Stretch wrapping machine with film sealing assembly

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a stretch wrapper with a sealing and cutting device that performs a seam to seal the film after the load is wrapped.

Description

[0001] priority

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

[0003] This disclosure relates to stretch wrapping machines, and more specifically to stretch wrapping machines that include membrane sealing assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] Several types of known stretch wrapping machines use stretch film to secure cargo loads to pallets. These stretch wrapping machines include a film holder to which replaceable rolls of stretch film are mounted. Depending on the type of stretch wrapping machine, the film holder rotates relative to the palletized load, or the palletized load rotates relative to the film holder while the film holder moves vertically relative to the load, thereby wrapping the load with the stretch film in a spiral pattern. For example, a rotary wrapping machine rotates a turntable carrying the palletized load while simultaneously moving the film holder vertically to wrap the load with stretch film. A circular wrapping machine rotates the film holder in a ring around the palletized load while simultaneously moving the film holder vertically to wrap the load with stretch film. A rotary arm wrapping machine rotates an arm carrying the film holder around the palletized load while simultaneously moving the film holder vertically to wrap the load with stretch film.

[0005] Once the winding process is essentially complete, the film web extending between the load and the film carrier is cut, creating a film tail extending from the load. This film tail must be secured to the film already wound around the load to prevent it from unwinding. This securing process can occur before or after the film web is cut to form the film tail. While some existing stretch winding machines include various mechanisms for securing the film tail, there is still a need to simplify and speed up this process to increase production capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a winding machine comprising: a winding machine frame; a guide mounted to the winding machine frame; a guide actuator operatively connected to the guide to cause vertical movement of the guide relative to the winding machine frame; a winding assembly mounted to the guide and including a film holder; a winding assembly actuator operatively connected to the winding assembly to cause movement of the winding assembly relative to the guide; and a sealing and cutting device mounted to the guide. The sealing and cutting device includes: a heating element support; a heating element protector; a heating element positioned between the heating element support and the heating element protector and movable between a sealed position and an original position to seal two layers of film together; and a clamp facing inward to the heating element and positioned on the side of the two layers of film opposite to the heating element.

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for winding a load using a winding machine, wherein the method includes: positioning the load in a winding area of ​​the winding machine; winding the load using a winding assembly mounted to a guide; positioning a sealing and cutting device including a heating element assembly near the wound load; winding the load and the heating element assembly with an inner membrane seal layer; overlapping at least a portion of the inner membrane seal layer with an outer membrane seal layer; positioning a clamp against the outer membrane seal layer such that the clamp faces inward toward the load; actuating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner membrane seal layer to the outer membrane seal layer; and cutting the outer membrane seal layer. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the stretch winding machine disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of some components of a stretch winding machine.

[0010] Figures 3A to 3F It undergoes a sealing process. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the load, membrane, and membrane sealing assembly of the winding machine.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the winding process, including the membrane sealing process. Detailed Implementation

[0012] While the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be implemented in various forms, the accompanying drawings and the specification describe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be necessary, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of components; and the manner in which components are connected may vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise stated, any orientation mentioned in the specification reflects the orientation of the corresponding component shown in the drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms relating to installation methods such as mounting and connecting are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively mounted methods such as connecting. This specification is intended to be considered as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of this disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0013] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a stretch winding machine having a heating element assembly configured as a sealing layer of a sealing film to complete the stretch winding of a load.

[0014] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figures 3A to 3F An example embodiment of the stretch wrapping machine 1 (sometimes referred to herein as a "wrapping machine" for brevity) disclosed herein is shown. The wrapping machine 1 includes a wrapping machine frame 10, a circular guide 20, a guide actuator 30, a wrapping assembly 40, and a sealing and cutting device 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (not shown in the image), operator interface 500 and controller 600.

[0015] The winding machine frame 10 is formed of a plurality of tubular and / or solid components (not individually labeled) and is configured to support other components of the winding machine 1. The winding machine frame 10 defines a winding area within itself and has a feed area 10a and a discharge area 10b, in which a palletized load (e.g., a load L on a pallet P) (e.g., via a conveyor C) is conveyed into the winding area for winding, and in the discharge area, the palletized load is conveyed out of the winding area (e.g., via the conveyor C) after winding. The winding machine frame 10 shown is merely an example configuration, and any suitable configuration can be used.

[0016] The circular guide 20 serves as a mounting element 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 can move vertically relative to the winding machine frame 10 between an upper position and a lower position.

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

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

[0019] The annular support serves as a mounting element for the membrane support and is movably mounted to the circular guide 20, allowing the support (along with the support and other components connected to the support) to 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) 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 member for movement with the support member (i.e., rotating relative to the circular guide 20 and moving vertically relative to the winding machine frame 10). The film carrier is configured to rotatably support a film roll (e.g., plastic stretch film). The film carrier may include various components, such as, but not limited to, a film carrier frame, a film roll support member, one or more idler rollers, one or more pinch rollers, one or more pre-stretch rollers, and a pre-stretch drive assembly.

[0021] A winding assembly actuator 400 is operatively 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 operatively 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, thus completing the winding process. Cutting the film F produces a leading edge of the film F for the next winding process. The sealing and cutting device 100 can also be configured to retain the leading edge after cutting the film F and connect it to the next load while it is being wound.

[0023] As in Figures 3A to 3F As best shown, 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 initial position (upper position in this illustrated embodiment) and a sealed position (lower position in this illustrated embodiment). In the initial position, the membrane sealing assembly is disengaged from the membrane and the load and is positioned such that the load L can be wound around without interference from the membrane sealing assembly 200. In the sealed position, the heating element assembly 205... Figure 3B The device is positioned to perform the membrane sealing process as described in detail below. The membrane sealing assembly 200 may be coupled to the circular guide 20 and / or the winding assembly 40, and is movable between an upper and lower position by a sealing and cutting actuator 300. In some embodiments, the sealing and cutting actuator 300 may be configured to move the membrane 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 together 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, resistance 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 both the heating element support arm and the heating element guard. The heating element guard 230 is movable independently of the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210. Figure 3B and Figure 3C As best shown, the heating element protector 230 is movable relative to the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210 between a shielded position and a heated position, in which the heating element protector 230 shields the heating element 210, preventing it from heating and melting the inner membrane sealing layer FS1 and the outer membrane sealing layer FS2 (e.g., Figure 3B In this heating position, the heating element protector 230 exposes the heating element 210 to the inner membrane sealing layer FS1 (e.g., Figure 3C Therefore, the heating element 210 can heat and melt the inner membrane sealing layer FS1 and the outer membrane sealing layer FS2. (As in...) Figures 3C to 3E As best shown, the heating element support arm 220 is positioned on the inner side (or load side) of the heating element 210, and the heating element protector 230 is positioned on the outer side (or sealing side) of the heating element 210. In various other embodiments, the heating element protector is connected to and movable with the heating element support. In such embodiments, the bottom of the heating element protector is above the heating element, and therefore the heating element protector protects the film above the heating element, but not the film at the position 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 such that the winding assembly 40 can wind the membrane 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 with the outermost membrane layer (e.g., the outer membrane sealing layer FS2). The clamp 240 can be moved between the release and clamping positions via any suitable form of movement (e.g., sliding, pivoting, rotating, or translating) under the control of the sealing and cutting actuator 300.

[0026] Operator interface 500 is configured to receive input from an operator and, in some embodiments, to output information to the operator. The operator interface includes one or more input devices configured to receive input from the operator. In various embodiments, the one or more input devices include one or more buttons (e.g., hard keys or soft keys), one or more switches, and / or a touch panel. In various embodiments, 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 attached to the display device. In some embodiments, operator interface 500 is formed as part of the stretch wrapping machine 1 and, for example, mounted to the stretch wrapping machine frame 10. In other embodiments, the operator interface is located away from the stretch wrapping machine 1.

[0027] The controller 600 includes a processing device 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 (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more integrated circuits, and / or state machines. The memory device may include any suitable memory device, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the winding machine 1 (e.g., performing winding operations, as described below).

[0028] The controller 600 is communicatively and operably 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] Figures 3A to 3F The diagram illustrates a winding process that includes a membrane sealing process for sealing the membrane onto itself after winding, and references... Figure 4 The flowchart shown is used for description. Further, Figures 3A to 3F A partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the load is shown; therefore, 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 box 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 edge of the film F on the roll R. The controller 600 controls the conveyor C to move the load L on the tray P through the feed area 10a and into the winding area of ​​the winding machine 1.

[0031] As shown in box 420, the winding process basically includes winding load L, such as Figure 3AAs shown. After the load L on tray P reaches the winding area, controller 600 controls guide actuator 30 to lower circular guide 20, such that winding assembly 40 is at least partially vertically aligned with a portion of the load L. Controller 600 controls sealing and cutting device 100 to hold the leading edge of film F on the load L, while simultaneously controlling winding assembly actuator 400 to rotate winding assembly 40 relative to circular guide 20 and load L. The rotation of winding assembly 40 relative to load L, combined with sealing-cutting device 100 holding the leading edge of film F on load L, pulls film F off roll R, guides the film through the rollers of film carrier, and winds the film around load L.

[0032] Once the membrane F has been wound onto the front end, the controller 600 controls the sealing and cutting device 100 to release the front end and remove it 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 membrane F is wound around the load L in a spiral pattern. During winding, the controller 600 controls one or more pre-stretch actuators to rotate one or more pre-stretch rollers, thereby pre-stretching the membrane as it is pulled across the rollers.

[0033] Figure 3A A load L is shown that is wound with a single layer of film (labeled F1). Although the illustrated embodiment shows the load L wound with a single layer of F1, the load L can be wound once, twice or more by the winding assembly 40, and any suitable pattern, such as a spiral pattern, can be used.

[0034] As indicated in box 430, the membrane sealing process of the winding process includes positioning the membrane sealing assembly near the load. Figure 3B A membrane seal assembly 200 is shown positioned near the load L after the load L has been wrapped with membrane layer F1. The membrane seal assembly 200 can be positioned to engage membrane layer F1 or to be adjacent to membrane layer F1 without contact. The heating element protector 230 is in a shielded or lowered position to prevent any membrane from being exposed to the heating element 210.

[0035] As indicated in box 440, the membrane sealing process of the winding process includes winding the load L and the membrane sealing assembly 200 with an inner membrane sealing layer and an outer membrane sealing layer. The inner membrane sealing layer... Figure 3B The first membrane sealing layer FS1 is shown in the middle. Figure 3CA second membrane sealing layer FS2, positioned by a winding assembly, is shown such that it at least partially overlaps with a first membrane sealing layer FS1. The second membrane sealing layer FS2 does not need to extend completely around the load L, but can extend only partially around the load, creating an overlap section with the first membrane sealing layer FS1. The overlap section of the first membrane sealing layer FS1 and the second membrane sealing layer FS2 can be positioned such that it is aligned with the membrane sealing assembly 200. The first membrane sealing layer FS1 and the second membrane sealing layer FS2 can be wound such that they are vertically aligned with each other, as shown... Figure 3C As shown.

[0036] As indicated in frame 450, the membrane sealing process of the winding process includes positioning the clamp 240 against the outer membrane sealing layer FS2. Figure 3C The clamp 240 is shown moving into the clamping position, pressing against the outer membrane sealing layer FS2. Alternatively, the clamp 240 can be positioned adjacent to or near the second membrane sealing layer FS2 without contact. Then, the heating element protector 230 moves from the shielded position to the heating position to expose the heating element 210 to the first membrane sealing layer FS1, as shown. Figure 3C As shown.

[0037] As indicated in box 460, the membrane sealing process of the winding process includes actuating the heating element assembly 205 to seal the inner membrane sealing layer FS1 to the outer membrane sealing layer FS2. Figure 3D and Figure 3E The diagram illustrates the movement of heating element assembly 205 from a sealed position toward its original position. As heating element assembly 205 moves, heating element 210 seals the inner membrane sealing layer FS1 onto the outer membrane sealing layer FS2, creating sealing layers FS1 / FS2. To seal these layers together, heating element 210 presses the first membrane sealing layer FS1 and the second membrane sealing layer FS2 into clamp 240, thereby applying heat as heating element 210 moves upward. As heating element assembly 205 moves upward, the combined sealing membrane layers FS1 / FS2 spring back and contact the membrane layer F1 wound around the load L, partly due to the pre-stretch applied to those portions of membrane F. As shown, when guard 230 is in the heated position, heating element 210 extends beyond (i.e., to the right) heating element guard 230. This could be caused by guard 230 moving upward and to the left (i.e., exposing the heating element) as it moves to the heated position, or by guard 230 moving heating element 210 to the right (i.e., beyond guard 230). Alternatively, the heating element protector 230 may not be movable and may always be positioned in the heating position, so that the heating element 210 is always exposed.

[0038] Figure 3FThe demonstration shows the heating element assembly 205 moving to its original position after completion, and the membrane sealing layers FS1 and FS2 sealing together and springing back onto the membrane layer F2. At this stage, the clamp 240 can move to the release position, allowing the wound and sealed load L to be removed from the winding area.

[0039] As indicated in box 470, the winding process includes cutting the outer membrane sealing layer FS2. Although in Figures 3A to 3F Although not shown, the cutter of the sealing and cutting device 100 can cut the membrane 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 layers FS1 and FS2 together, the cutter can be moved simultaneously to cut membrane layer FS2 (i.e., the outermost layer of the membrane). The cutter may also include a leading edge membrane retainer to hold the cut end of the membrane in preparation for winding the next load.

Claims

1. A winding machine, comprising: Frame of the wrapping machine; A guide component, which is installed onto the frame of the winding machine; A guide actuator operatively connected to the guide to cause the guide to move vertically relative to the winding machine frame; A winding assembly, which is mounted to the guide and includes a membrane holder; A winding assembly actuator operatively connected to the winding assembly to move the winding assembly relative to the guide; as well as A sealing and cutting device, which is mounted to the guide and includes: Heating element support, Heating element protective components A heating element, positioned between a heating element support and a heating element protector, and movable between a sealed position and an original position to seal the two membranes together; as well as A clamp that faces inward toward the heating element and can be positioned on the side of the two films opposite to the heating element.

2. The winding machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The heating element support is positioned on the first side of the heating element, and the heating element guard is positioned on the opposite second side of the heating element.

3. The winding machine as described in claim 2, wherein, The heating element protector is movable between a shielded position and a heated position, wherein in the shielded position, the heating element protector prevents the heating element from engaging the first film layer, and wherein in the heated position, the heating element protector allows the heating element to engage the first film layer.

4. The winding machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The clamp can move between a release position and a clamping position.

5. A method for winding a load using a winding machine, the method comprising: Position the load within the winding area of ​​the winding machine; Use a winding assembly mounted on the guide to wind the load; Position the sealing and cutting device, including the heating element assembly, near the wound load; The load and the heating element assembly are wrapped with an inner sealing layer; At least a portion of the inner sealing layer overlaps with the outer sealing layer; Position the clamp against the outer membrane sealing layer so that the clamp faces inward toward the load; Actuate the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner membrane sealing layer to the outer membrane sealing layer; as well as Cut the outer sealing layer.

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 protector is movable between a shielded position and a heated position, and the method further includes moving the heating element protector to the heated position to expose the inner membrane sealing layer to the heating element.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: When the inner membrane sealing layer is exposed to the heating element, the heating element assembly is moved from the sealed position to the original position; as well as The heating element is pressed against the inner membrane sealing layer and towards the clamp to seal the inner membrane sealing layer to the outer membrane sealing layer.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: The heating element assembly is positioned such that the heating element support engages with the outer membrane wound around the load, and the heating element guard engages with the inner membrane sealing layer.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein, The inner and outer sealing layers are vertically aligned.

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

12. The method of claim 5, wherein, The cutting of the outer membrane sealing layer and the sealing and cutting device sealing the inner membrane sealing layer to the outer membrane sealing layer occur simultaneously.

13. The method of claim 5, wherein, Actuating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner membrane seal layer to the outer membrane seal layer includes: The inner membrane sealing layer is exposed to the heating element of the heating element assembly such that the heating element contacts the inner membrane sealing layer, wherein the heating element faces outwards from the load surface; and Move the heating element assembly from the sealed position to the original position while maintaining contact between the heating element and the inner membrane sealing layer.

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