Packaging machine printer device and packaging machine film cutter device

Abstract

A packaging machine for packaging trayed food includes a packaging station for packaging the trayed food, and a film dispensing system for pulling film out at the packaging station. A conveyor system moves the trayed food through the packaging machine. The machine may include a printer and a label applying device positioned to apply a label to the trayed food after packaging, wherein the printer and the label applying device include a bracket that is pivotable between an operating position and a contact position. The film dispensing system may include a movable knife for cutting the film, and the opposite ends of the knife are mechanically connected via a first belt and a second belt spaced apart to maintain the alignment of the opposite ends.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of October 25, 2017, application number 201711008480.6, and invention name "Packaging machine printer device and packaging machine film cutter device". Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates generally to packaging machines, and more particularly to a packaging machine printer device and / or a packaging machine film cutter device. Background Art

[0003] Packaging machines are often used to automatically package products, such as trays of food, with film. Packaging machines often include a film gripper that grips the film and pulls it off a roll, side grippers that grip the film, a film cutter, and a folder that folds the film under the product. After packaging, a printed label is often applied to the product (e.g., to identify the product by name, weight, and / or price).

[0004] A variety of problems can occur in this type of complex machine, including film tool jamming or other film tool failure.

[0005] It is also important to ensure that the operator can access various components (such as the printer).

[0006] It is desirable to provide an automated packaging machine having a printer device and / or a film cutter device, wherein the printer device ensures proper operation and operator accessibility for achieving packaging purposes, while the film cutter device reduces the occurrence of cutter failures. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one aspect, a packaging machine for packaging trayed food includes a packaging station for packaging the trayed food, a film dispensing station for pulling film over the trayed food at the packaging station, and a conveyor system for moving the trayed food from the input station along a defined path to the packaging station. The printer and label applying device include a support frame pivotable between an operating position and a contact position. The sensor device is configured to detect when the support frame is in the operating position.

[0008] In another aspect, a packaging machine for packaging trayed food includes a printer and a label applying device positioned to apply a label to the trayed food after packaging. The printer and label applying device include a bracket that is pivotable between an operating position and a contact position. The packaging machine also includes at least one of: (i) a latch for releasably retaining the bracket in the operating position; or (ii) a sensor device for detecting when the bracket is in the operating position; or (iii) an operator interface mounted to the bracket to move with it during pivoting of the bracket; or (iv) a stop buffer mounted on the bracket to move with it and engageable with a stop surface of the packaging machine when the bracket moves to the operating position; or (v) a printer and label applying device including a printer housing, the printer housing having a movable door for label replacement, the movable door facing away from the front of the packaging machine when the bracket is in the operating position, and the movable door is more easily accessible from the front of the machine when the bracket is in the contact position.

[0009] In yet another aspect, a packaging machine includes a packaging station for packaging a tray of food, and a film dispensing system for pulling film out at the packaging station. A conveyor system moves the tray of food through the packaging machine. A printer and a label applying device are positioned to apply a label to the tray of food after packaging. The printer and the label applying device include a bracket that is movable between an operating position for label application and a contact position for changing a label supply.

[0010] In another aspect, a packaging machine for packaging trayed food includes a packaging station for packaging the trayed food, a film dispensing system for pulling out a film at the packaging station, and a conveying system for moving the trayed food to the packaging station. The film dispensing system includes a movable knife for cutting the film, and opposite ends of the knife are mechanically connected via a first belt and a second belt spaced apart to maintain alignment of the opposite ends.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a packaging machine for packaging trayed food includes a packaging station for packaging trayed food, a film dispensing system for pulling film out at the packaging station, and a conveying system for moving the trayed food to the packaging station. The film dispensing system includes a movable elongated knife for cutting film, a linear actuator, and a belt device, the linear actuator being positioned at a transverse midpoint of the elongated knife to achieve movement of the elongated knife in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the elongated knife, and the belt device mechanically connecting opposite ends of the elongated knife to cause the opposite ends to move substantially synchronously to inhibit jamming.

[0012] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages may be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the packaging machine with the printer in an operating position;

[0014] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the packaging machine with the printer in an operating position;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the movement of a package through a packaging machine to achieve packaging;

[0016] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the packaging machine with the printer in an access position;

[0017] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the packaging machine with the printer in a contact position;

[0018] Figure 6 is a partial front perspective view showing a printer support base;

[0019] Figure 7 is a partial side perspective view showing a printer support stand;

[0020] Figure 8 is a partial side elevation view showing a printer support base;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a partial side perspective view showing a bracket bumper and a latch assembly;

[0022] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Side elevation of

[0023] Fig.11 is a partial bottom perspective view of the buffer and latch assembly;

[0024] Fig.12 is a partial bottom perspective view of a bumper and a latch assembly without showing the plate member;

[0025] Fig.13 is a partial side elevation view of a printer support sensor assembly;

[0026] Fig.14 is a schematic side view of a film cutter apparatus; and

[0027] Fig.15 It is a partial perspective view of the film cutter device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] refer to Figures 1 to 3The food packaging machine 10 includes an inner frame and an outer housing 12. An entry area 14 provides a location for inputting products to be packaged (e.g., food 16 such as meat in a tray) into the machine for packaging with plastic film. The entry area 14 is part of a conveyor system 18 that brings the packages into the machine ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 The food is then brought upward to a packaging station 20 where it is packaged. Here, the conveyor system includes one or more horizontal conveyors 18A that feed from the front of the machine to a lifting mechanism 18B. A film dispensing system 22 is configured to pull out a film over the food at the packaging station 20 (e.g., Figure 3 The film selector 28 is controlled by a film gripper 24 that moves from left to right in the packaging station to pull the film off one or more film rolls 26. In the event that more than one film roll is provided (e.g., with different film widths), an actuable film selector 28 provides the ability to select the desired film for a given packaging operation (e.g., based on the size of the food product). An actuable film cutter 30 is configured to cut the film at the appropriate time so that the packaging operation can be completed. The packaging station may include side clamps 32A, 32B for clamping the sides of the film, as well as side bottom folders and rear bottom folders (not shown).

[0029] A weighing mechanism 34 is located at the entry area and is used to weigh the food as it is placed into the machine. Once a stable weight is determined, the food 16 is moved laterally into the machine by a light curtain imaging system 38 and passes through a height sensor array 40 to determine the size of the food and the location of the food on the conveyor. Portions of the horizontal conveyor system 18A can be moved as needed (e.g., entering or leaving the conveyor). Figure 3 ), thereby ensuring that the food is properly centered when it is transferred to the lifting mechanism 18B. After the food moves up into the packaging station 20 and is packaged, the packaged food is transported back to the front of the machine via conveyor 42 and placed on another horizontal conveyor 44, which moves left or right here (entering or leaving the machine). Figure 3). The conveyor 42 includes an associated sealer belt that heats the bottom of the packaged food to seal the film, and a label printing mechanism 46 that prints a price label and applies it to the packaged food. An exemplary controller 50 for controlling the operation of the machine is shown. As used herein, the term controller is intended to broadly encompass any circuit (e.g., solid-state, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuit, combinational logic circuit, field programmable gate array (FPGA)), one or more processors (e.g., shared, dedicated, or group---including hardware or software that executes code), software, firmware and / or other components that perform the control functions of the machine or any component thereof, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing.

[0030] Various motors M are shown and are mainly used for the movement of the conveyor components, the gripper components and the bottom folder. However, a plurality of pneumatic components can also be provided for the control of the components, each of which can be actuated by the delivery of pressurized air.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the packaging machine includes a printer support 100 (e.g., a platform or other support frame) above the sealer belt conveyor 44. The printer 46 is located on top of the support 100. An operator interface 102 (e.g., in the form of a touch screen display) is also mounted to the support 100 via an arm 103, which pivots relative to the support about a vertical axis 105 (or multiple axes, where the arm is formed by multiple pivotable segments). The support 100 is pivotally mounted to the machine so that it can be moved between an operating position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and contact position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Therefore, here, the printer 46 and the operator interface 102 move together with the bracket 100.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, when in the operating position, the support 100 is positioned above the sealer belt conveyor 44 of the machine to appropriately position the printer 46 for applying labels to wrapped packages on the sealer belt conveyor 44, wherein the sealer belt travels in a lateral direction from one side of the machine to the other, and when moved to the contact position, the support 100 pivots about the pivot axis 104 toward the front side of the machine (e.g., where an operator stands to place packages into the entry area 14 of the machine). The printer housing 110 of the printer 46 includes a removable door 112 on one side for label replacement (e.g., such door can be opened to replace a label roll). Here, when the support 100 is in the operating position (e.g., Figure 1 ), the movable door 112 (e.g., hinged about axis 114) faces away from the front of the packaging machine, and when the bracket 100 is in the contact position, the movable door 112 is more easily accessible from the front of the machine (e.g., Figure 4 However, it should be appreciated that in some cases the printer 46 may be located in a position on the support from which it is rotated 180 degrees to reach the position shown.

[0033] refer to Figures 6 to 8 1, in the perspective of the pivotable mounting of the support 100, the mechanical arm 120 includes a rear side mounted on the bracket 122 and extending forwardly above the top of the sealer belt 44 to a vertical arm 124 at the front side of the sealer belt 44, and a pivot assembly 126 is mounted to the arm 120 and / or the arm 124. The pivot assembly 126 forms a part of the support 100 and extends upwardly to a platform 128 of the support. Therefore, the pivot axis 104 is placed toward the front side of the sealer belt 44.

[0034] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the bracket 100 includes a buffer 130 mounted on its rear side, which will engage with a stop plate 132 mounted to the packaging machine when the bracket 100 moves from the contact position to the closed position shown. Therefore, the buffer 130 moves with the bracket 100. However, in other arrangements, the buffer can be fixed to the packaging machine so as to engage with the stop surface of the bracket 100. Here, the stop plate 132 is formed by an upturned portion of a bracket bracket 134, which includes a portion 136 that extends below the bracket to facilitate a releasable latching operation to hold the bracket in the closed position shown. Portion 136 includes a distal end portion 138, which is angled downward to provide an upper surface that acts as a ramp to receive a mounting block 140 at the lower side of the bracket, wherein the buffer 130 is connected to the mounting block 140, and the buffer also includes a latch portion ( 136 ) at its lower side for locking with the bracket portion 136. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In this regard, in one embodiment, a ball and detent latch arrangement may be used, as described with reference to Fig.11 and Fig.12144. The bracket portion 136 includes a pair of openings 142 and 144. The underside of the mounting block 140 includes a protruding spring-loaded ball 146 that aligns with the opening 142 when the bracket is moved to the operating position so that the ball 146 will engage with the opening 142, while the opening 142 acts as a stop for the ball and stopper latching device. Pulling the bracket with sufficient force will overcome the latching force of the device, allowing the bracket to move to the contact position. Of course, other latching devices may also be used, such as a magnetic latch or other mechanical latch.

[0035] It is noteworthy that when the bracket is moved back to the operating position, the rear lower edge 148 of the mounting block 140 is radiused to facilitate sliding interaction with the beveled surface of the end portion 138. The mounting block also includes an internally threaded opening 150 that aligns with the opening 144 when the bracket is in the operating position. If desired (e.g., for shipping purposes), fasteners (e.g., bolts, not shown) can be advanced through the aligned openings 144 and 150 to engage and thereby more securely hold the bracket in the operating position.

[0036] like Fig. 9 As shown, the label attachment bar 160 is disposed adjacent a label exit slot 162 of the printer 46 and is also mounted to pivotally move with the bracket 100 .

[0037] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, a sensor device 162 is also provided to detect when the bracket 100 is in the operating position. Here, the sensor device 162 is formed by a detector 164, which is fixed to the mounting block 140 and forms a gap 166, and when the bracket 100 is in the operating position, the gap accommodates the free end 168 of the bracket 170. When the bracket is pivoted to the contact position, the detector 164 moves away from the bracket 170 and the free end 168 will no longer be positioned in the detector gap. The bracket is mounted on the plate 134 so that the range of the free end 168 can be adjusted within the gap 166 (for example, as shown by arrow 171), thereby ensuring proper triggering of the detector. As an example, the detector can be an optical sensor with a light beam, which is disrupted by the free end 168 when the bracket is in the operating position. Alternatively, the detector can be a magnetic detector that detects the positioning of the free end 168 in the gap. However, other sensor variations are also possible, including variations that achieve mechanical contact (for example, a mechanical switch closure). Regardless of the specific sensor configuration, the sensor can be connected to a machine controller (for example, Figure 350) connection, and the controller can be configured to output an error message on the operator interface of the machine when the support frame 100 is not in the operating position. Similarly, the controller can be configured to prevent the packaging operation when the support frame is not in the operating position, or to stop the packaging operation if the support frame moves out of the operating position midway through the packaging. Any error message that is also sent (e.g., to the interface 102) can identify the message and explain how the operator can solve the problem (e.g., move the printer to the operating position).

[0038] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , a schematic illustration of a film cutter device 30 of a machine is shown, wherein a cutter 180 is mounted on a cutter carriage 182 having opposite end portions 184, 186, and the opposite end portions rest on spaced apart slide bars 188, 190. To this end, the upper flange 192 and the lower flange 194 of the cutter carriage 182 may include aligned openings, wherein there are (e.g., plastic) sleeves to facilitate sliding along the bars 188, 190. Each end of the cutter carriage 182 is also connected to a corresponding belt 196, 198, for example, by a bracket 200, 202 to attach one end of the cutter carriage to the belt. The belt portion to which the bracket is attached moves along the belt path between the pulleys. Here, each belt 196, 198 is coupled between a corresponding lower pulley 204, 206 and an upper pulley 208, 210. The upper pulley 208 is mounted to rotate freely on the shaft 212, and the upper pulley 210 is mounted to rotate freely on the shaft 216. The lower pulleys 204 and 206 are each mounted on a rotating shaft 218, thereby forcing the pulleys 204 and 206 to rotate synchronously. In one embodiment, a linear actuator 220 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) is connected to the transverse center portion of the knife holder between the slide bars, thereby pushing and pulling the knife holder up and down. Here, the knife moves upward through the film path to cut the film to achieve the packaging operation.

[0039] It is noteworthy that the above-described knife arrangement ensures that the two spaced-apart belts 196, 198 are mechanically connected to move in unison under the control of the same prime mover (e.g., in the case of linear actuator 220), thereby ensuring that both ends of the knife carriage 182 remain aligned and move in unison along the corresponding slide bars, thereby helping to prevent the knife from getting stuck. In addition, only one sensor is required to detect the knife starting or home position (e.g., the lower position), and only one sensor is required to detect the knife end of the stroke position (e.g., the upper position).

[0040] In an alternative arrangement, the linear actuator may be eliminated and the shaft 218 directly driven by a single drive motor or other prime mover (eg, rotating the shaft back and forth during tool movement).

[0041] Therefore, a packaging machine for packaging trayed food comprises:

[0042] a packaging station for packaging palletized food;

[0043] a film dispensing system for pulling the film off at the packaging station;

[0044] Conveyor systems for moving pallets of food to packaging stations;

[0045] The film dispensing system includes a movable slender tool for cutting the film, a linear actuator and a belt device, wherein the linear actuator is positioned at the lateral midpoint of the slender tool to achieve the movement of the slender tool in a direction substantially perpendicular to the slender axis of the slender tool, and the belt device mechanically connects the relative ends of the slender tool to cause the relative ends to move substantially synchronously to prevent jamming.

[0046] It should be clearly understood that the above description is intended only as illustration and example and is not intended to be limiting and that other variations and modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A packaging machine for packaging tray food, comprising: a packaging station at which the trayed food is packaged; a film dispensing system for pulling out film at the packaging station; a conveyor system for moving trays of food through the packaging machine; a printer and label applying device positioned to apply a label to the trayed food product after packaging, the printer and label applying device including a bracket pivotable between an operating position and a contacting position; wherein the printer and label applicator include a printer housing including an internal space for accommodating a supply of labels, wherein the printer and label applicator include a label applicator located outside the printer housing, wherein the printer housing and the label applicator both pivot with the bracket between the operating position and the contact position when the bracket pivots, wherein the printer housing includes a movable door for label replacement, wherein the movable door is configured to pivot relative to both a portion of the printer housing and the bracket to move between an open position and a closed position.

2. A packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the packaging machine includes a sensor device for detecting when the support is in the operating position, and further includes a controller associated with the sensor device and configured to prevent packaging operation when the support is not in the operating position.

3. The packaging machine of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to output an error message on an operator interface of the packaging machine when the support is not in the operating position.

4. The packaging machine of claim 2, wherein the operator interface is mounted to the bracket for movement therewith during pivoting of the bracket, and the operator interface is mounted to an arm that also pivots relative to the bracket.

5. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket is positioned above a sealer belt of the packaging machine when in the operating position and is pivoted towards the front side of the packaging machine when moved to the contact position, the sealer belt running in the transverse direction of the packaging machine.

6. The packaging machine according to claim 5, wherein: The wrapped packages are fed onto one side of the sealer belt and the pivot axis of the bracket is located towards the opposite side of the sealer belt.

7. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein: The packaging machine comprises a latch for releasably holding the support in the operating position, wherein the latch is formed by a ball and a detent, wherein the ball moves with the support and the detent is stationary.

8. A packaging machine for packaging tray food, comprising: a packaging station at which the trayed food is packaged; a film dispensing system for pulling out film at the packaging station; a conveyor system for moving trays of food through the packaging machine; a printer and label applying device positioned to apply labels to the trayed food products after packaging, the printer and label applying device including a bracket movable between an operating position for label application and a contact position for changing the label supply; wherein the printer and label applicator include a printer housing including an internal space for accommodating a supply of labels, wherein the printer and label applicator include a label applicator located outside the printer housing, wherein the printer housing and the label applicator both pivot with the bracket between the operating position and the contact position when the bracket pivots, wherein the printer housing includes a movable door for label replacement, wherein the movable door is configured to pivot relative to both a portion of the printer housing and the bracket during movement between an open position and a closed position.

9. The packaging machine according to claim 8, wherein the packaging machine further comprises at least one of the following: a latch for releasably retaining the bracket in the operative position; or sensor means for detecting the position of said support; or An operator interface is mounted to the bracket for movement therewith.

10. The packaging machine according to claim 8, wherein the packaging machine further comprises each of the following: a latch for releasably retaining the bracket in the operative position; and sensor means for detecting the position of the support; and An operator interface is mounted to the bracket for movement therewith.

11. The packaging machine of claim 10, further comprising a controller associated with the sensor arrangement and configured to prevent packaging operations when the support is not in the operating position.

12. The packaging machine according to claim 8, further comprising: an output conveyor for receiving the packaged tray of food, the output conveyor including an associated sealer belt; wherein, when in the operating position, the bracket is positioned above the sealing machine belt; Wherein, when in the contact position, the bracket is pivoted to extend away from the sealer belt.

13. The packaging machine of claim 8, wherein the movable door faces and opens toward a rear side of the packaging machine when the support is in the operating position.

14. The packaging machine according to claim 8, further comprising: Operator interface; Wherein, the operator interface is mounted to the bracket to move therewith.

15. A packaging machine for packaging tray food, comprising: a packaging station at which the trayed food is packaged; a film dispensing system for pulling out film at the packaging station; a conveyor system for moving trays of food through the packaging machine; a printer and label applying device positioned to apply a label to the trayed food product after packaging, the printer and label applying device being mounted on a support frame pivotable between an operating position and a contacting position; Wherein, the printer and label attaching device comprises a printer mounted on top of the support frame; wherein the printer and the label attaching device include a label attacher, the label attacher is located outside the printer, and the label attacher is mounted on the support frame adjacent to the label outlet slot of the printer; Wherein, when the support frame is pivoted, both the printer and the label applicator are pivoted together with the support frame between the operating position and the contact position.

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