Devices and related methods for wrapping a film around an object.

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for wrapping a film around an object. The apparatus includes means capable of being electrostatically charged and transferring electrostatic charge to a portion of the film extending from a holder. This facilitates securing the leading edge flaps of the film around the object to be wrapped. In fact, once the film is dispensed, the leading edge flaps remain extended from the holder, and upon contact with the object, the film immediately adheres to it due to attraction. Rotation is then initiated to wrap the film around the object. The apparatus is simple, inexpensive, and efficient to manufacture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for wrapping a film around an object. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus (and related methods of using the apparatus) provided with an electrostatically charged rod that transfers the charge to a portion of the film as soon as it emerges from a roll retainer, thereby automatically securing the film around the object to be wrapped by the film. Existing technology

[0002] Various known devices in the prior art are used to apply films to objects protected by such films, such as wrapping machines, winding machines, etc.

[0003] Parcel machines can generally be categorized into manual, semi-automatic, and automatic machines.

[0004] Manual parcel machines are those machines that do not actually require mechanical automation to support actions performed by an operator.

[0005] Semi-automatic parcel equipment, especially suitable for low-volume production, is a type of equipment in which operator intervention is required in each parcel cycle to bring the object to be parceled, A, or equipment B, to the parcel location (see respective documentation). Figure 1a and Figure 1b The film is hooked onto the object to be wrapped, A, and winding begins. At the end of the cycle, the film is cut, and the object to be wrapped, A, is carried to a new location, or the device, B, is moved to a new location. (See reference...) Figure 1b In particular, regarding the movable element of device B that rotates around a stationary object, there is no automatic coupling system; the operator always fixes the film to the object to be wrapped before the wrapping cycle begins. Figure 1c Another known semi-automatic wrapping device in the prior art is shown, wherein the film rotates around the object to be wrapped, which is fixed to the ground, via a rotating arm 18.

[0006] Automated wrapping equipment (for high productivity) is integrated into a wrapping line where all operations are automated: handling the object to be wrapped, hooking the film onto the object at the start of the cycle, wrapping the object in the desired pattern, and cutting the film at the end of the cycle. The operator must only perform functions such as checking and replenishing consumables.

[0007] There are also hybrid devices that fall between the two types of equipment mentioned above. These begin as semi-automatic equipment, where, to accelerate the cycle and reduce human intervention, only some operations are automated, and devices such as automatic cutting or automatic cutting and hooking are added. Figure 2 The numbers 16 and 17 are used to represent them.

[0008] For example, refer to Figure 2In particular, fixed-station equipment, including automatic and semi-automatic devices known in the art for wrapping objects using stretch film, is shown. These typically consist of a roll holder 1 housing the film 6; a column 2 along which the roll holder 1 moves from bottom to top and vice versa; and a base 3 that allows the object to be wrapped 4 to rotate on a tray 15. When the film 6 is attached to the object 4 or system 5, holding the object 4 or system 5 together with the film 6, the rotation of the object to be wrapped 4 causes the front flaps 9 of the film 6 to tension between the object to be wrapped 4 and the roll holder 1. The tension of the front flaps 9 of the film 6 actuates the roll holder 1, which then dispenses the film 6. Due to the rotation and the vertical movement of the roll holder 1 along the column 2, the object to be wrapped 4 is wrapped in a spiral manner.

[0009] In the device that provides the automatic hook for the film 6 ( Figure 2 At the start of the cycle, the latter is hooked to system 5. Upon startup, the film 6 is essentially tensioned by rotational motion and thus pulled out of the holder 1; for this purpose, system 5, holding the film 6, must ensure a sufficient seal to keep it under tension. Once the roll of the stretchable film 6 has overlapped around the object 4 to be wrapped, system 5 releases the film 6, and then restores the film at the end of the cycle for the next wrapping; therefore, it must be managed at each wrapping stage.

[0010] The addition of these components clearly increases cost and complexity.

[0011] Patent application CN108016672A describes a device for wrapping an object using a film. The described device is capable of eliminating the charge that may eventually form on the film due to contact between the drive roller and the film as the film unfolds from the film holder during the object wrapping process. In fact, because of the brush in contact with the film, any unwanted static charge that may be present on the film is attracted by the brush and then discharged from the film. Therefore, after the film leaves the film holder, any excess charge present on the film is transferred from the film to the brush, thus neutralizing the film's charge. No mention is made of how the leading edge of the film is secured to the object to be wrapped.

[0012] U.S. Patent 5,564,258 discloses another system for wrapping an object with a film. At the end of the wrapping process, the tail end of the film is allowed to adhere to a holding element and is held in place by vacuum, by an adhesive surface, or by ionizing air passing through a special opening. This holding element is an external component of the structure housing the film holding bracket and is positioned over the object to be wrapped, with the tail end of the film appearing at the end of the wrapping process.

[0013] In Chinese patent application CN110451020, the load is contained within a stretch film. To maintain tension as the film leaves the film holder, its upper and lower portions are subjected to electrostatic charge; this prevents these portions from bending and overlapping, thus avoiding lamination. No method is mentioned for securing the front end of the film to the object being wrapped.

[0014] However, none of the existing technologies described in the aforementioned documents solve the technical problem of how to fix the front end of the film to the object being wrapped without the need for operator intervention.

[0015] Therefore, the technical problem faced by the applicant is to provide a device that facilitates securing the front membrane flap around an object once it leaves the membrane holding bracket, thereby achieving a simple and economical system for membrane dispensing and securing it around the object to be wrapped. Summary of the Invention

[0016] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for wrapping a film around an object, such as the device pointed out in claim 1.

[0017] The applicant of this application has actually discovered with surprising ease that the aforementioned technical problem can be solved effectively and reliably by a device for wrapping a film around an object, wherein the device includes a bracket adapted to receive a roll of the film and is provided with an opening to allow the film to exit from the bracket itself.

[0018] The device also includes a means placed at the opening of the tray and adapted to be electrostatically charged and capable of transferring the charge to the front end portion of the film exiting the tray to secure itself to the object to be wrapped.

[0019] This makes it easy to fix the front flaps of the film around the object to be wrapped.

[0020] In fact, because the static charge is transferred to the front flap of the film, it is immediately fixed to the front flap by attraction once it encounters the object to be wrapped.

[0021] Therefore, the film is not placed on the ground, thus avoiding an unsightly or unpleasant tail at the bottom of the object itself, but rather remains attached and taut to the object to be wrapped. Thus, once the film is secured to the object, wrapping can begin by dispensing the required amount of film from the holder.

[0022] Therefore, it is a simple, economical, and efficient device that requires no human intervention from the operator.

[0023] The device of the present invention operates in the opposite manner to the device described in CN108016672A, in which excess charge present on the plastic film is transferred to the brush, causing the charge on the film to become zero. Instead, in the present invention, the film is loaded with an electrostatic charge to secure the front flaps of the film around the object to be wrapped.

[0024] In this specification and the appended claims, the term "equipment" means any machine used to apply a film to an object to be protected by such film, such as a winding machine having a vertical and a horizontal axis, whether it is manual, semi-automatic or automatic; a rotary arm machine, a rotary table machine, a rotary ring machine, a shrink wrapping machine, a semi-mobile robot, a taping machine, etc.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the device suitable for electrostatic charging is placed along the path of the film as it travels away from the tray, substantially at the opening of the tray.

[0026] In this way, static charge is only transferred to the portion of the film that leaves the bracket.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is a rod suitable for electrostatic charging. Specifically, the device is an ionizing rod with a series of emitting tips (electrodes) fixed to it.

[0028] In this way, when the rod is powered, it emits positive ions, which are transferred from the rod to the ground, which acts as a negative ion generator. This allows the stretched film to pass through the ion beam and become electrostatically charged during its path.

[0029] The apparatus of the present invention also includes a motorized roller adapted to facilitate the removal of the film from the support.

[0030] In this way, the film automatically exits from the tray.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention further includes a fan capable of generating an air blade, the fan being designed to guide the film toward the object to be wrapped.

[0032] In this way, the airflow generated by the fan runs essentially parallel to the film itself as it leaves the bracket, and carries the electrostatically charged film toward the object to be wrapped.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention further includes a movable body integrated with the bracket, the movable body being capable of rotating around the object to be wrapped.

[0034] In this way, the device of the present invention can rotate around the object, thereby causing the film to wrap around the object itself.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable body is provided with at least one wheel to facilitate its movement. In another alternative embodiment, the movable body is operated by means of a hinged rotating arm integral with the bracket, the hinged rotating arm rotating about an object to be wrapped and fixed to the ground.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is further provided with a vertical column, and the bracket is capable of sliding up and / or down along the vertical column.

[0037] In this way, the vertical column serves as a vertical guide for the bracket.

[0038] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for wrapping a portion of a film around an object, such as the method shown in claim 7.

[0039] The applicant of this application has actually surprisingly discovered that the aforementioned technical problem can be effectively and reliably solved by a method of wrapping a portion of a film around an object using a device comprising: a) a bracket adapted to receive a roll of the film, b) an opening adapted to allow the film to exit from the bracket, and c) a motorized roller adapted to facilitate the film's exit from the bracket through the opening; wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0040] a) Allows the front flap of the film to emerge from the bracket through the opening;

[0041] b) Electrostatically charge the front end flap of the film before or during its exit from the bracket;

[0042] c) Allows the front end sheet of the electrostatically charged film to be fixed to the object;

[0043] d) Wrap the front flap of the film around the object, and then wrap the remaining portion of the film around the object as the film exits the bracket.

[0044] In this way, due to the transfer of electrostatic charge on the front flaps of the film, once the front flaps are released from the holder, the film automatically attaches to the object to be wrapped without any operator intervention. Thereafter, the wrapping process begins by dispensing the required amount of film from the holder around the object.

[0045] Therefore, the film is not placed on the ground, thus avoiding leaving an unsightly or unpleasant tail at the bottom of the object itself; instead, it remains adhered and taut on the object to be wrapped.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, step a) is facilitated by activating the motorized roller, wherein the leading edge flap of the film emerges from the carrier through the opening.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, step b) is first performed via step b1), wherein the device substantially arranged at the opening of the bracket is electrostatically charged, and then performed via step b2), wherein the electrostatic charge is transferred from the device to the front end flap of the film.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is an ionizing rod capable of electrostatic charging in stage b1). A series of emitting tips (electrodes) are fixed to the rod.

[0049] Thus, when the rod is powered, it emits positive ions, which, in stage b2), transfer from the rod to the ground, which acts as a negative ion source. This allows the stretched film to pass through the ion beam and acquire static electricity during its journey.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the front flap of the film released from the bracket is guided toward the object to be wrapped by means of an air knife generated by a fan positioned corresponding to the opening of the bracket.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the airflow generated by the fan is parallel to the thin film.

[0052] In this way, the resulting airflow allows the front flaps of the membrane to be directly conveyed toward the object to be wrapped.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the front flap of the film, which is protruding from the bracket, is fixed to the object to be wrapped by bringing the object and the front flap of the film closer together.

[0054] In this way, the attractive force generated by the presence of static charge fixes the front flap of the film to the object to be wrapped.

[0055] According to a first preferred embodiment, step d) of wrapping a portion of the film around the object is performed by rotating the object to be wrapped around itself near the device. Preferably, in this first embodiment, the object to be wrapped with the film is positioned on a tray, which is in turn positioned on a rotating base; therefore, in this first embodiment, the object to be wrapped rotates itself near the device while the device remains fixed.

[0056] According to a second alternative preferred embodiment, step d) of wrapping a portion of the film around the object is performed by rotating the movable body of the device, which is integrated with the tray, around the object to be wrapped, which is placed on the pallet and held fixed to the ground.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, once the first wrapping of the film around the object is completed, the method includes an additional step (e) to stop the transfer of electrostatic charge toward the portion of the film leaving the holder.

[0058] In fact, once the film surrounding the object has been secured by completing the first loop, it is no longer necessary to supply static charge to the new portion of the film that has left the support.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, when the object has been wrapped a desired number of times, the wrapping of the object by the film ends based on the shape and size of the object to be wrapped.

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better highlighted by studying the following detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments, which are shown by way of indication only and not to be limited by the accompanying drawings. In particular, in these drawings:

[0061] Figure 1a This is an isometric view of a semi-automatic device known in the art, used to wrap a film around an object placed on a tray, wherein the latter rotates around the device, which is then fixed.

[0062] Figure 1b It is an isometric view of a semi-automatic device known in the art for wrapping an object placed on a tray with a film, wherein the device rotates around the object to be wrapped with a film, while the film is fixed.

[0063] Figure 1c It is an isometric view of a semi-automatic device known in the art for wrapping a film around an object placed on a tray, wherein the device rotates around the object to be wrapped by means of a rotating arm;

[0064] Figure 2 It is an isometric view of a mixing apparatus known in the prior art for wrapping a film around an object placed on a tray, wherein the latter rotates about the apparatus, which is then fixed.

[0065] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a detailed embodiment of the device of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A detailed cross-section of the device in the image;

[0067] Figures 5a-5e A schematic overhead view shows the... Figure 3 The device is an integrated movable body that rotates around the object to be wrapped in various stages, while the object is fixed.

[0068] Figures 6a-6e A schematic top-down view shows various stages of rotation of an object to be wrapped, placed on a rotating platform. Figure 3 The device rotates near itself, while the device itself is stationary. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following detailed description relates to a specific embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention, which is designed to wrap a film 6 around an object 4 without limiting its contents.

[0070] Figure 3 Details of the device 10 are shown, which includes a bracket 1 adapted to receive a roll of film 6; the bracket 1 has an opening 11 that allows the film 6 to exit from the bracket 1, and the device 10 also includes a vertical column (for simplicity, Figure 3 Not shown in the image, but similar to... Figure 2 The prior art device shown has a column 2 along which the bracket 1 slides up and down. At the opening 11, there is a motorized roller 7 that, once activated, allows the front flap 9 of the film 6 to be pulled out from the bracket 1. A fan 8 is also included, which generates an air blade 14 that runs transversely to the front flap 9 of the film 6 (and transversely to the entire remainder of the film 6 as it exits the bracket 1) to guide the film toward the product 4 (not shown) to be wrapped.

[0071] Figure 4 A cross-sectional detail of the bracket 1 of device 10 is shown, through which a rod 19 is visible at an opening 11 through which the membrane 6 exits the bracket 1. The rod 19 is of the ionization type, with a series of emitting tips (electrodes) fixed to it. The rod 19 is electrostatically charged by an electronic board that controls and commands the entire system, and utilizes a current-powered boosting element that increases its voltage and transmits it to the electrodes. When the system is powered on, the rod 19 emits positive ions, which are then transferred from the rod 19 toward a mass transfer that acts as a negative ion.

[0072] Once the rod 19 is electrostatically charged, it is able to transfer the electrostatic charge to the front flap 9 of the film 6, which passes through the ion beam during its path and electrostatically charges itself before leaving the bracket 1 through the opening 11.

[0073] Thus, once the front flap 9 is applied, it is immediately fixed to the object 4 (not shown) upon encountering it by means of the attraction generated by the electrostatic charge of the front flap 9 of the film 6. Figure 5a By continuously conveying the film 6, it is easier to fix the front flap 9 of the film 6 around the object 4 to be wrapped. Figures 5b-5e This avoids creating an unsightly or unpleasant film tail at the bottom of the object. Therefore, once the front flap 9 of the film 6 is secured to the object, it is sufficient to begin wrapping the object by dispensing the required number of films 6 from the bracket 1.

[0074] Once the first wrap of the film 6 around the object is completed, the transfer of static charge from the rod 19 toward the portion of the film 6 that exits the bracket 1 is stopped. In fact, once the film 6 is securely wrapped around the object by completing the first wrap, it is no longer necessary to supply static charge to the new portion of the film 6 that exits the bracket 1.

[0075] Therefore, the device 10 of the present invention is easy to manufacture, efficient and economical because it does not require additional expensive equipment to allow the film to be effectively fastened to the object to be wrapped without any operator intervention.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the device 10 further includes a movable body 12, which is integrated with the tray 1 and is capable of rotating around the object 4 to be wrapped placed on the tray; the movable body 12 is provided with at least one wheel 13 to facilitate its movement. Figures 5a-5e ).

[0077] The movement of the movable body can be managed by means of an electronic board located inside the movable body 12 itself and can be managed via a keyboard and display arranged on the outer surface of the movable body itself to allow programming. In another alternative embodiment, the movable body 12 can also be remotely managed, without limiting the invention to such a solution.

[0078] The movement of the bracket 1 along the vertical column 2, the speed at which the film 6 leaves the bracket 1 by means of the motorized roller 7, and the power of the fan 8 that can generate the air knife 14 can also be managed and programmed by means of this electronic board, via a keyboard or remotely, without limiting the invention to this solution.

[0079] Figures 5a-5e The diagram schematically illustrates various rotational phases of the movable body 12 around the object 4 to be wrapped, which is integrated with the bracket 1 of the device 10, while the object to be wrapped is fixed. When the movable body 12 (and the bracket 1 integrated therewith) rotates around the object 4 to be wrapped (in... Figures 5a-5e When rotating clockwise, it remains fixed, and the front flap 9 of the film 6 is in a taut state as it wraps around and around the object 4, and therefore remains taut when the film 6 leaves the bracket 1. The rotation of the movable body 12 can continue until the programmed number of revolutions around the object 4 to be wrapped is completed.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, although not essential for the purposes of the invention, the film 6 conveyed by the carrier 1 has a slightly shorter length than the path traveled by the movable body 12 as the movable body rotates around the object 4 to be wrapped. In this way, the film 6 remains as taut as possible and close to the object 4 to be wrapped.

[0081] In reference Figures 6a-6e In the second embodiment shown, the device 10 of the present invention is used to wrap a film 6 around an object 4 placed on a tray, which in turn is placed on a rotating base 3. In this embodiment, the object 4 to be wrapped rotates itself in the vicinity of the device 10, while the device is fixed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, reference... Figures 5a-5e Since the movable body 12 of device 10 is not visible, movement of device 10 itself is not necessary. On the other hand, the method by which the front end flap 9 of the film 6 seen above retracts from the bracket 1 remains unchanged by using a specially electrostatic rod 19.

[0082] In operation, the device 10 delivers the front end flap 9 of the film 6 out of the bracket 1 and pushes it against the side of the object 4 to be wrapped, where it is fixed by the attraction of electrostatic charge. Figure 6a ), without any operator intervention. Then, the rotating base 3, on which the object to be wrapped 4 is placed, begins to rotate on its own ( Figure 6b Therefore, when the film is dispensed from the bracket 1, the film 6 remains stationary along the contour of the object 4. Figure 6c and 6d ), until the front end flap 9 of the film 6 is brought back to the starting point ( Figure 6e In this configuration, at the end of the first flap, the film 6 overlaps with the front flap 9, thereby securing the film 6 securely around the object to be wrapped 4. The rotation of the object to be wrapped 4 around the device 10 can continue until it completes the programmed number of revolutions.

[0083] Of course, many modifications and variations of the above preferred embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art and are still within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown by way of non-limiting example only, but is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for wrapping a stretched film (6) around an object (4), wherein the device (10) comprises a) A bracket (1) suitable for accommodating the roll of the film (6). b) An opening (11) that allows the film (6) to exit from the bracket (1). c) A motorized roller (7) adapted to facilitate the exit of the film (6) from the bracket (1) through the opening (11), and d) A fan (8) capable of generating an air knife (14), the air knife being designed to guide the film (6) toward the object to be wrapped (4), Its features are, The device (10) further includes a means (19) placed along the path of the film (6) as it exits the bracket (1), the means (19) being placed at the opening (11) of the bracket (1) and adapted to be electrostatically charged and capable of transferring charge to the front end portion of the film (6) exiting the bracket (1) to secure itself to the object (4) to be wrapped. The device (19) is a rod suitable for electrostatic charging, and the device (19) is an ionizing rod including electrodes or emitting tips.

2. The apparatus (10) for wrapping a stretched film (6) around an object (4) according to claim 1, wherein, The device (19) emits positive ions.

3. The device (10) for wrapping a stretched film (6) around an object (4) according to claim 1 or 2 is further provided with a movable body (12) integral with the bracket (1), the movable body being rotatable around the object (4) to be wrapped.

4. A method for wrapping a portion of a stretched film (6) around an object (4) using a device (10), said device comprising: a) a bracket (1) adapted to receive a roll of the film (6), b) an opening (11) adapted to allow the film (6) to exit from the bracket (1), c) a motorized roller (7) adapted to facilitate the exit of the film (6) from the bracket (1) through the opening (11), and d) a fan (8) capable of generating an air knife (14) designed to guide the film (6) toward the object to be wrapped (4), wherein the method includes the following steps: a) Allowing the front flap (9) of the film (6) to exit from the bracket (1) through the opening (11); b) Electrostatically charge the front end flap (9) of the film (6) before or during its exit from the bracket (1); c) Allow the front flap (9) of the electrostatically charged film (6) to be fixed to the object (4); d) The front end flap (9) of the film (6) emerging from the bracket (1) is guided toward the object (4) by an air knife (14) generated by a fan (8) placed at the opening (11) of the bracket (1); e) Wrap the front flap (9) of the film (6) around the object (4), and then wrap the remaining portion of the film (6) around the front flap as the film comes out of the bracket (1).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein step b) is first performed by step b1), wherein the device (19) arranged at the opening (11) of the bracket (1) is electrostatically charged, and is subsequently performed by step b2), wherein the electrostatic charge is transferred from the device (19) to the front end flap (9) of the film (6).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Step c) of wrapping the front flap (9) of the film (6) around the object (4) is performed by rotating the object (4) to be wrapped around itself near the device (10), or alternatively, by rotating the movable body (12) of the device (10) integrated with the bracket (1) around the object (4).

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