levers 47 and 59 are constructed such that an activation of the manual levers 47 and 59 leads to a front/rear activation of the sliders 43 and 55 and thus an activation of the pusher 42 and the cutter 53.

A sensor 82 sensing binding targets is provided under the through-hole 14. The sensor 82 is constructed such that upon sensing the binding targets, the hopper 30 stops at a middle of the through-hole 14 to bind the binding targets in a bundle and otherwise, the hopper 30 passes. Non-described numeral 80 denotes an operation panel including a controller and a power source.

FIGS. 6 and 6A are views illustrating operation states of an automatic bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape according to the present invention.

The above-constructed automatic bundle binding apparatus using the binding tape operates as follows. A description with reference to the accompanied drawings will be made. The binding tape (T) is drawn out from the tape wheel 70 and extends down via the guide 66. The binding tape (T) is caught and held at its end by the tape holder 50.

After the hopper 30 houses a predetermined amount of binding targets 100 and covers the cover 32, the hopper 30 is transferred along the guide groove 13. As the protrusion jaw 33 presses the elastic support guide 35, it presses the cover 32 incompletely covered downward and hardens and clumps the binding targets together. As shown in FIG. 6, the binding tape (T) is wound, hanging around the binding targets through a space between the hopper 30 and the second hopper 30a. The binding tape (T) is strained and prevented from looseness by an elastic support force of the tension band 75.

As in FIG. 6, the activation arm 60 performs sectional activation and descends through the through-hole 14. At this time, the binding tape is pulled, hanging on the outsides of the bundle bar 67 and the press part 61. Thus, the binding tape binds the binding tarcjets, fully winding around the binding targets. After the press part 61 closely adheres and closely presses both sides of the binding tape surrounding the binding targets to the heater 40, thermal fusion and bonding are performed. As the pusher 42 advances, the pusher 42 advances over the bundle bar, pulls the binding tape (T) winding around the binding target, clusters the binding targets together, and concurrently pushes and firmly holds the binding targets between the front holder gears 51 and is restored to an original position. At the same time, as the cutter 53 advances, the cutter 53 crosses the blades with each other, cuts a lower part of a fusion part of the binding tape, and is restored to an original position.

The activation arm 60 is elevated and restored to an original position, thereby completing a procedure of binding the binding targets in a bundle. After that, the hopper advances, reaches one side of the table, opens the cover, and discharges the bound binding targets. Also, during execution of the procedure, a worker can house the binding targets in a previous empty hopper 30 and implement a sequential work. Industrial Applicability

First, the present invention installs a tape wheel over a table such that a binding tape can be naturally advanced down and smoothly supplied. Second, the present invention can prevent the binding tape from being twisted or released from the activation arm by a guide provided at an activation arm and enable the binding tape to uniformly and regularly bind the binding targets . Third, the present invention facilitates housing of binding targets of a variety of standards such as a size or a volume. In addition, the present invention enables a cover to sufficiently press and clump the binding targets housed in the hopper by an elastic support guide extending in a forward direction of the hopper and enables binding of the binding targets in a predetermined bundle. Fourth, the present invention provides an advantage of preventing a malfunction by continuously activating a pusher and a cutter interworking with respective driving motors when pulling the binding tape by the activation arm and closely adhering and thermally fusing the binding tape to a heater. Also, the present invention provides an effect of closely binding the binding targets by the binding tape and concurrently, firmly bonding the binding tape, smoothly cutting and finishing a bonding part, preventing a damage of a product, enhancing a value of packing, and doubling a value of a product.

Fifth, the present invention provides an effect of engaging and fixing a tape holder holding a lower end of the binding tape by a gear, thereby resulting in firm fixation, preventing a release of the binding tape, and closely binding the binding targets.

Sixth, the present invention provides an effect of providing a manual lever activating the pusher and the cutter and enabling a manual work by partial processes. Also, the present invention has an advantage of broad applicability to industrial fields because it can bind, binding targets of a variety of kinds such as an electric wire or a hose including agricultural products such as vegetables and greens in a bundle. In other words, a hopper can be replaced and installed in a different type according to a type or a usage of the binding target, thereby enabling a wider use.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents .

Claims

1. A bundle packing apparatus using a binding tape, comprising : a binding tape (T) wound around binding targets 100 and thermally fused and bonded; a table 10 having a guide groove 13 provided lengthwise and a through-hole 14 provided at one side; a hopper 30 for housing the binding targets 100; an elastic support guide 35 for pressing a cover of the hopper 30; a transfer motor 20 for driving a chain 25 coupled with the hopper 30 and installed in the guide groove 13; and an activation arm 60 for performing sectional activation over the table 10, wherein a tape wheel 70 is installed over the table 10 and supplies the binding tape (T) , wherein the activation arm 60 comprises at least one guide 66, a bundle bar 67 protruding downward from an end, and a press part 61, and guides and winds the binding tape (T) around the binding target, wherein a heater 40 corresponding to the press part 61 is installed under the through-hole 14 and bonds the binding tape by fusion, wherein a pusher 42 interworking with a driving motor 45 is installed under the heater 40 and clumps the binding target, wherein a tape holder 50 engaged by a pair of gears 51 is installed at one side of the pusher 42 and holds a lower end of the binding tape (T) , and wherein a cutter 54 having a blade is provided at an end of a folding member 54 interworking with a driving motor 57 at one side under the heater 40.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the activation arm 60 is constructed to operate as an activation cam 63 interworking with a driving motor 62.