Stretch winding machine with film sealing assembly

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a stretch winding machine having a sealing and cutting device that performs seaming to seal a film after a load is wound.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 367,511, filed on July 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to stretch wrapping machines, and more particularly to stretch wrapping machines including a film sealing assembly. Background Art

[0004] Several types of known stretch wrapping machines use stretch film to secure a cargo load to a pallet. These stretch wrapping machines include a film carrier to which a replaceable roll of stretch film is mounted. Depending on the type of stretch wrapping machine, the film carrier rotates relative to the pallet load or the pallet load rotates relative to the film carrier while the film carrier moves vertically relative to the load to wrap the load with the stretch film in a spiral pattern. For example, a turntable wrapping machine rotates a turntable carrying a pallet load while moving the film carrier vertically to wrap the load with stretch film. A ring wrapping machine rotates a film carrier on a ring surrounding the pallet load while moving the film carrier vertically to wrap the load with stretch film. A rotating arm wrapping machine rotates a cantilever carrying a film carrier around the pallet load while moving the film carrier vertically to wrap the load with stretch film.

[0005] Once the winding process is substantially complete, the film web extending between the load and the film roll on the film carrier is cut, thereby producing a film tail extending from the load. This film tail must be secured to the film that has been wrapped around the load to prevent the film from unwinding from the load. This securing process can occur before or after the film web is cut to form the film tail. Although some existing stretch wrapping machines include various mechanisms for securing the film tail, there is still a need to simplify and speed up this process to increase production output. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wrapping machine comprising: a wrapping machine frame; a guide mounted to the wrapping machine frame; a guide actuator operably connected to the guide to move the guide vertically relative to the wrapping machine frame; a wrapping assembly mounted to the guide and comprising a film carrier; a wrapping assembly actuator operably connected to the wrapping assembly to move the wrapping assembly relative to the guide; and a sealing and cutting device mounted to the guide. The sealing and cutting device comprises: a heating element support; a heating element guard; a heating element positioned between the heating element support and the heating element guard and movable between a sealing position and an original position to seal two layers of film together; and a clamp facing inwardly toward the heating element and positionable on a side of the two layers of film opposite to the heating element.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for winding a load with a wrapping machine, wherein the method includes: positioning the load in a wrapping area of ​​the wrapping machine; wrapping the load using a wrapping assembly mounted to a guide; positioning a sealing and cutting device including a heating element assembly near the wrapped load; wrapping the load and the heating element assembly with an inner film sealing layer; overlapping at least a portion of the inner film sealing layer with an outer film sealing layer; positioning a clamp against the outer film sealing layer so that the clamp faces inwardly toward the load; actuating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer; and cutting the outer film sealing layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a stretch wrapping machine of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 Block diagram of some components of a stretch wrapping machine.

[0010] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F It has undergone a sealing process Figure 1 A diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a load, film, and film sealing assembly of a winding machine.

[0011] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps of the winding process including the film sealing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Although the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented in various forms, the drawings illustrate and the specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of the components; and the connection method of the components may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise specified, any direction mentioned in the specification reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms related to installation methods such as installation, connection, etc. are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods, but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operative installation, connection, etc. installation methods. This specification is intended to be regarded as a whole and interpreted according to the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by ordinary technicians in the field.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stretch wrapping machine having a heating element assembly configured to seal a sealing layer of a film to accomplish stretch wrapping of a load.

[0014] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F An exemplary embodiment of a stretch wrapping machine 1 (sometimes referred to herein as a "wrapping machine" for brevity) of the present disclosure is shown. The wrapping machine 1 includes a wrapping machine frame 10, a circular guide 20, a guide actuator 30, a wrapping assembly 40, a sealing and cutting device 100 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), an operator interface 500 and a controller 600.

[0015] The wrapping machine frame 10 is formed of a plurality of tubular and / or solid members (not separately labeled) and is configured to support other components of the wrapping machine 1. The wrapping machine frame 10 defines a wrapping area therein and has an infeed area 10a where a pallet load (e.g., a load L on a pallet P) is conveyed into the wrapping area (e.g., via a conveyor C) for wrapping and an outfeed area 10b where the pallet load is conveyed out of the wrapping area (e.g., via a conveyor C) after wrapping. The wrapping machine frame 10 shown is only an example configuration and any suitable configuration may be employed.

[0016] The circular guide 20 serves as a mounting member for the winding assembly 40 and is movably mounted to the winding machine frame 10 (e.g., to one or more vertical members of the winding machine frame 10) such that the circular guide 20 is vertically movable relative to the winding machine frame 10 between an upper position and a lower position.

[0017] The guide actuator 30 is operably connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 between the upper position and the lower position relative to the winding machine frame 10. In some embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more motors operably connected to the circular guide 20 via one or more belt-pulley assemblies to move the circular guide 20 between the upper position and the lower position. In other embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 between the upper position and the lower position. This is merely an example, and the guide actuator 30 may include any suitable actuator configured to move the circular guide 20 between the upper position and the lower position.

[0018] The winding assembly 40 is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 so that the winding assembly 40 can rotate relative to the circular guide 20. The winding assembly 40 includes an annular support (not shown), a film bracket (not shown), and a winding assembly actuator 400 ( Figure 2 ).

[0019] The annular support serves as a mounting for the membrane carrier and is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 so that the support (and the carrier and other components connected to the support) can rotate relative to the circular guide 20. In this example embodiment, the support is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 via a plurality of spaced rollers (not shown) that are connected to the support and positioned on tracks (not shown) on the circular guide 20.

[0020] The film carrier is fixedly connected to the support to move with the support (i.e., rotate relative to the circular guide 20 and move vertically relative to the winder frame 10). The film carrier is configured to rotatably support a film roll (e.g., a plastic stretch film). The film carrier may include various components, such as, but not limited to, a film carrier frame, a film reel support, one or more idler rollers, one or more pinch rollers, one or more pre-stretch rollers, and a pre-stretch drive assembly.

[0021] The winding assembly actuator 400 is operably connected to the winding assembly 40 to rotate the winding assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. In some embodiments, the winding assembly actuator 400 includes one or more motors operably connected to the winding assembly 40 via one or more belt-pulley assemblies to rotate the winding assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. This is merely an example, and the winding assembly actuator 400 may include any suitable actuator configured to rotate the winding assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L.

[0022] The sealing and cutting device 100 is supported by the winding machine frame 10 and is configured to seal the two layers of film F together and cut the film F from the film roll after the load L has been wound to complete the winding process. Cutting the film F produces a leading end of the film F for the film roll, thereby being used for the next winding process. The sealing and cutting device 100 can also be configured to hold the leading end after cutting the film F and connect the leading end to the next load while it is being wound.

[0023] As in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F As best shown in , the sealing and cutting device 100 includes a membrane sealing assembly 200 and a cutter (not shown). The membrane sealing assembly 200 includes a heating element assembly 205 and a clamp 240. The heating element assembly 205 includes a heating element 210, a heating element support 220, and a heating element guard 230. The heating element assembly 205 is vertically movable (relative to the load L) between an original position (an upper position in this illustrated embodiment) and a sealing position (a lower position in this illustrated embodiment). In the original position, the membrane sealing assembly is disengaged from the membrane and the load and is positioned so that the load L can be wound without interference from the membrane sealing assembly 200. In the sealing position, the heating element assembly 205 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3B The film sealing assembly 200 is shown positioned to perform a film sealing process as described in detail below. The film sealing assembly 200 can be coupled to the circular guide 20 and / or the winding assembly 40 and moved between an upper position and a lower position by the sealing and cutting actuator 300. In some embodiments, the sealing and cutting actuator 300 can be configured to move the film sealing assembly 200, the heating element assembly 205, the clamp 240, and / or one or more components of these assemblies.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the heating element 210 includes suitable components configured to melt two overlapping layers of the film F to each other via thermal conduction, convection, or radiation. In this example embodiment, the heating element 210 includes a rotatable roller configured to be heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the film F via electrical heating (such as but not limited to resistive heating or induction heating). The heating element 210 is positioned between the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element guard 230, and in this embodiment is rotatable relative to the heating element support arm and the heating element guard. The heating element guard 230 can move independently relative to the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210. As in Figure 3B and Figure 3C As best shown in FIG. 1 , the heating element guard 230 is movable relative to the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210 between a shielding position and a heating position, in which the heating element guard 230 shields the heating element 210 from heating and melting the inner film sealing layer FS1 and the outer film sealing layer FS2 (e.g., Figure 3B ), in which heating position the heating element guard 230 exposes the heating element 210 to the inner film sealing layer FS1 (e.g., Figure 3C ), so the heating element 210 can heat and melt the inner film sealing layer FS1 and the outer film sealing layer FS2. FIG. 3C to FIG. 3E , the heating element support arm 220 is positioned on the inside (or load side) of the heating element 210, and the heating element guard 230 is positioned on the outside (or seal side) of the heating element 210. In various other embodiments, the heating element guard is connected to the heating element support and can move therewith. In such embodiments, the bottom of the heating element guard is above the heating element, and thus the heating element guard protects the membrane above the heating element, but does not protect the membrane at the location or level of the heating element.

[0025] The clamp 240 is movable between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the clamp 240 is positioned so that the winding assembly 40 can wrap the film F around the load L and / or the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element guard 230 without interference from the clamp 240. In the clamping position, the clamp 240 moves toward and engages the outermost film layer (e.g., the outer film sealing layer FS2). The clamp 240 can move between the release position and the clamping position under the control of the sealing and cutting actuator 300 via any suitable form of movement (such as sliding, pivoting, rotating, or translating).

[0026] The operator interface 500 is configured to receive input from an operator and, in some embodiments, is configured to output information to the operator. The operator interface includes one or more input devices configured to receive input from an operator. In various embodiments, the one or more input devices include one or more buttons (such as hard keys or soft keys), one or more switches, and / or a touch panel. In various embodiments, the operator interface 500 includes a display device configured to display information to the operator, such as information about pallet loading, the status of the winding operation, or parameters of the stretch wrapping machine 1. The operator interface may include other output devices such as one or more speakers and / or one or more lights instead of or in addition to the display device. In some embodiments, the operator interface 500 is formed as a part of the wrapping machine 1 and is mounted, for example, to the wrapping machine frame 10. In other embodiments, the operator interface is away from the wrapping machine 1.

[0027] The controller 600 includes a processing device that is communicatively connected to a memory device. The processing device may include any suitable processing device, such as, but not limited to, a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application specific integrated circuits, one or more field programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory device may include any suitable memory device, such as, but not limited to, a read-only memory, a random access memory, one or more digital registers, a cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as an integrated hard disk and / or a removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions that can be executed by the processing device to control the operation of the winding machine 1 (such as performing winding operations, as described below).

[0028] The controller 600 is communicatively and operatively connected to the guide actuator 30, the sealing and cutting device 100, the sealing and cutting actuator 300, and the winding assembly actuator 400 to control the operation of these components in conjunction with the winding operation. The controller 600 is communicatively connected to the operator interface 500 to: (1) receive signals from the operator interface 500 representing inputs received by the operator interface 500; and (2) send signals to the operator interface 500 to cause the operator interface 500 to output (e.g., display) information.

[0029] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F A winding process including a film sealing process for sealing the film to itself after winding is shown in FIG. Figure 4 Further, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F A partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the load is shown, so the left side of the load and the membrane layer wrapped around the left side of the load are not shown.

[0030] As shown in block 410, the winding process includes positioning the load L in the winding area. This includes positioning the circular guide 20 in its upper position and the sealing and cutting device 100 holding the leading end of the film F on the roll R. The controller 600 controls the conveyor C to move the load L on the pallet P through the feed area 10a and into the winding area of ​​the wrapping machine 1.

[0031] As shown in block 420, the winding process basically includes winding a load L, such as Figure 3AAfter the load L on the pallet P reaches the winding area, the controller 600 controls the guide actuator 30 to lower the circular guide 20 so that the winding assembly 40 is at least partially vertically aligned with a portion of the load L. The controller 600 controls the sealing and cutting device 100 to hold the leading end of the film F on the load L, and controls the winding assembly actuator 400 to rotate the winding assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. The rotation of the winding assembly 40 relative to the load L is combined with the sealing-cutting device 100 holding the leading end of the film F on the load L, thereby pulling the film F off the roll R, guiding the film through the rollers of the film carrier, and winding the film around the load L.

[0032] Once the film F has been wrapped around the front end, the controller 600 controls the sealing and cutting device 100 to release the front end and move away from the load L. The controller 600 continues to control the winding assembly actuator 400 to rotate the winding assembly 40, while controlling the guide actuator 30 to move the circular guide 20 vertically so that the load L is wrapped with the film F in a spiral pattern. During wrapping, the controller 600 controls one or more pre-stretching actuators to rotate one or more pre-stretching rollers to pre-stretch the film F as it is pulled through the rollers.

[0033] Figure 3A Although the illustrated embodiment shows the load L being wrapped with a single layer of film F1, the load L may be wrapped once, twice or more times by the wrapping assembly 40 and any suitable pattern may be used, such as a spiral pattern.

[0034] As indicated in block 430 , the membrane sealing process of the winding process includes positioning the membrane sealing assembly proximate to the load. Figure 3B The membrane sealing assembly 200 is shown positioned near the load L after the load L has been wrapped with the film F1 layer. The membrane sealing assembly 200 can be positioned to engage the film layer F1 or can be positioned adjacent to the film layer F1 without contacting it. The heating element guard 230 is in a shielding position or a lower position, thereby preventing any film from being exposed to the heating element 210.

[0035] As indicated in block 440, the film sealing process of the winding process includes winding the load L and the film sealing assembly 200 with an inner film sealing layer and an outer film sealing layer. Figure 3B Shown in the figure is the first film sealing layer FS1. Figure 3CThe second film sealing layer FS2 is shown positioned by the winding assembly so that it at least partially overlaps the first film sealing layer FS1. The second film sealing layer FS2 need not extend completely around the load L, but may only partially extend around the load so that an overlapping section is created with the first film sealing layer FS1. The overlapping section of the first film sealing layer FS1 and the second film sealing layer FS2 may be positioned so that it is aligned with the film sealing assembly 200. The first film sealing layer FS1 and the second film sealing layer FS2 may be wound so that they are vertically aligned with each other, such as Figure 3C shown.

[0036] As indicated in block 450 , the film sealing process of the wrapping process includes positioning the clamp 240 against the outer film sealing layer FS2 . Figure 3C The clamp 240 is shown moved into a clamping position, pressing against the outer film sealing layer FS2. Alternatively, the clamp 240 can be positioned adjacent to or near the second film sealing layer FS2 without contacting it. The heating element guard 230 is then moved from the shielding position to the heating position to expose the heating element 210 to the first film sealing layer FS1, such as Figure 3C shown.

[0037] As indicated in block 460 , the film sealing process of the wrapping process includes actuating the heating element assembly 205 to seal the inner film sealing layer FS1 to the outer film sealing layer FS2 . Figure 3D and Figure 3E The heating element assembly 205 is shown moving from the sealing position toward the original position, and as the heating element assembly 205 moves, the heating element 210 seals the inner film sealing layer FS1 to the outer film sealing layer FS2, thereby creating the sealing layer FS1 / FS2. In order to seal these layers together, the heating element 210 presses the first film sealing layer FS1 and the second film sealing layer FS2 into the clamp 240, thereby applying heat as the heating element 210 moves upward. As the heating element assembly 205 moves upward, the combined sealing film layer FS1 / FS2 rebounds and contacts the film layer F1 wrapped around the load L, partly due to the pre-stretching applied to those portions of the film F. As shown, when the guard 230 is in the heating position, the heating element 210 extends beyond (i.e., to the right) the heating element guard 230. The cause may be that the guard 230 moves upward and moves to the left (i.e., exposing the heating element) when it moves to the heating position, or that the heating element 210 moves to the right (i.e., beyond the guard 230) when the guard 230 moves to the heating position. Alternatively, the heating element guard 230 may not be removable and may always be positioned in the heating position such that the heating element 210 is always exposed.

[0038] Figure 3FThe heating element assembly 205 is shown moved to the original position after it has been completed and the film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 are sealed together and spring back onto the film layer F2. At this stage, the clamp 240 can be moved to the release position to enable the wrapped and sealed load L to be removed from the wrapping area.

[0039] As indicated in block 470, the winding process includes cutting the outer film sealing layer FS2. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F 1, but the cutter of the sealing and cutting device 100 can cut the film during or after the sealing process. For example, when the heating element assembly 205 moves from the sealing position to the original position and seals the layers FS1 and FS2 together, the cutter can be moved simultaneously to cut the film layer FS2 (i.e., the outermost layer of the film). The cutter can also include a leading edge film holder to hold the cut end of the film in preparation for winding the next load.

Claims

1. A winding machine, comprising: Winding machine frame; a guide mounted to the wrapping machine frame; a guide actuator operably connected to the guide to vertically move the guide relative to the winding machine frame; a winding assembly mounted to the guide and including a film carrier; a winding assembly actuator operably connected to the winding assembly to move the winding assembly relative to the guide; as well as a sealing and cutting device mounted to the guide and comprising: Heating element support, Heating element guard, a heating element positioned between the heating element support and the heating element guard and movable between a sealing position and an original position to seal two layers of film together; as well as A clamp faces inwardly toward the heating element and is positionable on a side of the two-layer film opposite the heating element.

2. The wrapping machine according to claim 1, wherein: The heating element support is positioned on a first side of the heating element and the heating element guard is positioned on an opposing second side of the heating element.

3. The wrapping machine according to claim 2, wherein: The heating element guard is movable between a shielding position and a heating position, wherein in the shielding position the heating element guard prevents the heating element from engaging the first film layer, and wherein in the heating position the heating element guard enables the heating element to engage the first film layer.

4. The wrapping machine according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp is movable between a release position and a clamping position.

5. A method for winding a load using a winding machine, the method comprising: positioning the load in a winding area of ​​the winding machine; winding the load using a winding assembly mounted to the guide; positioning a sealing and cutting apparatus including a heating element assembly adjacent to the wound load; wrapping the load and the heating element assembly with an inner film sealant; overlapping at least a portion of the inner film sealing layer with the outer film sealing layer; positioning a clamp against the outer film seal layer such that the clamp faces inwardly toward the load; actuating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer; as well as The outer film sealant is cut.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein: The heating element assembly includes a heating element positioned away from the load, a heating element support, and a heating element guard.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: The heating element guard is movable between a shielding position and a heating position, and the method further includes moving the heating element guard to the heating position to expose the inner film sealing layer to the heating element.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: moving the heating element assembly from the sealing position to the original position when the inner film sealing layer is exposed to the heating element; as well as The heating element is pressed against the inner film sealing layer and toward the clamp to seal the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: The heating element assembly is positioned so that the heating element support engages the outer film wrapped around the load and the heating element guard engages the inner film sealant.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein: The inner film sealing layer and the outer film sealing layer are vertically aligned.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein: The clamp is positioned against the outer surface of the outer film sealing layer.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein: Cutting the outer film sealing layer occurs simultaneously with the sealing and cutting device sealing the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer.

13. The method of claim 5, wherein: Actuating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer comprises: exposing the inner film sealing layer to a heating element of the heating element assembly such that the heating element contacts the inner film sealing layer, wherein the heating element faces outwardly away from the load; and The heating element assembly is moved from a sealing position to an original position while maintaining contact between the heating element and the inner film sealing layer.

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