blocking device

Abstract

The invention provides a blocking device suitable for being installed on a wrapping packaging machine for wrapping objects with a wrapping film, in particular on a wrapping packaging machine for wrapping pallets, comprising a blocking bar element for supporting, receiving a portion of film and a support unit of the blocking bar element; the blocking bar element is movable on the support unit from a rest position to an extended operating position in which it extends transversely to the support unit in order to perform a heat sealing operation on the film at the end of the wrapping of the pallet; the blocking device further comprises a support structure of the support unit and a moving device for moving the blocking bar element along a movement direction from a maximum extended position with respect to the pallet to a maximum retracted position; the first moving device comprises a lever device and a first actuator connected to each other, arranged to operate the lever device and configured to exert a pulling and pushing action on the lever device along an operating direction arranged transversely with respect to the movement direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a blocking device for heat sealing of packaging film, intended for installation on a stretch wrapping machine, particularly on a stretch wrapping machine for packaging pallets. Background Technology

[0002] Pallets are known to be used for storing and transporting goods.

[0003] In addition, it is known that using pallet packaging machines to wrap pallets and goods placed on them with stretch film can stabilize the pallets and goods as a whole, making transportation and / or storage easier to manage.

[0004] Specifically, automatic wrapping machines are typically used in automated production lines, placed at the end of the line to automatically package goods, and at the end of the packaging, the edges of the film, known as the film tail, are cut and then welded or fixed to the bottom film layer of the goods.

[0005] Welding of the film edges, or more precisely, heat sealing of the film edges, can be performed in direct contact with the packaged goods (in which case the heat-sealing element in the wrapping machine can be pressed directly onto the film-wrapped goods), or using a retractable stop bar placed between the last layer of film applied to the goods and the last one or more wraps: in other words, the last wrap of film rests against the stop bar. In this method, the heat-sealing element can be pressed against the retractable stop bar and interact only with the film layer also wrapped around the stop bar, i.e., only with the film layer required for effective welding. The second approach is particularly advantageous, for example, when the surface of the goods is too irregular for direct contact welding, or when it is necessary to avoid any contact with products on a pallet to ensure the goods are not damaged.

[0006] Specifically, when there is a blocking bar, the blocking bar is equipped with a blocking device that manages the engagement and disengagement of the blocking bar; however, current blocking devices typically have complex motion characteristics, which results in large size, thereby compromising the effectiveness and ease of use of the blocking device.

[0007] Furthermore, the removal of the barrier bar can be complicated when the shape and / or condition of the goods prevents its removal, thus reducing the versatility of the pallet wrapping machine itself.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the current blocking devices used for packaging films, thereby improving the current automatic pallet wrapping machine to ensure versatility, small size, and simple motion characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a versatile blocking device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized blocking device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a blocking device in which the components can move according to simplified motion characteristics.

[0012] The advantage of this invention is that it provides a blocking device that is easy to detach from the goods at the end of the heat sealing operation.

[0013] The objectives and advantages of this invention are achieved by the blocking device defined herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation on the implementation of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a blocking device for placing a packaging film to be heat-sealed on it, according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the device, showing the maximum extended position (double dashed lines) and the maximum retracted position (solid lines);

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device, showing the operating position (double dashed lines) and the first stationary position (solid line);

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device is shown in the figure. Figure 3 The operating position (double dashed lines) and the second stationary position (solid lines);

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Side view;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side view of the device, illustrating its position after being mounted on the pallet wrapping machine and retracted under the pallet;

[0021] Figure 7 It is installed on the pallet wrapping machine and engages with the pallet. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device;

[0022] Figure 8 It is installed on the pallet wrapping machine and is in its maximum retracted position. Figure 1 Top view of the device;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of a part of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The general features of the present invention are described in detail below by way of examples, but this does not constitute a limitation on the implementation of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a blocking device 10 is shown, such as Figure 7 It is evident that the design is intended to be installed on a stretch wrapping machine A that uses packaging film F, specifically on a stretch wrapping machine A used for packaging pallets P.

[0026] See Figure 1 The blocking device 10 provides a blocking rod element 14, suitable for receiving and supporting a portion of the thin film F and the support unit 11 of the blocking rod element 14; as Figure 3 and 4 As can be seen, the blocking rod element can be moved on the support unit 11 from the rest position R1, R2 to the extended operating position O.

[0027] Specifically, when the blocking rod element 14 is in the extended operating position O, the support unit 11 extends laterally to receive and support the film F, allowing for heat sealing of the film F at the end of the tray P packaging process. For this purpose, the blocking rod element 14 has a recessed area 29 adapted to provide a normal support surface for the heat-sealing element (not labeled) in the wrapping machine A during the heat-sealing operation. Otherwise, at the end of the heat-sealing operation, the blocking rod element 14 occupies the resting positions R1, R2, disengaging from contact with the film F.

[0028] like Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the support unit 11 has a box-shaped housing 34 extending longitudinally along the support unit 11, in which a rack 28 is inserted and connected to the stop bar element 14 via a gear 35.

[0029] The rack 28 can be moved along the box-shaped housing 34 via the second driver 36 to allow the blocking rod element 14 to move from the retracted positions R1, R2 to the extended operating position O.

[0030] Specifically, the blocking rod element 14 is movably connected to the gear 35 to change its position relative to the rack 28: for example, in an embodiment of the blocking device 10, the blocking rod element 14 can be detachably fixed to a retaining pin integral with the gear 35 by screws.

[0031] For example, the second drive may be selected from a device that includes a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, and an electric drive.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the blocking device 10 also includes a support structure 25 for the support unit 11 and moving devices 16, 17, and 18, which are configured to move the support unit 11 relative to the support structure 25 along a moving direction D1; the moving direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal unfolding axis of the box-shaped unit 34.

[0033] Therefore, by moving the support unit 11, the blocking rod element 14 can be moved from the maximum extended position MP to the tray P to the maximum retracted position MR relative to the tray P.

[0034] In detail, such as Figure 1 As can be seen, the moving devices 16, 17, and 18 include interconnected lever devices 17 and 18 and a first driver 16, having a free end 30 connected to the support unit 11 and a fixed end 31 connected to the support structure 25. The first driver is arranged to operate the lever devices 17 and 18, and is connected to the support structure 25 at the first end 32 and to the lever devices 17 and 18 at the second end 33.

[0035] like Figure 2 It can be seen that the first actuator 16 is configured to apply pushing and pulling action on the lever devices 17 and 18 along the operating direction D2, which is arranged laterally relative to the direction of movement D1.

[0036] For example, the first drive may be selected from a device that includes a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, and an electric drive.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment of the blocking device 10, the lever devices 17 and 18 include a first lever device 17 and a second lever device 18 that are interconnected by a first shaft device 22.

[0038] Furthermore, the first lever device 17 is connected to the support unit 11 via a second shaft device 26 at its free end 30, while the second lever device 18 is connected to the support structure 25 not only via a third shaft device 20 at its fixed end 31, but also via a fourth shaft device 21 at its second end 33. The fourth shaft device 21 is closer to the third shaft device 20 than the first shaft device 22. Additionally, the first driver 16 is also connected to the support structure 25 at its first end 32 via a fifth shaft device 27.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 4 The support unit 11 moves along the moving direction D1, causing the blocking rod element 14 to move closer to or further away from the tray P. That is, the support unit 11 moves along the direction D1 from the maximum extended position MP to the maximum retracted position MR. The movement is guided by the track device 15, which is adapted to slide within the slider device 24 arranged on the support structure 25.

[0040] In addition, the track device 15 has a stop device 23, which stops the sliding of the track device 15 within the slider device 24 when the support unit 11 reaches the maximum extension position MP.

[0041] In this manner, the support unit 11 can be safely slid along direction D1 from the maximum extended position MP to the maximum retracted position MR.

[0042] See Figure 2 Lever devices 17, 18 and first actuator 16, such as Figure 8 It can be seen that it extends and is movable in essentially the same horizontal plane, or / and is oriented in such a way that the external dimensions are minimized in the direction parallel to the direction of movement D1.

[0043] Finally, as Figure 5 As shown, the blocking device 10 has third actuators 12 and 13 connected to the support structure 25, allowing the support structure 25 and the support unit 11 to move along a direction D3 perpendicular to the horizontal plane and thus along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement D1, so as to allow the support unit 11 to perform telescopic movement under the tray P (see...). Figure 6 In other words, the vertical height of the blocking device 10 can be adjusted by the third actuators 12 and 13.

[0044] For example, the third drive (12, 13) may be selected from a device that includes hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives and electric drives.

[0045] The movement of the stop bar element 14 from the retracted positions R1, R2 to the extended operating position O will now be described in more detail.

[0046] As expected, the stop lever element 14 is movably connected to the gear 35 to change its position relative to the rack 28: for example, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The blocking rod element 14 is configured to rotate from the extended operating position O to the stationary position R1, R2 about an axis A1 parallel to the direction D1, along a first rotation direction (r1) or a second rotation direction (r2).

[0047] In other words, the blocking rod element 14 is configured to move on the support unit 11 toward a retracted rest position R1 or toward an extended rest position R2, in which the blocking rod element 14 extends as an elongated end of the support unit 11.

[0048] Specifically, the rotation of the blocking rod element 14 is the result of the linear motion of the rack 28 caused by the second driver 36, which is converted into the rotation of the gear 35 and ultimately into the rotation of the blocking rod element 14.

[0049] Since the blocking rod element 14 can be configured to rotate in either the first direction r1 or the second direction r2, the blocking rod element 14 is allowed to continue moving in a direction substantially consistent with the forward direction of the tray P at the end of the heat sealing operation, thus facilitating the disengagement of the blocking rod element 14 from the film F.

[0050] As shown above, it is clear that the blocking device 10 according to the present invention has successfully achieved all the aforementioned preset objectives.

[0051] The descriptions and illustrations in the accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate the innovative functions of the blocking device 10.

[0052] In practice, various materials can be appropriately selected based on requirements and the state of available technology, provided they are compatible with the specific application and their respective individual components. Modifications and / or additions may be made to the descriptions and illustrations in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A blocking device (10) adapted for mounting on a stretch wrapping machine (A) of a packaging pallet (P) wrapped by a packaging film (F), and comprising: - The blocking element (14) is adapted to support and receive a portion of the packaging film (F). - The support unit (11) of the blocking rod element (14). The blocking rod element (14) is movable from its rest position (R1, R2) on the support unit (11) to disengage from the packaging film (F) in the extended operating position (O), in which the support unit (11) extends laterally to support and receive the packaging film (F) and to allow heat sealing on the packaging film (F) at the end of the tray (P) packaging. The blocking device (10) further comprises: -The support structure (25) of the support unit (11), and - A moving device configured to move the support unit (11) relative to the support structure (25) along the moving direction (D1) so as to move the stop bar element (14) from the maximum extended position (MP) of the tray (P) to the maximum retracted position (MR) relative to the tray (P). The moving device includes interconnected lever devices having a movable end (30) connected to the support unit (11) and a fixed end (31) connected to the support structure (25). The moving device also includes a first driver (16) arranged to operate the lever device and connected to the support structure (25) at a first end (32) and to the lever device at a second end (33). The first driver (16) is configured to apply a pulling and pushing action to the lever device along an operating direction (D2) arranged laterally relative to the moving direction (D1). The support unit (11) is connected to a track device (15) suitable for sliding within a slider device (24) arranged on the support structure (25) to guide the support unit (11) to move along the direction of movement (D1) so that the blocking rod element (14) moves closer to or away from the tray (P). The support unit (11) can slide along the direction of movement (D1) from the maximum extended position (MP) of the tray (P) to the maximum retracted position (MR) relative to the tray (P). The track device (15) has a stop device (23) that stops the sliding of the track device (15) within the slider device (24) when the support unit (11) reaches the maximum extension position (MP); The blocking rod element (14) is configured to rotate about an axis (A1) parallel to the direction of movement (D1), and rotate from the extended operating position (O) to the stationary position (R1, R2) along a first rotation direction (r1) or a second rotation direction (r2) so that it can move in a direction substantially consistent with the forward direction of the tray (P) at the end of the heat sealing operation. The support unit (11) has a box-shaped housing (34) in which a rack (28) is placed and connected to the blocking rod element (14) via a gear (35) to allow the blocking rod element (14) to move from the retracted rest position to the extended operating position (O). The device includes a second actuator (36) arranged to linearly move the rack (28), a stop bar element (14) detachable relative to the gear (35) to change its position relative to the rack (28), altering the movement from the extended operating position (O) to the retracted rest position, the stop bar element (14) being configurable to move on the support unit (11) toward the retracted rest position or toward the extended rest position, in which the stop bar element (14) extends as the extended end of the support unit (11), the lever device and the first actuator (16) extending substantially on the same horizontal plane (O) and movable to move the support unit (11) from the maximum extended position (MP) to the maximum retracted position (MR), the lever device and the first actuator (16) being oriented in the maximum retracted position (MR) to minimize the external dimensions in a direction parallel to the direction of movement (D1), the lever device including a first shaft device (22) mutually The first lever (17) and the second lever (18) are connected. The first lever (17) is connected to the support unit (11) at the moving end (30) via the second shaft device (26). The second lever (18) is connected to the support structure (25) at the fixed end (31) via the third shaft device (20). At the second end (33), the first driver (16) is connected to the third shaft device (20) via the fourth shaft device (21). The fourth shaft device (21) is positioned closer to the third shaft device (20) than the first shaft device (22). The first driver (16), the first lever (17) and the second lever (18) are arranged vertically from low to high. The fourth shaft device (21) is positioned between the first driver (16) and the first lever (17). The first shaft device (22) is positioned between the first lever (17) and the second lever (18). The first driver (16) is connected to the support structure (25) at the first end (32) via the fifth shaft device (27). The support structure (25) is connected to a third actuator (12, 13) that allows the support structure (25) and the support unit (11) to move along a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (o) and thus along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (D1) (D3) to allow the support unit (11) to retract under the tray (P).

2. The blocking device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The third actuator (12, 13) is selected from a device including a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a pneumatic actuator cylinder, and an electric actuator cylinder.

3. The blocking device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The second actuator (36) is selected from a device including a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a pneumatic actuator cylinder, and an electric actuator cylinder.

4. The blocking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first actuator (16) is selected from a device including a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a pneumatic actuator cylinder, and an electric actuator cylinder.

5. The blocking device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking bar element (14) has a recessed area (29) suitable for providing a normal support surface for the heat-sealing elements in the wrapping machine (A) during the heat-sealing operation of the packaging film (F).

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