Winding machine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a film carriage for a winding machine. The film carriage comprises a film carriage frame, a first pre-stretching roller rotatably mounted to the film carriage frame, a third pre-stretching roller rotatably mounted to the film carriage frame, and a roller support comprising a roller support frame and a second pre-stretching roller rotatably mounted to the roller support frame. A first space is defined between the first pre-stretching roller and the third pre-stretching roller. The roller support is movable relative to the film carriage frame between a closed position, in which the second pre-stretching roller at least partially occupies the first space, and an open position, in which the second pre-stretching roller is removed from the first space.

Description

[0001] priority This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 567,688, filed March 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to stretch winding machines, and more particularly to stretch winding machines that include pre-stretch rolls. Background Technology

[0003] Stretch wrapping machines use plastic stretch film to bind a load of goods on a pallet into a single unit. These 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 pallet load, or the pallet load rotates relative to the film holder while the film holder moves vertically relative to the load, thus wrapping the load with stretch film in a spiral pattern. For example, a rotary wrapping machine rotates a turntable carrying the pallet load while simultaneously moving the film holder vertically to wrap the load with stretch film. A ring wrapping machine rotates the film holder in a ring around the pallet 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 pallet load while simultaneously moving the film holder vertically to wrap the load with stretch film.

[0004] Some stretch winding machines include pre-stretching assemblies that pre-stretch the film along its longitudinal axis after it has been pulled from the roll and before it is applied to a load. Pre-stretching the film before applying a load has several benefits, including increased film tension and extended roll life. One known pre-stretching assembly includes an upstream pre-stretching roller, a downstream pre-stretching roller, and a pre-stretching drive assembly operatively connected to the upstream and downstream pre-stretching rollers to rotate them. The downstream pre-stretching roller has a larger diameter than the upstream pre-stretching roller. The pre-stretching drive assembly drives the pre-stretching rollers such that the linear velocity of the downstream pre-stretching roller is higher than that of the upstream pre-stretching roller. The linear velocity of the roller (alternatively referred to as tangential velocity) is a function of the roller diameter and the roller rotational speed and corresponds to the velocity of the film contacting the roller. This difference in linear velocity causes the downstream pre-stretching roller to apply a stretching force to the film, thereby stretching the film after it has disengaged from the upstream pre-stretching roller and traveled onto the downstream pre-stretching roller. The diameter difference of the pre-stretching rollers allows the pre-stretching assembly to achieve a relatively high pre-stretch. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a film holder for a winding machine. The film holder includes: a film holder frame; a first pre-stretch roller rotatably mounted to the film holder frame; a third pre-stretch roller rotatably mounted to the film holder frame; and a roller support including a roller support frame and a second pre-stretch roller rotatably mounted to the roller support frame. A first space is defined between the first pre-stretch roller and the third pre-stretch roller. The roller support is movable relative to the film holder frame between a closed position and an open position, in which the second pre-stretch roller at least partially occupies the first space, and in the open position, the second pre-stretch roller is removed from the first space. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the stretch winding machine disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of some components of a stretch winding machine.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the film support of the winding assembly of a stretch winding machine.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the rollers of the film support.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the membrane support, with some parts removed to show the pre-stretch drive assembly.

[0011] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 3 Front and rear perspective views of the roller support of the membrane support.

[0012] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the membrane support, including roller supports and roller support guides, wherein the roller supports are in a closed position, a partially open position, and an open position, respectively.

[0013] Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C It corresponds to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C Side view.

[0014] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the membrane support, substantially along Figure 7A Line 9-9 is cut off, in which the roller support is in the closed position, the partially open position and the open position respectively.

[0015] Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional top view of a portion of the membrane support, essentially along... Figure 7A The line 10-10 is cut off, with the roller support in the closed position, partially open position and open position respectively.

[0016] Figure 11A yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the membrane support, substantially along Figure 6A Line 11-11 is cut, with the handle and locking assembly in their respective locked positions.

[0017] Figure 11B Similar to Figure 11A However, the handle and locking components are in their respective unlocked positions.

[0018] Figures 12A to 12C yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the pre-stretch rollers and idler rollers of the membrane support, and also illustrates the replacement of an empty membrane roll with a new one.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the membrane holder disclosed herein, which includes an automatic opening and closing assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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 mounting, connection, etc., are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively 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.

[0021] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the winding machine 1 and its components of the present disclosure is shown. The winding machine 1 includes a winding machine frame 10, a circular guide 20, a guide actuator 20a, a winding assembly 40, a cutting-sealing device (not shown), an operator interface 1000, and a controller C.

[0022] The winding machine frame 10 is formed by a plurality of parts joined together and is configured to support other parts 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 load (such as a load L on a pallet P) is conveyed via a conveyor into the winding area for winding, and in the discharge area, the load is conveyed out of the winding area after winding. The illustrated winding machine frame 10 is merely an example configuration, and any suitable configuration can be used.

[0023] A circular guide 20 serves as a mounting element for the winding assembly 40 and is movably mounted to the winding machine frame 10 (such as one or more vertical members mounted to 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. A guide actuator 20a is operatively connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 relative to the winding machine frame 10 between the upper and lower positions. In some embodiments, the guide actuator 20a includes one or more electric 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 20a includes one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators 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 20a may include any suitable actuator configured to move the circular guide 20 between an upper position and a lower position.

[0024] 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 membrane holder 100, and a winding assembly actuator 40a.

[0025] An annular support serves as a mounting element for the membrane holder 100 and is movably mounted to the circular guide 20, allowing the support (along with the membrane holder 100 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 connected to the support and positioned on tracks on the circular guide 20. A winding assembly actuator 40a is operatively connected to the support to rotate the support and components thereon relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. In some embodiments, the winding assembly actuator 40a 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 40a may include any suitable actuator configured to rotate the winding assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L.

[0026] The film holder 100 is fixedly connected to a 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 holder 100 is configured to rotatably support a replaceable roll R of film F (such as plastic stretch film), pre-stretch the film web FW after it is pulled from the roll R, and apply the pre-stretched film web FW to the load as the film holder 100 rotates about the load. The film holder 100 includes: a film holder frame 110; a roller support 200; a roller support guide 300; a set of rollers 400 including a first idler roller 402, a second idler roller 404, a first pre-stretch roller 406, a second pre-stretch roller 408, a third pre-stretch roller 410, a third idler roller 412, a fourth idler roller 414, a fifth idler roller 416, and a sixth idler roller 418; and a pre-stretch drive assembly 430.

[0027] The membrane support frame 110 serves as a support for other components of the membrane support 100 and includes an upper support 112, a lower support 114, a first spacer 116, a second spacer 117, and a membrane roll support frame 118. The membrane roll support frame includes an upper rotatable membrane roll joint 119a and a lower rotatable membrane roll joint 119b. The first spacer 116 and the second spacer 117 extend between the upper support 112 and the lower support 114, transverse to the upper and lower supports, and are connected to the upper and lower supports. The membrane roll support frame 118 is connected to the upper support 112, transverse to the upper support, and extends downward from the upper support.

[0028] The first idler roller 402, the first pre-stretch roller 406, the third pre-stretch roller 410, the fourth idler roller 414, the fifth idler roller 416, and the sixth idler roller 418 are supported by the membrane support frame 110. Specifically, these rollers are rotatably mounted to the membrane support frame 110 (e.g., via suitable bearings) such that they can rotate relative to the membrane support frame 110. These rollers extend between the upper support 112 and the lower support 114 and are oriented substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the first spacer 116 and the second spacer 117. The first idler roller 402, the third idler roller, the fourth idler roller 414, the fifth idler roller 416, and the sixth idler roller 418 are free to rotate, while the first pre-stretch roller 406 and the third pre-stretch roller 410 are driven to rotate by the pre-stretch drive assembly 430, as described below.

[0029] As used in this article, "downstream" refers to the direction of travel of the film web FW as it is pulled out of roll R and passes through roll 400, while "upstream" refers to the opposite direction.

[0030] like Figure 4 As best shown, the first idler roller 402 is positioned downstream of the film roll joints 119a and 119b, such that the first idler roller 402 is the first roller that contacts the film web FW after it leaves the roll R. A first pre-stretch roller 406 has a first diameter and is positioned downstream of the first idler roller 402. The first idler roller 402 and the first pre-stretch roller 406 are spaced apart such that a second idler roller 404 can be fitted between them, as explained below. A first pre-stretch roller gear 406g is positioned on top of the first pre-stretch roller 406 and is rotatably fixed to the first pre-stretch roller such that the two components rotate together. The outer surface of the first pre-stretch roller 406 may have a high-friction coating. A third pre-stretch roller 410 has a third diameter and is positioned downstream of the first pre-stretch roller 406. The third diameter is larger than the first diameter of the first pre-stretch roller 406 (and approximately twice that in this particular example). The first pre-stretch roller 406 and the third pre-stretch roller 410 are spaced apart such that a second pre-stretch roller 408 can be fitted between them, as explained below. The outer surface of the third pre-stretch roll 410 may have a high-friction coating. A fourth idler roll 414 is positioned downstream of the third pre-stretch roll 410. The third pre-stretch roll 410 and the fourth idler roll 414 are spaced apart such that a third idler roll 412 can be fitted between them, as explained below. A fifth idler roll 416 is positioned downstream of and spaced apart from the fourth idler roll 414, and a sixth idler roll 418 is positioned downstream of and spaced apart from the fifth idler roll 416.

[0031] like Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs best shown, the roller support 200 serves as a support for the second idler roller 404, the second pre-stretch roller 408, and the third idler roller 412, and is movable relative to the film carrier frame 110 between a closed position and an open position to facilitate film roll replacement and to allow for easy re-threading of the film between the rollers 400. The roller support 200 includes a roller support frame 210, a locking actuator 230, and a locking member 240.

[0032] The roller support frame 210 serves as a support for the second idler roller 404, the second pre-stretch roller 408, the third idler roller 412, and other components of the roller support 200. The roller support frame 210 includes an upper support 212, a lower support 214, a first spacer 216, and a second spacer 218. The first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218 extend between the upper support 212 and the lower support 214, transverse to the upper and lower supports, and are connected to the upper and lower supports.

[0033] A second idler roller 404 (e.g., via suitable bearings) is rotatably mounted to one or more arms, which are pivotally mounted to the roller support frame 210, such that the second idler roller 404 can rotate freely relative to the roller support frame 210. The second idler roller 404 is substantially parallel to the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218. These arms are spring-biased to force the second idler roller 404 toward the roller support frame 210.

[0034] A second pre-stretch roll 408 (e.g., via suitable bearings) is rotatably mounted to a roll support frame 210, allowing the second pre-stretch roll to rotate relative to the roll support frame 210. The second pre-stretch roll 408 extends between an upper support 212 and a lower support 214 and is oriented substantially parallel to the second idler roll 404 and the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218. The second pre-stretch roll 408 has a second diameter, which in this example embodiment is substantially the same as the first diameter of the first pre-stretch roll 406, and is positioned downstream of the second idler roll 404. The second idler roll 404 and the second pre-stretch roll 408 are spaced apart such that the first pre-stretch roll 406 can be fitted between them, as explained below. A second pre-stretch roll gear 408g is positioned on top of the second pre-stretch roll 408 and is rotatably fixed to the second pre-stretch roll such that the two components rotate together. The outer surface of the second pre-stretch roll 408 may have a high-friction coating.

[0035] A third idler roller 412 (e.g., via suitable bearings) is rotatably mounted to one or more arms, which are pivotally mounted to the roller support frame 210, such that the third idler roller 412 can rotate freely relative to the roller support frame 210. The third idler roller 412 is positioned downstream of the second pre-stretch roller 408 and oriented substantially parallel to the second pre-stretch roller 408 and the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218. The third idler roller 412 and the second pre-stretch roller 408 are spaced apart such that the third pre-stretch roller 410 can be fitted between them, as explained below. These arms are spring-biased to force the third idler roller 412 toward the roller support frame 210.

[0036] The locking actuator 230 includes a locking actuator body 232, a handle 234 located at the upper end of the locking actuator body 232, a stop 236 located at the lower end of the locking actuator body 232 and substantially parallel to the handle 234, and a locking engagement portion 238 extending from the locking actuator body 232 and transverse to the handle 234 and the stop 236. The locking actuator 230 is connected via a longitudinal axis A. 230 The shaft 230s is pivotally mounted to the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218 of the roller support frame 210, such that the locking actuator 230 can be positioned relative to the roller support frame 210 about axis A. 230 In the locked position ( Figure 11A ) and unlock location ( Figure 11B It pivots between ).

[0037] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As best shown, the locking member 240 includes a rod 242, a hook 244 fixedly connected to the upper end of the rod 242, a pin 246 extending laterally through the rod 240, an upper collar 240c1 slidably connected to the rod 242 and positioned below the hook 244, a lower collar 240c2 fixedly connected to the rod 242 below the upper collar 240c1, and a locking member biasing element 240s (a compression spring in this example embodiment) extending between the upper collar 240c1 and the lower collar 240c2 and engaging the upper and lower collars. The rod 242 is slidably mounted to the roller support frame 210 and is oriented substantially parallel to the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218. The pin 246 is positioned above the locking member engagement 238. The locking member 240 is capable of being in a locked position ( Figure 11A ) and unlock location ( Figure 11B It can move between the locked and unlocked positions, and in this example embodiment, it can translate between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0038] The locking biasing element 240s biases the locking member 240 to the locked position, and because the pin 246 is located above the locking member engagement 238, it biases the locking member actuator 230 to the locked position. Therefore, the locking member actuator 230 is able to pivot from the locked position to the unlocked position, so that the locking member 240 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0039] like Figures 9A to 10C As shown in the optimal configuration, the roller support 200 is pivotally mounted to the membrane support frame 110 via a first link 290a and a second link 290b. Specifically, the lower ends of the first link 290a and the second link 290b are pivotally connected to a first spacer 116 and a second spacer 117 of the membrane support frame 110, respectively, such that the first link 290a and the second link 290b can be pivotally connected relative to the membrane support frame 110 about a first pivot axis A. 200a Pivoting. The upper ends of the first link 290 and the second link 290b are pivotally connected to the opposite ends of the upper support 212 of the roller support frame 210, such that the roller support 200 can pivot about a second pivot axis A relative to the first link 290a and the second link 290b. 200b Pivoting, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis A 200a Therefore, this connection allows the roller support 200 to move around the first pivot axis A. 200a Second pivot axis A 200b Both pivot and move relative to the membrane support frame 110. As the roller support 200 revolves around the first pivot axis A... 200a Pivot, second pivot axis A 200b The roller support 200 pivots and translates slightly downward. More generally, the roller support 200 is movably mounted to the membrane support frame 110 such that the roller support 200 can move relative to the membrane support frame 110 with three degrees of freedom (two pivoting degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom).

[0040] The roller support 200 is pivotally mounted to the membrane support frame 110 via a first link 290a and a second link 290b, such that the roller support 200 can move relative to the membrane support frame 110 between a closed position and an open position. Figure 7A , Figure 8A , Figure 9A and Figure 10AThe roller support 200 in the closed position is shown. When the roller support 200 is in the closed position, the rollers 400 are substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the second idler roller 404 occupies the space between the first idler roller 402 and the first pre-tension roller 406, the second pre-tension roller 408 occupies the space between the first pre-tension roller 406 and the third pre-tension roller 410, and the third idler roller 412 occupies the space between the third pre-tension roller 410 and the fourth pre-tension roller 414. When the roller support 200 is in the closed position, the first pre-tension roller gear 406g meshes with the second pre-tension roller gear 408g and drives the engagement of the second pre-tension roller gear.

[0041] like Figure 11A As shown, when the roller support 200 is in the closed position and the locking member 240 is in the locked position, the bottom end of the rod 242 of the locking member 240 is received within an opening defined in the locking plate 114a, which is attached to the lower support 114 of the film carrier frame 110, and the hook 244 engages a latch (not shown) attached to the upper support 112 of the film carrier frame 110. This prevents the roller support 200 from moving out of the closed position. When the locking actuator 230 moves to the unlocked position to move the locking member 240 to the unlocked position, as... Figure 11B As shown, the bottom end of the rod 242 is removed from the locking plate 114a, and the hook 244 disengages from the snap fastener, thereby allowing the roller support 200 to move away from the closed position.

[0042] Figure 7C , Figure 8C , Figure 9C and Figure 10C The roller support 200 in the open position is shown. When the roller support 200 is in the open position, the second idler roller 404, the second pre-tension roller 408, and the third idler roller 412 are oriented transversely to the other rollers 400. Furthermore, the second idler roller 404 is removed from the space between the first idler roller 402 and the first pre-tension roller 406, the second pre-tension roller 408 is removed from the space between the first pre-tension roller 406 and the third pre-tension roller 410, and the third idler roller 412 is removed from the space between the third pre-tension roller 410 and the fourth pre-tension roller 414. Additionally, when the roller support 200 is in the open position, the first pre-tension roller gear 406g and the second pre-tension roller gear 408g are disengaged.

[0043] like Figures 7A to 7CAs best shown, the roller support guide 300 facilitates guiding the roller support 200 as it moves between an open and closed position. The roller support guide 300 includes a first shaft 302, a second shaft 304, a third shaft 306, a first arm 310, a second arm 312, a first mounting member 322, and a second mounting member 324. The first shaft 302 is connected to the upper ends of the first arm 310 and the second arm 312 and extends between the first and second arms. The first shaft 302 is rotatably fixed to the first arm 310 and the second arm 312. The third shaft 306 (e.g., via a bearing) is rotatably connected to the lower ends of the first arm 310 and the second arm 312 and extends between the first and second arms, allowing the third shaft 306 to rotate relative to the first arm 310 and the second arm 312. The second shaft 304 is connected to the first arm 310 and the second arm 312 and extends between the first and second arms, and is positioned between the first shaft 302 and the third shaft 306. The first mounting member 322 and the second mounting member 324 are rotatably mounted to the third shaft 306, such that the third shaft 306 is rotatable relative to the first mounting member 322 and the second mounting member 324.

[0044] The first shaft 302 of the roller support guide 300 is rotatably connected to the upper support 112 of the membrane support frame 110. A first mounting member 322 and a second mounting member 324 (e.g., via suitable fasteners) are respectively fixedly connected to the first spacer 216 and the second spacer 218 of the roller support frame 210 of the roller support 200. The roller support guide 300 and the roller support 200 connected thereto are capable of rotation about a pivot axis A. 300a The roller support 200 can also pivot around the pivot axis A. 300b Pivot (to the extent permitted by the first link 290a and the second link 290b), the pivot axis being coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the third axis 306.

[0045] Figures 7A to 7C , Figures 8A to 8C , Figures 9A to 9C as well as Figures 10A to 10C The roller support 200 is shown moving from a closed position to an open position from different perspectives. Initially, the roller support 200 moves away from the membrane support frame 110 in a substantially horizontal direction. During this movement, the second pivot axis A... 200b Move horizontally away from the first pivot axis A 200a And it moves vertically toward the first pivot axis (downward). After this initial, substantially lateral movement, the roller support 200 pivots to the open position. During this movement, the second pivot axis A... 200b Move further horizontally away from the first pivot axis A 200aFurthermore, it moves vertically toward the first pivot axis (downward). The initial substantially lateral movement facilitated by the doubly pivotable first link 290a and second link 290b allows the second pre-tensioned roller gear 408g to disengage from the first pre-tensioned roller gear 406g without damaging the gear teeth.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, when the roller support 200 is in the closed position, the film web FW extends from the roll R, passes between the first idler roller 402 and the second idler roller 404, partially bypasses the second idler roller 404, and contacts the first pre-stretch roller 406. The film web FW partially bypasses the first pre-stretch roller 406, reaches the second pre-stretch roller 408, and partially bypasses it. The film web FW partially bypasses the second pre-stretch roller 408, reaches the third pre-stretch roller 410, and partially bypasses it. Then, the film web FW partially bypasses the third pre-stretch roller 410, reaches each of the third idler roller 412, the fourth idler roller 414, the fifth idler roller 416, and the sixth idler roller 418, and partially bypasses these idler rollers, before leaving the film carrier 100 and contacting the load L. The film web FW thus meanders around rollers 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412 and 414, and then contacts rollers 416 and 418, so that: (1) the first surface of the film web FW contacts the first idler roller 402, the first pre-stretch roller 406, the third pre-stretch roller 410, the fourth idler roller 414, the fifth idler roller 416 and the sixth idler roller 416; and (2) the second surface of the film web FW opposite to the first surface contacts the second idler roller 404, the second pre-stretch roller 408 and the third idler roller 412.

[0047] The ability of the roller support 200 to move to the open position makes it easy to remove and replace the film roll without threading the film web around the roller. Figure 12A The roller 400 is shown with the roller support 200 in the closed position. Figure 12B The roller 400 is shown with the roller support 200 in the open position and the film roll R mounted to the film holder 100. The film F is pulled out from the film roll R such that the film web FW extends between the rollers 402, 406, 410 and 414 mounted to the film holder frame 110 and the rollers 404, 408 and 412 mounted to the movable roller support 200. Figure 12C The image shows roller 400 after roller support 200 has been moved back to the closed position. As roller support 200 moves back to the closed position, rollers 404, 408, and 412 engage the film web FW and force it to engage with rollers 402, 406, 410, and 414, causing the film web to follow the meandering path described above.

[0048] like Figure 5As best shown, the pre-stretch drive assembly 430 is operatively connected to the first pre-stretch roller 406, the second pre-stretch roller 408, and the third pre-stretch roller 410, and is configured to drive the pre-stretch rollers such that they stretch the film web as the film web FW travels between the pre-stretch rollers. The pre-stretch drive assembly 430 includes a pre-stretch actuator 430a and a pre-stretch drive comprising a first belt 431, a first gear pulley 432, a second gear pulley 434, a third gear pulley 436, and a second belt 438. The pre-stretch actuator 430a is an electric motor mounted to the film support frame 110 (although in other embodiments, the pre-stretch actuator may be any other suitable actuator). The pre-stretch drive operatively connects the pre-stretch actuator 430a to the first pre-stretch roller 406 and the third pre-stretch roller 410 (and, when the roller support 200 is in the closed position, to the second pre-stretch roller 408 via the first pre-stretch roller 406). The first gear pulley 432 and the second gear pulley 434 are rotatably fixed to the third pre-tension roller 410. The third gear pulley 436 is rotatably fixed to the first pre-tension roller 406. A gear pulley rotatably fixed to the output shaft of the pre-tension actuator 430a is operably connected to the first gear pulley 432 via a first belt 431, such that rotation of the output shaft of the pre-tension actuator 430a causes the first gear pulley 432 to rotate. This causes the second gear pulley 434 and the third pre-tension roller 410 to rotate, as they are rotatably fixed to the first gear pulley 432. The second gear pulley 434 is operably connected to the third gear pulley 436 via a second belt 438, such that rotation of the second gear pulley 434 causes the third gear pulley 436 to rotate. This causes the first pre-tension roller 406 and the first pre-tension roller gear 406g, which are rotatably fixed to the third gear pulley 436, to rotate. Since the first pre-stretch roller gear 406g meshes with the second pre-stretch roller gear 408g, the rotation of the first pre-stretch roller gear 406g drives the second pre-stretch roller gear 408g and the second pre-stretch roller 408 to rotate.

[0049] In this example embodiment, the dimensions of certain components of the pre-stretch roller, pre-stretch roller gear, and pre-stretch drive assembly are selected such that the pre-stretch roller is driven at different linear velocities to pre-stretch the film web (FW). The linear velocity at the outer surface of a given pre-stretch roller (which corresponds to the velocity of the film web when it contacts the roller) is a function of the roller's diameter and rotational speed. For example, two rollers with the same diameter and rotating at the same rotational speed (e.g., the same revolutions per minute) will have the same linear velocity. Two rollers with different diameters and rotating at the same rotational speed will have different linear velocities: the linear velocity of the larger diameter roller will be greater than that of the smaller diameter roller.

[0050] The pre-stretch drive assembly 430 is operatively connected to the first pre-stretch roller 406, the second pre-stretch roller 408, and the third pre-stretch roller 410, and is configured to drive them at a first linear velocity, a second linear velocity, and a third linear velocity, respectively. The third linear velocity is greater than the second linear velocity, and the second linear velocity is greater than the first linear velocity. This causes the pre-stretch drive assembly to pre-stretch the film web (FW) in two stages: a first pre-stretch stage when the film web transitions from the first pre-stretch roller 406 to the second pre-stretch roller 408, and a second pre-stretch stage when the film web transitions from the second pre-stretch roller 408 to the third pre-stretch roller 410. The first, second, and third linear speeds of the first pre-stretch roller 406, the second pre-stretch roller 408, and the third pre-stretch roller 410 can be controlled such that the film web FW experiences a stretch of 1% to 15% between the first pre-stretch roller 406 and the second pre-stretch roller 408 during the first pre-stretch stage, and an stretch of 85% to 99% between the second pre-stretch roller 408 and the third pre-stretch roller 410 during the second pre-stretch stage. The third linear speed is selected based on the desired film feed speed for the specific load being wound. To achieve this stretching ratio, the first linear speed is generally set to 15% to 95% of the third linear speed, and the second linear speed is set to 101% to 150% of the first linear speed. Because the third diameter of the third pre-stretch roller 410 is larger than the first diameter of the first pre-stretch roller 406 and the second diameter of the second pre-stretch roller 408, the third pre-stretch roller 410 may not have a maximum rotational speed even with a maximum linear speed. As a result, the pre-stretch amount can range from 10% to 400%, which corresponds to the percentage of additional length added to the membrane web during stretching. For the purpose of explanation using non-limiting examples, 10% stretching corresponds to a length increase from 10 feet to 11 feet (increasing the length by 10%), 100% stretching corresponds to a length increase from 10 feet to 20 feet (increasing the length by 100%), and 400% stretching corresponds to a length increase from 10 feet to 50 feet (increasing the length by 400%).

[0051] The cut-and-seal device (not shown) is supported by the winding machine frame 10 and is configured to cut the film web FW at a position between the load L and the winding assembly 40 after the load L has been wound, forming a tail end of the film web FW, and to connect the tail end of the film web FW to the wound load L to complete the winding process. Cutting the film web FW also forms a front end of the film web FW. The cut-and-seal device is also configured to hold the front end of the film web FW after cutting it and to connect the front end of the film web FW to the next load when winding the next load. The cut-and-seal device can be any suitable conventional cut-and-seal device known in the art.

[0052] Operator interface 1000 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 (such as hard keys or soft keys), one or more switches, and / or a touch panel. In various embodiments, operator interface 1000 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 winding machine 1 (e.g., the rotational speed of the pre-stretch rollers). The operator interface may include output devices other than the display device, such as one or more speakers and one or more indicator lights. In some embodiments, operator interface 1000 is formed as part of the winding machine 1 and, for example, mounted to the winding machine frame 10. In other embodiments, the operator interface is located away from the winding machine 1.

[0053] The controller C includes a processing device communicatively connected to the 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 (such as performing winding operations, as described below).

[0054] The controller C is communicatively and operably connected to the guide actuator 20a, the cut-seal device, the pre-stretch actuator 430a, and the winding assembly actuator 40a to control the operation of these components in conjunction with the winding operation, as described below. The controller C is communicatively connected to the operator interface 1000 to: (1) receive signals from the operator interface 1000 representing inputs received by the operator interface 1000; and (2) send signals to the operator interface 1000 to cause the operator interface 1000 to output (such as display) information.

[0055] The winding operation is now described in part, in which the winding machine 1 is used to wind a load L with film F to secure the load L to a tray P. Initially, the circular guide 20 is in its upper position, and the cut-and-seal device holds the leading edge of the film web FW. The controller C 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. After the load L on the tray P reaches the winding area, the controller C controls the guide actuator 20a to lower the circular guide 20, such that the winding assembly 40 is at least partially vertically aligned with a portion of the load L. The controller C controls the cut-and-seal device to hold the leading edge of the film web FW on or near the load L, while simultaneously controlling the winding assembly actuator 40a 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, combined with the cut-and-seal device holding the leading edge of the film web FW on or near the load L, causes the film web FW to be pulled from the roll R, guided through the rollers of the film carrier 100, and wound around the load L.

[0056] Once the film web FW has been wound around the front end, controller C controls the cutting-sealing device to release the front end and move it away from the load L. Controller C continues to control the winding assembly actuator 40a to rotate the winding assembly 40, while controlling the guide actuator 20a to move the circular guide 20 vertically, so that the film web FW is wound around the load L in a spiral pattern. During winding, controller C controls the pre-stretch actuator 430a to rotate the first pre-stretch roller 110, the second pre-stretch roller 120, and the third pre-stretch roller 130, so that they each have an appropriate linear speed to pre-stretch the film web FW as it is pulled through the pre-stretch rollers 110, 120, and 130. After winding is complete, controller C controls the cutting-sealing device to cut the film web FW from the roll R and secure the tail end of the film web FW to the load L, thus completing the winding operation. Controller C controls the conveyor C to move the wound load L and tray P from the winding area and through the discharge area 10b.

[0057] Figure 13 An alternative embodiment of a membrane support 100 including an automatic opening and closing assembly is shown. In this embodiment, the membrane support 100 includes an actuator 600, an arm 710, a connector 720, a first cam 730, and a second cam 740. The actuator 600 includes a piston 602 slidably received in a cylinder 604. The cylinder 604 is fixedly mounted to the membrane support frame 110. One end of the arm 710 is pivotally connected to the piston 602. The other end of the arm 710 is fixedly connected to a first shaft 302 of a roller support guide 300, such that the first shaft 302 and the arm 710 are rotatably fixed and capable of pivoting about a pivot axis A. 300aPivoting. The first cam 730 is fixedly connected to the third shaft 306 of the roller support guide 300, such that the third shaft 306 and the first cam 730 revolve around axis A. 300b Rotational fixation. Connector 720 is rigid and connects arm 710 to the convex angle of first cam 730. Second cam 740 is fixedly connected to the third shaft 306 of roller support guide 300, such that the third shaft 306 and first cam 730 revolve around axis A. 300b Rotational fixation. The second cam 740 is positioned near the roller bearing (not shown) of the locking actuator 230.

[0058] To open the movable roller assembly 200, the actuator 600 is operated to retract the piston 602 into the cylinder 604. The piston 602 drives the end of the arm 710, thereby causing the arm 710 to rotate around axis A. 300a Pivot, causing connector 720 to move downward. This movement of connector 720 causes the first cam 730 to move about axis A. 300b Rotation. This causes the third shaft 306 and the second cam 740 to rotate around axis A along with the first cam 730. 300b Rotation. The second cam 740 is shaped such that it forces the locking actuator 230 to pivot to its unlocked position, thereby moving the locking member 240 to the unlocked position. As the arm 710 continues to pivot, it causes the first shaft 302 to rotate about axis A. 300a Rotation. Since the first arm 310 and the second arm 312 of the roller support guide 300 are rotatably fixed to the first shaft 302, rotation of the first shaft 302 causes the entire roller support guide 300 to pivot and bring the roller support 200 to its open position. Therefore, the actuator is operatively connected to the locking member to move the locking member from its locked position to its unlocked position, and is also operatively connected to the roller support to move the roller support from its closed position to its open position, and vice versa. The controller C is operatively connected to the actuator 600 and configured to control the actuator 600.

[0059] In other embodiments, the roller assembly can move between the closed and open positions via any other suitable combination of movements. For example, in some embodiments, the roller assembly can translate between the closed and open positions with at least one degree of freedom without pivoting.

Claims

1. A film holder for a wrapping machine, the film holder comprising: membrane support frame; A first pre-stretch roller is rotatably mounted to the film support frame; A third pre-stretch roller is rotatably mounted to the film support frame, wherein a first space is defined between the first pre-stretch roller and the third pre-stretch roller; and A roller support, the roller support comprising a roller support frame and a second pre-tensioned roller rotatably mounted to the roller support frame. The roller support is movable relative to the film support frame between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the second pre-stretch roller at least partially occupies the first space, and in the open position the second pre-stretch roller is removed from the first space.

2. The membrane support according to claim 1, further comprising a pre-stretch drive assembly operably connected to the first pre-stretch roller and the third pre-stretch roller, and configured to rotate the first pre-stretch roller and the third pre-stretch roller.

3. The membrane support according to claim 2, wherein when the roller support is in the closed position, the first pre-stretch roller is operatively connected to the second pre-stretch roller and configured to rotate the second pre-stretch roller, wherein when the roller support is in the open position, the first pre-stretch roller is not operatively connected to the second pre-stretch roller.

4. The membrane support according to claim 3, wherein the membrane support further comprises: The first pre-stretching roller gear is rotatably fixed to the first pre-stretching roller. and The second pre-stretch roller gear is rotatably fixed to the second pre-stretch roller. When the roller support is in the closed position, the first pre-tensioned roller gear meshes with the second pre-tensioned roller gear and drives the second pre-tensioned roller gear into engagement. When the roller support is in the open position, the first pre-stretch roller gear and the second pre-stretch roller gear disengage.

5. The membrane support according to claim 4, wherein the pre-stretch drive assembly is configured to rotate the first pre-stretch roller at a first linear velocity, rotate the second pre-stretch roller at a second linear velocity, and rotate the third pre-stretch roller at a third linear velocity, wherein the third linear velocity is greater than the first linear velocity and the second linear velocity of the second pre-stretch roller.

6. The membrane support according to claim 5, wherein the second linear velocity is greater than the first linear velocity.

7. The membrane support according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the third pre-stretch roller is greater than the diameter of the first pre-stretch roller and greater than the diameter of the second pre-stretch roller.

8. The membrane support according to claim 2, wherein the pre-stretch drive assembly includes a pre-stretch drive actuator and a pre-stretch transmission device, the pre-stretch transmission device operatively connecting the pre-stretch drive actuator to the first pre-stretch roller and the third pre-stretch roller.

9. The membrane support according to claim 1, wherein the roller support is movable relative to the membrane support frame in at least two degrees of freedom.

10. The membrane support of claim 9, wherein the roller support is pivotable relative to the membrane support frame about a first pivot axis.

11. The membrane support according to claim 10, wherein the first pivot axis is fixed relative to the membrane support frame, and the second pivot axis is movable relative to the membrane support frame.

12. The membrane support of claim 11, wherein the second pivot axis is pivotable relative to the membrane support frame about the first pivot axis.

13. The membrane support of claim 12, wherein the roller support is pivotally connected to the membrane support frame via a first link and a second link, wherein the first link and the second link are pivotable about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

14. The membrane support of claim 13, wherein when the roller support moves from the closed position to the open position, the second pivot axis moves downward and horizontally away from the first pivot axis.

15. The membrane support of claim 11, further comprising a roller support guide pivotally mounted to the membrane support frame and connected to the roller support, wherein the roller support guide is pivotable relative to the membrane support frame about a third pivot axis different from the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

16. The membrane support of claim 15, further comprising an automatic opening and closing assembly operably connected to the roller support guide and configured to pivot the roller support guide, thereby moving the roller support from the closed position to the open position.

17. The membrane support of claim 16, wherein the automatic opening and closing assembly comprises: An arm, which is fixedly connected to the roller support guide; An actuator operatively connected to the arm and configured to pivot the arm about the third pivot axis, thereby pivoting the roller support guide.

18. The membrane support according to claim 1, wherein the membrane support further comprises: A first idler roller is rotatably mounted to the film support frame, wherein a second space is defined between the first idler roller and the first pre-stretch roller; A second idler roller is rotatably mounted to the roller support frame, wherein a third space is defined between the second idler roller and the second pre-stretch roller; A third idler roller is rotatably mounted to the roller support frame, wherein a fourth space is defined between the second pre-stretch roller and the third idler roller; and A fourth idler roller, rotatably mounted to the film support frame, wherein a fifth space is defined between the third pre-stretch roller and the fourth idler roller. When the roller support is in the closed position, the second idler roller at least partially occupies the second space and the third idler roller, the first pre-tension roller at least partially occupies the third space, the third pre-tension roller at least partially occupies the fourth space, and the third idler roller at least partially occupies the fifth space. When the roller support is in the open position, the second idler roller is removed from the second space and the third idler roller, the first pre-stretch roller is removed from the third space, the third pre-stretch roller is removed from the fourth space, and the third idler roller is removed from the fifth space.

19. The membrane support according to claim 18, wherein the roller support is movable relative to the membrane support frame in two degrees of freedom.

20. The membrane support according to claim 1, wherein the membrane support further comprises: A locking element that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and A locking actuator, operably connected to the locking element and configured to move the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the roller support is in the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member prevents the roller support from moving to the open position. When the roller support is in the closed position and the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member does not prevent the roller support from moving to the open position.

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