GB1066171A - Apparatus for tying articles into bundles - Google Patents

Abstract

1,066,171. Bundling-machines; endless conveyors. B. H. BUNN CO. March 24, 1964 [May 6, 1963 (2)], No. 12505/64. Headings B8A and B8C. A group of envelopes is made up into a bundle by compacting the ends and then tying a length of twine around the group whilst it is moving through the machine. In the embodiment one end of a group of upright envelopes 24, Fig. 2 (not shown), is forced between a vertical plate 69 and a leaf spring 72, which are carried by plates 70, 73 fixed to individual links of a conveyer chain 47. A rail 82 may be provided to limit the position of the bundle end. The other end of the bundle is compacted as it is forced against a spoke 91, Fig. 5 (not shown), of a braked wheel 27 by a vertical plate 79 also fixed to the conveyer. The twine is then fastened horizontally about the bundle as the wheel 27 is slowly pushed round. The bundle 28 is then released from the plate 69 and spring 72 (see also Fig. 8, not shown), and slides down a cam-plate 114 on to a table 30, from which it is pushed by an arm 132 (see also Fig. 11, not shown), towards a second tying machine. There the bundle is compacted by a clamp 141, Fig. 9 (not shown), while a cross-tie is made by rotation of a twine arm 143, Fig. 1, the finished bundle being pushed from the machine by the next oncoming bundle. The first tying machine has a twine arm 103, Fig. 1, rotatable about a vertical axis but the second machine may be of any type. The whole apparatus may be automatically controlled, and safety devices may stop the machine if there are no bundles or twine present. The conveyer chains 47, 48, Fig. 2 (not shown), are provided with guiding extensions 55, Fig. 8 (not shown), engaging the sides of the upper track. The return runs are supported by outwardly bent members 61 (see also Fig. 3, not shown), which engage with the upwardly bent portions 58, 59 of structural members 56, 57 extending the length of the lower track. The plates 70, 73, Fig. 2 (not shown), are fixed to the individual links of the chain so that as the chain goes round the sprocket the two plates will be separated, Fig. 8 (not shown), and the bundle released. The second conveyer chain 117, Fig. 11 (not shown), is provided with pusher arms 131, 132, each pivotally connected to a chain-pin. The abutment of cam-plate 149, Fig. 12 (not shown), on extended pins 150, 151 prevents rotation of the arm 132 during straight line movement, but allows the arm 132 to turn (see also Fig. 11, not shown), when the chain passes over the sprocket 119, and so leaves the bundle without giving it any additional impulse. Guides 135, 136 may be provided to give additional support to the arm supports.