box sealer

Abstract

Different embodiments of the present disclosure provide a carton sealer comprising a frame, a top head assembly support, a top head assembly configured to support a tape cartridge configured to support a roll of tape, an actuator support, and a first actuator supported by the actuator support. The top head assembly is connected to the top head assembly support and is vertically movable with the top head assembly support relative to the frame. The first actuator is operably connected to the top head assembly support and the top head assembly and is configured to vertically move the top head assembly support and the top head assembly relative to the frame and the actuator support between a lower position and an upper position.

Description

priority

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603,320, filed November 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to carton sealing machines, and more specifically to general carton sealing machines configured to seal cartons of varying heights. Background Technology

[0003] Every day, companies around the world pack millions of items into boxes (such as corrugated cardboard boxes) ready for shipment. Box sealing machines help automate this process by applying tape to already packed boxes and sealing them closed. Universal box sealing machines are adjusted for the height of each box, so they can seal boxes of varying heights without requiring operator reconfiguration. A typical universal box sealing machine includes: a frame comprising two lower drive belts; a lower tape cassette removably mounted to the frame between the lower drive belts; a lifting frame mounted to the frame; and a top seal movably mounted to the lifting frame. The top seal comprises two upper drive belts and an upper tape cassette. When the upper and lower drive belts move the box past the lower tape box, the lower tape box applies tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the box. When the upper and lower drive belts move the box past the upper tape box, the upper tape box applies tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the box.

[0004] A general-purpose carton sealing machine can be semi-automatic or automatic. To seal a carton using a semi-automatic general-purpose carton sealing machine, the operator moves the carton until it engages with a pressure switch on the top end cap. In response, the actuator begins to raise the top end cap. Once the top end cap is raised above the carton, causing the carton to stop contacting the pressure switch, the operator moves the carton below the top end cap and holds the carton there. Simultaneously, the actuator begins to apply resistance to the top end cap less than the weight of the top end cap assembly, causing the top end cap to descend toward the carton. Once the upper drive belts of the top end cap contact the top surface of the carton, the operator releases the carton, and these drive belts move the carton through a tape dispenser, which applies tape to the carton.

[0005] To seal boxes using an automated universal box sealer, the actuator moves the top cap to the height of the box before it reaches the top cap, for example, based on feedback from an upstream sensor configured to sense the box's height. As the conveyor moves the box below the top cap, the actuator holds the top cap at that height, and the drive belt moves the box past a tape dispenser that applies tape to the box.

[0006] One problem with some general-purpose carton sealing machines is that the size and positioning of the lifting frame makes it difficult for the operator to remove the tape box for repair or tape roll replacement. The longer the time spent removing and replacing the tape box, the longer the downtime, which is disadvantageous. Another problem with some general-purpose carton sealing machines is the heavy motor driving the upper drive belt in the top sealing assembly. The heavier the top sealing assembly, the more energy is required to raise, lower, and balance it to avoid crushing the carton. The more energy the carton sealing machine uses, the higher its operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a carton sealing machine including: a frame; a top end cap assembly support; a top end cap assembly configured to support a tape cassette configured to support a roll of tape; an actuator support; and a first actuator supported by the actuator support. The top end cap assembly is connected to the top end cap assembly support and is vertically movable relative to the frame together with the top end cap assembly support. The first actuator is operatively connected to the top end cap assembly support and configured to vertically move the top end cap assembly support and the top end cap assembly relative to the frame and the actuator support between a lower position and an upper position. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of the carton sealing machine of this disclosure, wherein the top cap assembly is in the upper and lower positions, respectively.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B A block diagram of some components of a carton sealing machine.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A 3D view of a carton sealing machine, with some parts removed for clarity.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of the top sealing head assembly of a carton sealing machine.

[0012] Figures 5A to 5H yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B Various views of the tape box and its components of the carton sealing machine.

[0013] Figures 6A to 6I yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A side view of a box being sealed by a box sealing machine. Detailed Implementation

[0014] While the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be implemented in various forms, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the description 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 description 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 coupling, mounting, connection, etc.) are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively coupled, mounted, connected, and other installation methods. 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.

[0015] Figures 1A to 5H An example embodiment of the carton sealing machine 10 and its components of this disclosure is shown. While the carton sealing machine 10 is a semi-automatic general-purpose carton sealing machine in this example embodiment, it can be an automatic general-purpose carton sealing machine or any other suitable type of carton sealing machine in other embodiments. The carton sealing machine 10 includes a base assembly 100, a lifting frame 190, an actuator support 200, a top end assembly support 300, a top end assembly 400, a top end actuation assembly 500, an upper drive actuation assembly 600, a lower tape cassette 1000a configured to support a replaceable lower tape roll, and an upper tape cassette 1000b configured to support a replaceable upper tape roll. Figure 2 As shown, the carton sealing machine 10 includes: a plurality of actuation components and actuators operatively connected to the carton sealing machine 10 and configured to control the movement of certain parts of the carton sealing machine; a plurality of sensors S1–S5; and control circuitry and systems for controlling the actuation components and actuators (and other mechanical, pneumatic, electromechanical and / or electrical components of the carton sealing machine 10) in response to signals received from the sensors S.

[0016] The carton sealing machine 10 also includes a controller 90 communicatively connected to the sensors S to send signals to and receive signals from the sensors S. The controller 90 is operatively connected to these actuating components and actuators to control them. The controller 90 can be any suitable type of controller (e.g., a programmable logic controller) including any suitable processing device (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, or an application-specific integrated circuit) and any suitable memory device (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, or flash memory). The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the carton sealing machine 10.

[0017] The base assembly 100 is configured to align a box to be sealed and (together with the top end assembly 400) move the box through the sealing machine 10 in the direction of travel D. The base assembly 100 supports the lower tape box 1000a, the lifting frame 190, and the actuator support 300. The base assembly 100 includes a base assembly frame 111, an infeed table 112, an outfeed table 113, a side rail assembly, and a lower drive assembly. The base assembly 100 defines the infeed end IN and the outfeed end OUT of the sealing machine 10, at which the operator or automated system feeds the arriving box into the sealing machine 10 via the infeed table 112, and at the outfeed end, the sealing machine 10 ejects the box onto the outfeed table 113.

[0018] The base assembly frame 111 is configured to support the various components of the carton sealing machine 10 and is formed by any suitable combination of solid and / or tubular members, plates, and / or other suitable components fastened together. A feed table 112 is mounted on the base assembly frame 111, near the feed end IN of the carton sealing machine 10. The feed table 112 includes multiple rollers on which an operator can place cartons for conveying them toward the top end assembly 400. The feed table 112 includes a feed table sensor S1 (… Figure 2 The feed table sensor can be any suitable sensor (such as a photoelectric sensor) configured to detect the presence of a box on the feed table 112 (more specifically, the presence of a box at a specific location on the feed table 112 corresponding to the position of the feed table sensor S1). In other embodiments, another component of the box sealer 10 includes the feed table sensor S1. The feed table sensor S1 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to the detection of a box (signal of box detection) and subsequent cessation of box detection (signal of no box detection), as described below. The delivery table 113 is mounted on the base assembly frame 111 near the delivery end OUT of the box sealer 10. The delivery table 113 includes a flat surface on which the box is pushed after moving past the tape box, but in other embodiments the delivery table may include multiple rollers.

[0019] The side rail assembly is supported by a base assembly frame 111 near the feed stage 112 and includes a first side rail 114a, a second side rail 114b, and a side rail actuator 117. Side rails 114a and 114b extend parallel to direction D and are laterally inwardly movable relative to direction D to laterally center the box on the feed stage 112. The side rail actuator 117 is operatively connected to the first side rail 114a and the second side rail 114b (directly or via a suitable linkage) to allow the side rails to move between the following configurations: (1) idle configuration ( Figure 3 In an idle configuration, the side rails are located in or near the lateral range of the feed table 112, allowing the operator to position the box between the side rails on the feed table 112; and (2) in a centered configuration (not shown), in which the side rails (after moving toward each other) contact the box and center the box on the feed table 112. A controller 90 is operatively connected to the side rail actuator 117 to control the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b between the idle and centered configurations. The side rail actuator 117 can be any suitable type of actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0020] The lower drive assembly is supported by the base assembly frame 111 and (together with the upper drive assembly 420, as described below) configured to move the box in direction D. The lower drive assembly includes a first lower drive element 150a and a second lower drive element 150b (although in other embodiments the lower drive assembly may include only one drive element or more than two drive elements), and a lower drive assembly actuator 118 operatively connected to the first lower drive element 150a and the second lower drive element 150b and configured to drive the first and second lower drive elements to move the box through the box sealer 10 (together with the upper drive assembly 420). In this example embodiment, the lower drive assembly actuator 118 includes a motor operatively connected to the first lower drive element 150a and the second lower drive element 150b via one or more other components (such as sprockets, gears, screws, tensioning elements, and / or chains), which in this example embodiment include an annular belt. In other embodiments, the lower drive assembly actuator may include any other suitable actuator. In other embodiments, the first lower drive element and the second lower drive element may include any other suitable one or more components, such as rollers. Controller 90 is operatively connected to the lower drive assembly actuator 118 to control the operation of the lower drive assembly actuator 118.

[0021] The lower drive assembly supports the box entry sensor S3 downstream of the feed stage 112, downstream of the front surface sensor S2 (described below), and below the top end cap assembly 400, so that the box entry sensor S3 can detect when the box enters the area below the top end cap assembly 400. As used herein, "downstream" means in direction D, and "upstream" means in the opposite direction to direction D. The box entry sensor S3 includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor, such as a mechanical sensor) configured to detect the presence of the box. In other embodiments, the box entry sensor S3 is supported by the lifting frame 190 or the top end cap assembly 400. The box entry sensor S3 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to detecting a box (signal of box detection) and no longer detecting a box (signal of box not detected).

[0022] The base assembly frame 111 supports a box departure sensor S5, which includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor) configured to detect the presence of a box. Although not shown, the box departure sensor S5 is positioned near the delivery platform 113 (downstream of the box entry sensor S3 and arm retraction sensor S4 described below), thus allowing the box departure sensor S5 to detect when a box has left from under the top end assembly 400. The box departure sensor S5 is communicatively connected to a controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to the detection of a box (a signal indicating box detection) and the cessation of box detection (a signal indicating box not detected). In other embodiments, the box departure sensor S5 is part of the top end assembly 400.

[0023] exist Figure 3 The lifting frame 190, best shown in the diagram, is configured to support the actuator support 200. The lifting frame 190 extends vertically from the base assembly frame 111 and is attached to the base assembly frame 111 in any suitable manner. Other embodiments of the carton sealing machine do not include a lifting frame supporting the actuator support.

[0024] Actuator support 200 supports the respective actuators of top end cap actuation assembly 500 and upper drive actuation assembly 600, and helps guide the vertical movement of top end cap assembly support 300 and top end cap assembly 400. Actuator support 200 includes a first leg 210, a second leg 220, a connector 230, a first guide 240a, and a second guide 240b. The first leg 210 and the second leg 220 are vertically oriented, spaced apart in direction D, and connected at their bottom ends to the base assembly frame 111 in any suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners). Connector 230 is fixedly connected to the top ends of the first leg 210 and the second leg 220 and is oriented transversely to the first leg 210 and the second leg 220. The first leg 210, the second leg 220, and the connector 230 form a rigid frame on top of the base assembly frame 111. In this example embodiment, the first leg 210 and the second leg 220, as well as the connector 230, are tubular members; however, in other embodiments, they may be any other suitable components. The first guide 240a and the second guide 240b are connected between the first leg 210 and the second leg 220 and are spaced apart from each other. The first guide 240a and the second guide 240b are configured to receive certain components of the top end cap assembly support 300 (described below) to aid in guiding the vertical movement of the top end cap assembly support 300. In this example embodiment, the first guide 240a and the second guide 240b are vertically oriented linear bearings; however, in other embodiments, they may be any other suitable components. Although in this example embodiment, the actuator support includes two legs and one connector, in other embodiments, it may include any other suitable number of legs and connectors.

[0025] The top end assembly support 300 supports the top end assembly 400 and is movable vertically together with the top end assembly. The top end assembly support 300 includes a first leg 310, a second leg 320, and a connector 330. The first leg 310 and the second leg 320 are vertically oriented, spaced apart in direction D, and connected to the top end assembly 400 at their bottom ends in any suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners). The connector 330 is fixedly connected to the top ends of the first leg 310 and the second leg 320 and is oriented transversely to the first leg 310 and the second leg 320. The first leg 310 extends through a first guide 240a of the actuator support 200, and the second leg 320 extends through a second guide 240b of the actuator support 200. This allows the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400 connected to it to move vertically relative to the actuator support 200. The first leg 310, the second leg 320, and the connector 330 form a rigid frame. In this example embodiment, the first leg 310, the second leg 320, and the connector 330 are tubular members, but in other embodiments, they can be any other suitable components.

[0026] The top end cap assembly 400 is vertically movable relative to the base assembly 100 to adjust for boxes of different heights and is configured to move the box through the box sealing machine 10, engaging the top surface of the box while doing so, and supporting the upper tape box 1000b. The top end cap assembly 400 includes a top end cap assembly frame 410, an upper drive assembly 420, a front surface sensor S2, and an arm retraction sensor S4. In other embodiments, one or more other components of the box sealing machine 10 (such as the base assembly 100 and / or the lifting frame 190) include one or both of sensors S2 and S4.

[0027] The top end cap assembly frame 410 is formed by any suitable combination of solid or tubular members and / or plates fastened together. The first leg 310 and the second leg 320 of the top end cap assembly support 300 are attached to the top end cap assembly frame 410 in any suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners). The upper drive assembly 420 is supported by the top end cap assembly frame 410 and (together with the lower drive assembly as described above) is configured to move the box in direction D. The upper drive assembly 420 includes an upper drive element 420a (or, in other embodiments, a plurality of upper drive elements) and a driven gear pulley 422 operably connected to the upper drive element to drive the upper drive element 420a. As described below, the upper drive actuation assembly 600 is operably connected to the driven gear pulley 422 and configured to drive the driven gear pulley 422.

[0028] The front surface sensor S2 includes a mechanical toggle switch (or any other suitable sensor, such as a proximity sensor) positioned at the front end of the top end cap assembly frame 410 and configured to detect when the front surface of the box initially contacts the top end cap assembly 400 (or within a predetermined distance of the top end cap assembly). The front surface sensor S2 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send signals to the controller 90 in response to actuation (signal of box detection) and de-actuation (signal of box not detected) of the front surface sensor S2 (corresponding to the front surface sensor S2 detecting the box and no longer detecting the box and / or object).

[0029] The arm retraction sensor S4 includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor) configured to detect the presence of the box. Here, although not shown, the arm retraction sensor S4 is positioned below the top end cap assembly frame 410, downstream of the box entry sensor S3, so that the arm retraction sensor S4 can detect when the box reaches a specific position below the top end cap assembly 400 (in this case, the position where the box is about to contact the front roller of the tape box, as explained below). The arm retraction sensor S4 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to detecting a box (a signal indicating box detection) and no longer detecting a box (a signal indicating box not detected).

[0030] The top head actuation assembly 500 is operatively connected to the top head assembly support 300 and the top head assembly 400, and is configured to move the top head assembly support 300 and the top head assembly 400 vertically relative to the actuator support 200 and the base assembly 100. The top head actuation assembly 500 includes a top head assembly actuator 500a, a drive pulley 502, a connector 504, a first tension pulley 506, and a second tension pulley 508.

[0031] The top end assembly actuator 500a is mounted to the actuator support 200 (and here to the connector 230) in any suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners). The top end assembly actuator 500a is operatively connected to the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400, and is configured to move the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400 vertically relative to the actuator support 200 and the base assembly 100. Specifically, in this example embodiment, the top end assembly actuator 500a is operatively connected to and configured to rotate the drive pulley 502. The drive pulley 502 operatively engages the connector 504, which in this example embodiment is a toothed belt, connected at one end to the connector 330 of the top end assembly support 300, and at the other end to the top end assembly 400. Tensioning pulleys 506 and 508 are mounted to actuator support 200 and positioned on opposite sides of drive pulley 502 to engage connector 504 and maintain it with sufficient tension.

[0032] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the connector 230 of the actuator support 200 is positioned such that when the top end assembly 400 is in its upper and lower positions, the top end assembly actuator 500a is above the lower surface of the upper drive element 420a of the top end assembly 400. This creates sufficient space between the legs 210 and 220 of the actuator support 200, allowing the operator easy access to the lower tape cassette 1000a to replace tape or remove the cassette, which speeds up the process and reduces downtime.

[0033] The controller 90 is operatively connected to the top head assembly actuator 500a to control the vertical movement of the top head assembly support 300 and the top head assembly 400. Specifically, the controller 90 controls the top head assembly actuator 500a to cause the drive pulley 502 to rotate in one direction (from...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The view shown is clockwise) rotating to raise the top end cap assembly support 300 and the top end cap assembly 400 relative to the base assembly 100, and in the opposite direction of rotation (from... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The view shown is counterclockwise. Rotation causes the top end cap assembly support 300 and the top end cap assembly 400 to be lowered relative to the base assembly 100.

[0034] This is merely one example configuration of the top head actuation assembly 500, and other suitable configurations may be employed. In some embodiments, the top head actuation assembly includes a rack and pinion assembly, wherein a toothed rack extends between the top head assembly support and the top head assembly, and the top head assembly actuator is configured to drive a pinion meshing with the toothed rack to cause vertical movement of the top head assembly support and the top head assembly. In other embodiments, the top head actuation assembly includes an electro-linear actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator connected to the top head assembly support or the top head assembly and configured to cause vertical movement of the top head assembly support and the top head assembly.

[0035] The upper drive actuation assembly 600 is operatively connected to and configured to drive the driven gear pulley 422 of the top end assembly 400. The upper drive actuation assembly 600 includes an upper drive actuator 620a, a drive pulley 622, an idler pulley 624, a connector 626, a first tension pulley 628, and a second tension pulley 630.

[0036] The upper drive actuator 620a is mounted to the actuator support 200 (and here to the connector 230) in any suitable manner (e.g., via fasteners). An idler pulley 624 is mounted to the connector 330 of the top end assembly support 300. The upper drive actuator 620a is operatively connected to and configured to drive the driven gear pulley 422. Specifically, in this example embodiment, the upper drive actuator 620a is operatively connected to and configured to rotate the drive pulley 622. The drive pulley 622 operatively engages the connector 626, which in this example embodiment is a toothed belt extending around the idler pulley 624 and the driven gear pulley 422. Tensioner pulleys 628 and 630 are mounted to the actuator support 200 and positioned on opposite sides of the drive pulley 502 to engage the connector 626 and maintain it with sufficient tension.

[0037] A controller 90 is operatively connected to an upper drive actuator 620a to control the movement of the upper drive element 420a of the upper drive assembly 420 of the top end cap assembly 400. Specifically, the controller 90 controls the upper drive actuator 620a to rotate a drive pulley 622, thereby driving a connector 626, which in turn drives a driven gear pulley 422, which in turn drives the upper drive element 420a. In other embodiments, a chain and sprocket assembly is used instead of a gear pulley and toothed belt to operatively connect the upper drive actuator to the upper drive element. In yet another embodiment, a toothless pulley is used in conjunction with a friction belt to operatively connect the upper drive actuator to the upper drive element.

[0038] Because the upper drive actuator 620a is mounted to the actuator support 200, the top head assembly 400 of this disclosure is lighter and easier to move compared to the top head assembly carrying this actuator. The lighter top head assembly requires less energy to move, which reduces energy costs and therefore operating costs.

[0039] The controller 90 is operatively connected to: (1) a top end cap actuator 500a and configured to control the top end cap actuator 500a to control the vertical movement of the top end cap assembly support 300 and the top end cap assembly 400 in response to signals received from sensors S2, S3 and S5; and (2) a lower tape cassette 1000a and an upper tape cassette 1000b and configured to control the force reduction function of these tape cassettes in response to a signal received from an arm retraction sensor S4, as described below. Figures 5A to 5H Detailed description.

[0040] The lower tape dispenser 1000a is configured to apply tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the box, while the upper tape dispenser 1000b is configured to apply tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the box. In this example embodiment, the lower and upper tape dispensers are substantially the same and are referred to as "tape dispensers" in the accompanying description.

[0041] The tape cassette 1000 includes a first mounting plate M1 that supports a front roller assembly 1100, a rear roller assembly 1200, a cutter assembly 1300, a tape mounting assembly 1400, a tension roller assembly 1500, a tape cassette actuation assembly 1600, and a downward wiping element 1900. Figure 5AAs shown in the best view, the second mounting plate M2 is mounted to the first mounting plate M1 via a plurality of spacer shafts and fasteners (not marked) to partially surround certain elements of the front roller assembly 1100, the rear roller assembly 1200, the cutter assembly 1300, the tape mounting assembly 1400, the tension roller assembly 1500, the tape cartridge actuation assembly 1600, and the downward wiping element 1900 between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

[0042] The front roller assembly 1100 includes a front roller arm 1110 and a front roller 1120. The front roller arm 1110 is connected via a front roller arm pivot PS. 前 It can be pivotally mounted to the first mounting plate M1, so that the front roller arm 1110 can be positioned relative to the mounting plate M1 about an axis in the front roller arm extension position. Figures 5A to 5C ) and the retracted position of the front roller arm ( Figure 5D The front roller arm 1110 includes a front roller mounting shaft 1120a, and the front roller 1120 is rotatably mounted to the front roller mounting shaft 1120a, so that the front roller 1120 can rotate relative to the front roller mounting shaft 1120a.

[0043] The rear roller assembly 1200 includes a rear roller arm 1210 and a rear roller 1220. The rear roller arm 1210 is connected via a rear roller arm pivot PS. 后 It can be pivotally mounted to the first mounting plate M1, so that the rear roller arm 1210 can be positioned relative to the mounting plate M1 around axis A. 后 At the extended position of the rear roller arm ( Figures 5A to 5C ) and the retracted position of the rear roller arm ( Figure 5D The rear roller arm 1210 includes a rear roller mounting shaft 1220a, and the rear roller 1220 is rotatably mounted to the rear roller mounting shaft 1220a, so that the rear roller 1220 can rotate relative to the rear roller mounting shaft 1220a.

[0044] A rigid first connecting member 1020 is attached to and extends between the first roller arm 1110 and the second roller arm 1210. The first connecting member 1020 connects the front roller assembly 1100 and the rear roller assembly 1200 such that: (1) moving the front roller arm 1110 from the extended position to the retracted position causes the first connecting member 1020 to force the rear roller arm 1210 to move from the extended position to the retracted position (and vice versa); and (2) moving the rear roller arm 1210 from the extended position to the retracted position causes the first connecting member 1020 to force the front roller arm 1110 to move from the extended position to the retracted position (and vice versa).

[0045] Tape box actuation assembly 1600 ( Figure 2 It includes the roller arm actuation assembly 1700 and the cutter arm actuation assembly 1800.

[0046] The roller arm actuation assembly 1700 is configured to move the connected front roller arm 1110 and rear roller arm 1210 between their respective extended and retracted positions. For example... Figure 5G As best shown in this example embodiment, the roller arm actuation assembly 1700 includes a support plate 1702 and a roller arm actuator 1710, which is pivotally attached to the support plate 1702 via a pin assembly 1703. The roller arm actuator 1710 can be any suitable actuator, such as an electric motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0047] Roller arm actuator 1710 is operatively connected to the front roller assembly 1100 to control movement of the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 coupled to the front roller arm 1110 between their respective extended and retracted positions. More specifically, roller arm actuator 1710 is coupled between the mounting plate M2 and the first roller arm assembly 1100 by attaching a support plate 1702 to the mounting plate M2 and a shaft 1130 to which the roller arm actuator 1710 is attached to the front roller assembly 1100.

[0048] The controller 90 is operatively connected to the roller arm actuator 1710 and is configured to control the roller arm actuator 1710 and thus control the positions of the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210.

[0049] like Figure 5E and Figure 5F As shown, the cutter assembly 1300 includes a cutter arm 1301, a cutter cover pivot 1306, a cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310, a cutter mounting assembly 1320, a cutter 1330, a cutter cover 1340, a cutter pad 1350, and a rotation control plate 1360. The cutter includes a toothed blade (not labeled) configured to cut tape.

[0050] The cutter arm 1301 includes a cylindrical surface 1301a defining a cutter arm mounting opening. The cutter arm 1301 is pivoted via a front roller arm pivot PS. 前 Bushings 1303a and 1303b are pivotally mounted (via the cutter arm mounting opening) to the first mounting plate M1, so that the cutter arm 1301 can be positioned relative to the mounting plate M1 about an axis in the cutter arm extended position. Figures 5A to 5C ) and the cutter arm retracted position ( Figure 5D It pivots between ).

[0051] The cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310 includes a support plate 1312 and a coupling shaft 1314 extending laterally from the support plate 1312. The support plate 1312 is securely attached to the cutter arm 1301 via fasteners.

[0052] The cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is fixedly mounted to the support arm 1301 (e.g., by welding) and is configured to removably receive the cutting device 1330. That is, the cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is configured such that the cutting device can be removably mounted to it. The cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,079,395, but any other suitable cutting device mounting assembly can be used to support the cutting device 1330.

[0053] The cutting device cover 1340 includes a body 1342 and fingers 1344 extending from the body 1342. A pad 1350 is attached to the body 1342. The cutting device cover 1340 is pivotally mounted to a support arm 1301 via a mounting opening (not labeled) and a cutting device cover pivot 1306. Once attached, the cutting device cover 1340 can pivot about an axis about a closed position between front-to-back and back-to-front relative to the cutter arm 1301 and the cutting device mounting assembly 1320. In this example embodiment, a cutting device cover biasing element 1346 including a torsion spring biases the cutting device cover 1340 to the closed position. When in the closed position, the cutting device cover 1340 surrounds the cutting device 1330 such that the pad 1350 contacts the toothed blade of the cutting device 1330. When in the open position, the cutting device cover 1340 exposes the cutting device 1330 and its toothed blade.

[0054] The cutting device cover pivot 1306 is also attached to the rotation control plate 1360. The rotation control plate 1360 includes a groove defining surface 1362 that defines a slot. Surface 1362 acts as a guide (not shown) for attaching a bushing to the mounting plate M2. The bushing provides lateral support for the cutter assembly 1300 to prevent the cutter assembly 1300 from moving toward or away from the mounting plates M1 and M2 during use, and from interfering with other components of the tape cassette 1000.

[0055] The cutter arm actuation assembly 1800 is configured to move the cutter arm 1301 between its retracted position and its extended position. For example... Figure 6H As best shown, in this example embodiment, the cutter arm actuation assembly 1800 includes a cutter arm actuator 1810. The cutter arm actuator 1810 can be any suitable actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0056] Cutter arm actuator 1810 is operatively connected to cutter assembly 1300 to control movement of cutter arm 1301 from its retracted position to its extended position. More specifically, cutter arm actuator 1810 is coupled between mounting plate M1 and cutter assembly 1300 via coupling shaft 1314 attached to shaft 1610 and to cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310.

[0057] The controller 90 is operatively connected to the cutter arm actuator 1810 and is configured to control the cutter arm actuator 1810 and thus control the position of the cutter arm 1301.

[0058] Tape mounting assembly 1400 includes a tape mounting plate 1410 and a tape core mounting assembly 1420 rotatably mounted to the tape mounting plate 1410. The tape core mounting assembly 1420 is further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,819,357 (however, other tape core mounting assemblies may be used in other embodiments). A tape roll R is mountable to the tape core mounting assembly 1420.

[0059] The tension roller assembly 1500 includes a plurality of rollers (not labeled) rotatably mounted on a shaft supported by a first mounting plate M1. The free end of a roll of tape R mounted to a tape core mounting assembly 1420 can be wound around the rollers until the free end is near the front roller 1120 of the front roller assembly 1100 with its adhesive side facing outward, in preparation for adhesion to a box. The tension roller assembly 1500 is further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,937,905 (however, other tension roller assemblies may be used in other embodiments).

[0060] The downward wiping element 1900 includes a base 1910 and one or more deformable elements 1920 connected to the base 1910. The base 1910 is fixedly mounted to a first mounting plate M1 and a second mounting plate M2 downstream of the rear roller assembly 1200 and extends between them. When the rear roller arm 1210 is in the rear roller arm extended position, the downward wiping element 1900 is oriented such that the deformable elements 1920 extend toward the roller 1220. The deformable elements 1920 have sufficient rigidity to return to their original shape when no force is applied, and sufficient compliance to deform when sufficient force is applied (e.g., when boxes are forced against them), as described below. In this example embodiment, the deformable element 1920 is a bristle, but in other embodiments the deformable element can be any suitable element (e.g., a foam or rubber element).

[0061] The lower tape dispenser 1000a is removably mounted to the base assembly 100 and configured to apply tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the box. The upper tape dispenser 1000b is removably mounted to the top end assembly 400 in any suitable manner and configured to apply tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the box.

[0062] Now combine Figures 6A to 6I The operation of the carton sealing machine 10 is described. Initially, the top end cap assembly 400 and the top end cap assembly support 300 are in their initial lower positions; the side rails 114a and 114b are in their idle configuration; the front roller arm 1110, the rear roller arm 1210, and the cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape box 1000a are in their respective extended positions; while the front roller arm 1110, the rear roller arm 1210, and the cutter arm 1301 of the upper tape box 1000b are in their respective extended positions. The controller 90 controls the lower drive assembly actuator 118 and the upper drive actuator 620a to drive the first lower drive element 150a and the second lower drive element 150b of the base assembly 100 and the upper drive element 420a of the top end cap assembly 400, respectively.

[0063] The operator places the box on the feed stage 112. The feed stage sensor S1 detects the presence of the box and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90 in response. In response to receiving the box detection signal, the controller 90 controls the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b from an idle configuration to a centered configuration, such that the side rails 114a and 114b move laterally inward to engage the box on the feed stage 112 and center it.

[0064] Then, the operator moves the box to contact the front surface sensor S2, as... Figure 6B As shown. This causes the front surface sensor S2 (via a toggle switch that contacts and actuates the front surface sensor S2) to detect the box and, in response, send a corresponding box-detection signal to the controller 90. In response to receiving the box-detection signal, the controller 90 controls the top end assembly actuator 500a to begin rotating the drive pulley 502 to raise the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400. As the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400 move upward, the front surface sensor S2 eventually stops detecting the box, as... Figure 6C As shown. This indicates that the top end cap assembly 400 has risen above the top surface of the box. In response to no longer detecting the box, the front surface sensor S2 sends a corresponding no-box signal to the controller 90. In response to receiving this signal, the controller 90 controls the top end cap assembly actuator 500a to stop rotating the drive pulley 502 to maintain the height of the top end cap assembly support 300 and the top end cap assembly 400.

[0065] Once the top end assembly 400 is raised above the top surface of the box C, the operator moves the box C to a fixed position, partially below the top end assembly 400 and on top of the first lower drive element 150a and the second lower drive element 150b (e.g., Figure 6D As shown), the operator stops moving box C. When box C moves below the top end cap assembly 400 and toward the fixed position, the box entry sensor S3 detects the presence of box C below the top end cap assembly and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90 in response. Upon receiving this signal, the controller 90 controls the top end cap assembly actuator 500a to begin rotating the drive pulley 502, thereby initiating the lowering of the top end cap assembly support 300 and the top end cap assembly 400, as... Figure 6E As shown. Finally, the upper drive element 420a of the upper drive assembly 420 of the top end cap assembly 400 engages with the top surface of the box C and connects the first lower drive element 150a and the second lower drive element 150b during the movement of the box C in direction D (as shown). Figure 6F (As shown). Controller 90 controls the top head assembly actuator 500a to stop rotating the drive pulley 502 to maintain the height of the top head assembly support 300 and the top head assembly 400.

[0066] The controller 90 receives a signal from the arm retraction sensor S4 indicating that the box C has been detected (indicating that the arm retraction sensor S4 has detected the box C) and, in response, controls the roller arm actuators 1710 and the cutter arm actuator 1810 of the lower tape box 1000a and the upper tape box 1000b to move their respective first roller arm 1110, second roller arm 1120, and cutter arm 1301 to their retracted positions. When the current roller arm 1110 moves to its retracted position, the front surface of the box C contacts the front roller 1120, thereby causing the tape positioned on the front roller 1120 to adhere to the front surface of the box C. When the current roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 are in their retracted positions, the front roller 1120 and the rear roller 1220 are positioned to apply sufficient pressure to the tape to adhere the tape to the top and bottom surfaces of the box C. When the cutter arm 1301 is in its retracted position, the cutter arm 1301 does not contact the top or bottom surface of the box C (although in some embodiments the cutter arm may do so). The controller 90 controls the roller arm actuator 1710 and the cutter arm actuator 1810 to hold the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210, as well as the cutter arm 1301, in their respective retracted positions as the upper drive assembly and the lower drive assembly move the box C past the tape boxes 1000a and 1000b.

[0067] Box C eventually moves away from the delivery platform 112 (as shown) Figure 6GAs shown), at this time, the feed stage sensor S1 stops detecting box C and sends a corresponding signal of no box detected to the controller 90. In response to receiving the signal of no box detected, the controller 90 controls the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b from the center configuration to the idle configuration, thereby making room on the feed stage 112 for the next box.

[0068] At some point, the box leaving sensor S5 detects the presence of box C (but this may happen after the arm retraction sensor S4 stops detecting the box, depending on the length of the box) and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90.

[0069] Once the arm retraction sensor S4 stops detecting box C (indicating that box C has moved past the arm retraction sensor S4), the arm retraction sensor S4 sends a corresponding signal indicating that no box was detected to the controller 90. In response, the controller 90 controls the roller arm actuators 1710 of tape cassettes 1000a and 1000b to return the first roller arm 1110 and the second roller arm 1120 to their respective extended positions, thereby applying tape to the rear surface of box C, and controls the cutter arm actuators 1810 of tape cassettes 1000a and 1000b to return the cutter arm 1301 to its extended position, thereby cutting the tape from the roll. When this occurs, the fingers 1344 of the cutting device cover 1340 contact the top and bottom surfaces of box C, causing the cutting device cover 1340 to pivot to its open position and expose the cutting device 1330. The continued movement of the cutter arm 1301 causes the toothed blade of the cutting device 1330 to contact the tape and cut the tape from the corresponding roll R. As the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 move back to their extended positions, the rear roller arm 1210 moves such that the rear roller 1220 contacts the cut end of the tape and applies the tape to the rear surface of the box C to complete the tape application process.

[0070] The upper drive assembly and the lower drive assembly continue to move the box C until the box moves away from below the top end cap assembly 400 onto the delivery platform 113 (e.g., Figure 6H As shown), at this time, the box leaves the sensor S5, which stops detecting the box C and sends a corresponding signal indicating that the box was not detected to the controller 90. In response, the controller 90 controls the top end assembly actuator 500a to drive the drive pulley 502, causing the top end assembly support 300 and the top end assembly 400 to descend back to their initial positions, as shown. Figure 6I As shown.

[0071] In some embodiments, the tape cassette includes biasing elements that bias the roller arms and cutter arms to their respective extended positions. These biasing elements eliminate the need to directly actuate the roller arms and cutter arms from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions.

[0072] In some embodiments, the controller is separate from and complements the sensors. In other embodiments, the sensors function as their own controllers. For example, in one embodiment, the retraction sensor is configured to directly control the cutter and roller arm actuators in response to detecting the presence or absence of a box, the feed table sensor is configured to directly control the side rail actuators in response to detecting the presence or absence of a box, and the front surface sensor and top surface sensor are configured to directly control the top end actuators in response to detecting the presence or absence (or contact with) a box.

[0073] In different embodiments, the upper drive actuator is supported by the top head assembly, rather than by the actuator support member.

Claims

1. A carton sealing machine, the carton sealing machine comprising: frame; Top end cap assembly support; A top end cap assembly configured to support a tape cassette, the tape cassette configured to support a roll of tape, the top end cap assembly being connected to a top end cap assembly support and capable of vertically moving relative to the frame together with the top end cap assembly support; Actuator support components; as well as A first actuator supported by the actuator support, wherein the first actuator is operatively connected to the top end assembly support and the top end assembly to allow the top end assembly support and the top end assembly to move vertically relative to the frame and the actuator support between a lower position and an upper position.

2. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, When the top end cap assembly is in the lower position, the first actuator is above the top end cap assembly.

3. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 2, wherein, When the top end cap assembly is in the upper position, the first actuator is above the top end cap assembly.

4. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The first actuator includes an electric actuator.

5. The carton sealing machine of claim 4, further comprising a drive pulley and a connector, the connector being drivenly engaged by the drive pulley and connected to the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, and extending between the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, wherein, The first actuator is operatively connected to the drive pulley to rotate the drive pulley in a first rotational direction to raise the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, and to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to lower the top end assembly support and the top end assembly.

6. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The actuator support includes a linear bearing, wherein the top end cap assembly support includes a leg extending through the linear bearing.

7. The carton sealing machine of claim 1, further comprising a second actuator supported by the actuator support, wherein, The top end cap assembly further includes an upper drive element, wherein the second actuator is operatively connected to the upper drive element to drive the upper drive element.

8. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The top end cap assembly support and the top end cap assembly are capable of vertical movement relative to the second actuator.

9. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The upper drive element includes an annular belt.

10. The carton sealing machine of claim 7, further comprising a drive pulley, a connector drivenly engaged by the drive pulley, and an idler pulley drivenly engaged by the connector, wherein, The top end assembly further includes a driven pulley, which is drivenly engaged by the connector and operably connected to the upper drive element to drive the upper drive element.

11. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 10, wherein, The idler wheel is supported by the top end assembly support and can move vertically together with the top end assembly support.

12. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, When the top end cap assembly is in the lower position, the first actuator and the second actuator are located above the top end cap assembly.

13. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 12, wherein, When the top end cap assembly is in the upper position, the first actuator and the second actuator are located above the top end cap assembly.

14. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The first actuator and the second actuator include electric actuators.

15. The carton sealing machine of claim 14, further comprising a first drive pulley and a first connector, the first connector being drivenly engaged by the first drive pulley and connected to the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, and extending between the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, wherein... The first actuator is operatively connected to the first drive pulley to rotate the first drive pulley in a first rotational direction to raise the top end assembly support and the top end assembly, and to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to lower the top end assembly support and the top end assembly.

16. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 15, wherein, The actuator support includes a first linear bearing and a second linear bearing, wherein the top end cap assembly support includes: A first leg and a second leg, the first leg and the second leg extending through the first linear bearing and the second linear bearing, respectively; and A connector that connects the first leg and the second leg.

17. The carton sealing machine of claim 16, further comprising a second drive pulley, a second connecting member drivenly engaged by the second drive pulley, and an idler pulley drivenly engaged by the second connecting member, wherein, The top end cap assembly further includes a driven pulley, which is drivenly engaged by the second toothed belt and operably connected to the upper drive element to drive the upper drive element.

18. The carton sealing machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The idler wheel is supported by the connector of the top end cap assembly support.

19. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The first actuator includes a pneumatic cylinder.

20. The carton sealing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A lower drive element, which is supported by the frame below the top end cap assembly; as well as A lower drive element actuator, operatively connected to the lower drive element to drive the lower drive element. The first actuator is positioned above the lower drive element.

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