	US 12,330,823 B2
	Strapping machine with a welding assembly having a leading-strap-end guide and method of operating same
Philipp Richter, Eckersdorf (DE); Stefan Ries, Bindlach (DE); and Jens Bittermann, Bayreuth (DE)
Assigned to SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC, Tampa, FL (US)
Filed by Signode Industrial Group LLC, Tampa, FL (US)
Filed on Oct. 24, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/493,375.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/382,610, filed on Nov. 7, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0150052 A1, May 9, 2024
Int. Cl. B65B 13/32 (2006.01)

CPC B65B 13/32 (2013.01)

12 Claims

1. A strapping machine comprising:

a frame; and

a sealing assembly supported by the frame and comprising:

a welding assembly comprising:

a counter-pressure plate;

a first strap clamp;

a second strap clamp;

a third strap clamp;

a strap manipulator; and

a leading-strap-end guide comprising a strap engager, wherein the counter-pressure plate is movable between a sealing position in which the counter-pressure plate covers the strap engager, the first strap clamp, the second strap clamp, and the third strap clamp and a retracted position in which the counter-pressure plate does not cover the strap engager, the first strap clamp, the second strap clamp, and the third strap clamp; and

a drive assembly configured to, after an end of a strap is clamped between the first and second strap clamps:

cause the strap manipulator to engage and move the strap such that the strap extends around the strap engager and extends across the third strap clamp;

after causing the strap manipulator to engage and move the strap such that the strap extends around the strap engager and extends across the third strap clamp, cause the counter-pressure plate to move from the retracted position to the sealing position;

cause the third strap clamp to move to clamp a first portion of the strap against the counter-pressure plate;

cause the first and second strap clamps to release the strap end; and

cause the leading-strap-end guide to move such that the strap engager clamps a second portion of the strap adjacent the strap end against the counter-pressure plate.

9. A method of operating a strapping machine, the method comprising:

clamping an end of a strap between first and second strap clamps;

moving the strap such that the strap extends around a strap engager of a leading-strap-end guide and extends across a third strap clamp;

after moving the strap such that the strap extends around the strap engager and extends across the third strap clamp, moving a counter-pressure plate from a retracted position in which the counter-pressure plate does not cover the strap engager, the first strap clamp, the second strap clamp, and the third strap clamp to a sealing position in which the counter-pressure plate covers the strap engager, the first strap clamp, the second strap clamp, and the third strap clamp;

moving the third strap clamp to clamp a first portion of the strap against the counter-pressure plate;

releasing the leading strap end from the first and second strap clamps; and

moving the strap engager to clamp a second portion of the strap adjacent the leading strap end against the counter-pressure plate.