A film dispensing device, a packaging system and a method for packaging objects with a tubular stretch film

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a film dispensing device, a packaging system and a method for packaging objects with a tubular stretch film where the dispensing device comprises two or more opening devices

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a film dispensing device, a packaging system and a method for packaging objects with a tubular stretch film.

[0002] More specific, the present invention relates to the technical area of horizontally arranged automated stretch film systems which supply stretch fil onto objects conveyed through the stretch film system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Prior art systems, such as the one described in EP 3 215 421 B1 and EP 3 676 182 A1, comprise a film packaging device which arrange a tubular stretch film onto an object conveyed though the system.

[0004] The tubular stretch film is stored in a storage comprising a single roll of stretch film which is supplied onto the film packaging device. The film packaging device is arranged such that it may move between the film storage and the conveyors for packing the objects. The packaging device may thus move between two positions, one position where the packaging device is being supplied with the stretch film, and another position where the packaging device packs the objects with the stretch film.

[0005] The process is fully automated, but the prior art systems have the problem of operating with one single roll of stretch film.

[0006] EP 3 215 421 B1 discloses one example of a system where one storage of stretch film is positioned on each side of the conveyor, each storage containing one roll of film. The packaging device can thus move between the two storages and gather stretch film from the two individual rolls. The two rolls may be the same type of film or may be two different types of film.

[0007] However, such a system requires a rather large floor space, and the dispensing device associated with each storage is preset to function with one type of film only.

[0008] There is a need in the industry for having a packaging system that requires less space and that is able to function with a plurality of different sizes of stretch film.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0010] The above object and advantages, together with numerous other objects and advantages, which will be evident from the description of the present invention, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by: A film dispensing device for arranging a tubular stretch film onto a film packaging device for packing an object with the tubular stretch film, the dispensing device being arranged for dispensing the tubular stretch film onto the packaging device from a storage of two or more individual tubular stretch films, such as two different rolls of tubular stretch film, the dispensing device comprising an opening device support frame supporting two or more individual opening devices, the opening devices being arranged for opening the tubular stretch film from the storage prior to arranging one of the tubular stretch films onto the packaging device.

[0011] The above-defined film dispensing device is suitable to be arranged in a packaging system comprising a storage of two or more rolls of tubular stretch film where the dispensing device dispenses an amount of tubular stretch film onto a packaging device, which afterwards packs the requested object with the film.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device comprises three opening devices arranged in the frame in different vertical levels, when in use. It is hereby achieved that one single dispensing device, according to the invention, practically functions as several independent dispensing devices, as disclosed in the prior art documents.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the opening devices are separated from the opening device support frame and supported between opposite parts of the opening device support frame, such that the tubular stretch film is supported on the interior side by the opening device and on the exterior side by the opposite frame parts, wherein at least one of the opening devices comprises two mutually displaceable opening device elements, each opening device element supporting a tubular stretch film in at least two points of contact.

[0014] Each opening device of the dispenser comprises one opening device element defining a width of the opening device or two opening device elements arranged spaced in relation to each other, hereby defining a width of the opening device.

[0015] The opening device elements are arranged moveably in relation to each other, such that the width of the opening device can be regulated and hereby adapted to a specific size of tubular stretch film.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the opening device support frame is moveable for altering the position of the opening devices in a horizontal and / or vertical direction.

[0017] The dispensing device, which comprises two or more opening devices, is preferably arranged such that the opening device support frame, which supports the opening devices, can move in a vertical and horizontal direction.

[0018] As the dispensing device comprises multiple opening devices, which each is arranged to dispense an amount of stretch film onto the packaging device, the dispensing device is able to move the opening device support frame and hereby position the dispensing device, which is requested to dispense film onto the packaging device, such that the opening device is at a vertical level corresponding to the vertical level of a gripping device, arranged as moveable gripper arms on the packaging device, preferably four gripper arms arranging a square upon which the stretch film can be dispensed.

[0019] When the stretch film is dispensed onto the gripper arms of the packaging device, the gripper arms are spaced, hereby arranging a square (two upper gripper arms and two lower gripper arms) corresponding to the opening area of the tubular stretch film.

[0020] The dispensing device may hereby, independent of the packaging device, dispense a number of different tubular stretch films, respectively, onto the packaging device.

[0021] The opening device support frame is preferably further arranged to move the opening devices in a horizontal direction, such that the opening devices can be moved to and from a position where the opening devices are proximate to the packaging device, and hereby proximate the gripper arms.

[0022] Due to the distance between the opening devices and the "opened" gripper arms, the difference in height between the two is overcome over a distance that ensures correct transition and ensures that the tubular stretch film can be tensioned between the opening device and the gripper arms.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the opening devices have the same height during operation.

[0024] Such arrangement thus provides the possibility of using opening devices that all have the same height, in combination with a plurality of tubular stretch films of different sizes / dimensions. Hereby the overall height of the film dispensing device is reduced along with an increased versatility.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the opposite parts of the moveable opening device support frame comprise a first number of rollers and the opening devices comprise a second number of rollers interacting with the first number of rollers such that the tubular stretch film can be supported between the first and second number of rollers.

[0026] In order to ensure a smooth and frictionless movement of the tubular stretch film past the opening device and the opening device support frame, the support frame and the opening device are arranged with interacting rollers between which the film is conveyed. It is hereby further ensured that the film is not being damaged when conveyed over the opening device.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the first number of rollers is motorized.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the rollers arranged on the opening device support frame are activating rollers, such as electrically driven rollers, whereby the movement of the film is driven past the support frame by these actuating rollers, which ensures a safe conveying of stretch film over the opening element.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by: A packaging system for packing an object with the tubular stretch film, the packaging system comprising: a film dispensing device according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, a storage of two or more individual tubular stretch films, such as two or more different rolls of tubular stretch film arranged on a common support frame, and a film packaging device for packing an object with the tubular stretch film.

[0030] Arranging a film dispensing device according to the first aspect of the invention, in combination with a single and preferably unitary storage having two or more individual stretch films and a commonly known packaging device, provides a solution to earlier defined objects of the invention, namely a packaging system which occupies a limited floorspace and which is capable of autonomously packing differently sized objects with different sizes of suitable stretch films.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the film dispensing device, the storage of two or more individual tubular stretch films, and the film packaging device are modular.

[0032] The system may in a basic embodiment be arranged as one unitary system but is preferably arranged modular, such that the film dispensing device can be used in combination with the claimed storage together with prior art packaging devices.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the two or more individual tubular stretch films are of different sizes.

[0034] The plurality of stretch films in the storage may be of the same size but is preferably arranged with individual different sizes, whereby the system can automatically switch between films, depending on the size of the object to be packed, which ensures a reliable and fully automated process.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the two or more opening devices and the two or more individual tubular stretch films are arranged in different vertical planes, respectively, during operation.

[0036] In order to arrange the film dispensing device with a reduced height, the opening devices, which are arranged at different vertical levels, such as above each other, have a height that is lower than the required height of the square of the gripper arms, which corresponds to a desired tubular film.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by: A method for packaging objects with a tubular stretch film, the method comprising the following steps: providing a packaging system according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, determining one of the two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") to be dispensed onto the packaging device via the respective opening device, the packaging device comprising a number of moveable gripper arms for supporting the dispensed tubular stretch film, moving the frame and / or the moveable gripper arms, such that the respective opening device is positioned at a vertical position corresponding to the gripper arms, dispensing the determined tubular stretch film onto the gripper arms, and packing the tubular stretch film by the packaging device around the object.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the storage comprises two or more rolls of tubular stretch film, and the storage comprises a brake or actuating mechanism that ensures that the tubular stretch film between the storage and the dispensing device is keep tight during operation.

[0039] In order to ensure a reliable and stable support of film from the storage to the dispensing device, each roll of stretch fill is associated with a brake or actuating mechanism. The brake or actuating mechanism is preferably moveably such that it continuously contacts the associated roll of film although the diameter of the roll decreases during dispensing.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the two or more individual tubular stretch films are of different sizes, and the distanced position of said respective opening device (24, 24', 24") is different, depending on which one of said tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") is determined.

[0041] The distance between the opening devices and the gripper arms of the packaging device preferably depends on the size of the opening area of the stretch film. Larger opening areas having a height larger than the opening device, such as twice the height or more, require a greater distance between the opening device and the packaging device, compared to smaller sized stretch films, why the distance between the opening devises and the packaging device may vary, depending og the size of the stretch film used. Fig. 1-4 show side views of a packaging system. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a dispensing device and a storage. Fig. 6 shows a side view of a dispensing device and a storage. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of part of a dispensing device.

[0042] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0043] Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0044] Like elements will thus not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0045] Figure 1-4 show side views of a packaging system 10 according to one possible embodiment of the invention. Though the embodiment illustrates a storage 14 and a film dispenser device 12 for handling three individual tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20", it should be understood that the invention also encompasses storages 14 and film dispenser devices 12 capable of handling two or more than three individual tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20". The packaging system is connected to a controlling unit which is not described further but commonly known within the prior art. The system can hereby be programmed and further operated automatically.

[0046] The illustrated storage 14 is shown with three individual tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20", which in this embodiment are three individual rolls 22 of tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20".

[0047] The individual rolls 22 of tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" may be films of different sizes, such that the system 10 automatically can pack differently sized packages without the need for an operator to change the stretch film rolls 22 before packaging a differently sized package.

[0048] Alternatively, the three rolls 22 may be of the same size in order for the system 10 to operate for a longer period of time without the need to supply the storage 14 with new tubular stretch film rolls 22.

[0049] The storage 14 comprises a base frame 15 whereupon the tubular stretch film rolls 22 are mounted on an axle in order for the rolls 22 to rotate for supplying the films 20, 20', 20" to the film dispenser device 12.

[0050] The storage 14 preferably further comprises a brake or actuating mechanism 30 (shown in fig. 5 and 6), which ensures that the tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" is tensioned between the storage 14 and the film dispenser device 12 during operation, which ensures a reliable operation. The storage frame further comprises a number of rollers supporting the tubular stretch film between the rolls 22 and the film dispenser device 12.

[0051] The film dispenser device 12 comprises a base frame 13, which supports the opening device support frame 18, which in the illustrated embodiment is arranged moveablly in a vertical and horizontal direction. The opening device support frame 18 is interconnected with the dispenser device base frame 13 and arranged moveably via suitable actuators, which is not further described but commonly known within the technical field.

[0052] A number of opening devices 24, 24', 24", in the present case three opening devices, is mounted onto the opening device support frame 18, such that the opening devices 24, 24', 24" can manoeuvre in a horizontal and vertical direction, in the present case a vertical direction and back and forward between two ends of the dispenser device base frame 13.

[0053] The opening devices 24, 24', 24" are arranged within the tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20" for ensuring that the tubular stretch film is "opened" before dispensing the stretch film 20, 20', 20" onto a packaging device 12, which packs the film 20, 20', 20" around the object to be packed.

[0054] The film dispensing device 12 further comprises cutter and welding means 28, which cuts and welds the tubular film 20, 20', 20", which has been dispensed onto the packaging device. Such cutting and welding means are commonly known within the prior art (see for example EP 3 676 182 A1).

[0055] The opening devices 24, 24', 24" are further illustrated in figure 4 and described in the accompanying description.

[0056] The system 10 further comprises a packaging device 16 onto which a predefined amount of tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" is dispensed before the packaging device is ably to pack objects.

[0057] The packaging device 16 is arranged for moving sideways between the film dispensing device 12 and a conveyor assemble (not shown) for conveying the objects to be packed through the film dispensing device, which principle is commonly known within the prior art (see for example EP 3 215 421 B1).

[0058] The packaging device comprises a number, preferably four, gripping arms 26 onto which the tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" is dispensed. The gripping arms are preferably individually moveable such that they may grip tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20" of different sizes.

[0059] The gripping arms 26 are commonly known within the prior art (see for example EP 3 215 421 B1) and therefore not described in further detail.

[0060] In the shown embodiment, the opening devices 24, 24', 24"have the same dimensions (height and width).

[0061] In prior art systems, differently sized tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20" need specifically dimensioned opening devices dimensioned to the specific size of the tubular film.

[0062] In figure 1, the system is ready to receive an order for a specific type of tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" and the amount of film which needs to be dispensed onto the gripper arms. In the shown embodiment, the opening device support frame 18 is moved forward to a position proximate the gripper arms 26.

[0063] In this position, the opening device support frame 18 can move in a vertical direction such that the opening device of the desired tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" is positioned corresponding to the position of the gripper arms 26.

[0064] In figure 2, the opening device support frame 18 has been moved in a vertical direction such that the opening device 24 associated with the desired tubular stretch film 20 is positioned in level with the gripper arms 26.

[0065] The gripper arms 26, which can move (at least two of the four gripper arms 26 can move in a vertical direction), are positioned proximate each other, in pairs, in relation to the vertical direction, such that the end of the tubular stretch film can be easily positioned over the gripper arms 26 which comprise actuating rollers (not shown) for rolling the desired tubular film 20 onto the gripper arms 26. In figure 2, the end of the tubular stretch film 20 has been rolled onto the gripper arms 26.

[0066] In figure 3, an amount of tubular stretch film 20 has been dispensed onto the gripper arms 26. The gripper arms 26 have been "opened" such that the four individual gripper arms 26 correspond to the opening area of the desired tubular stretch film 20, which ensures a correct dispensing of the film 20 onto the gripper arms 26.

[0067] After the end of the desired tubular stretch film 20 has been positioned on the gripper arms 26, as can be seen in figure 2, and before the desired amount of stretch film 20 is being dispensed onto the gripper arms 26, the opening device support frame is moved to a position being distanced from the gripper arms, as shown in figure 3.

[0068] As clearly shown in figure 3, the height of the opening device 24 is smaller compared to the height of the "opened" gripper arms.

[0069] Due to the distance between the opening device 24 and the "opened" gripper arms 26, the difference in height between the two are overcome over a distance, which ensures correct transition and ensures that the tubular stretch film 20 can be tensioned between the opening device 24 and the griper arms 26.

[0070] Such an arrangement thus provides the possibility of using opening devices 24, 24', 24" having a smaller height, and preferably the same height, in combination with a plurality of tubular stretch film 20 of different sizes / dimensions. Hereby, the overall height of the film dispensing device 12 is reduced along with an increased versatility.

[0071] During the process of dispensing the tubular stretch film onto the gripper arms 26, the desired stretch film 20 is being tensioned by the brake or actuating mechanism 30 shown in fig. 5.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a dispensing device and a storage in more detail, but the above explanation in relation to fig 1-4 also applies to fig. 5.

[0073] As can be seen from fig. 5, the storage 14 is equipped with brake or actuating mechanisms illustrated as motorized wheels which can be pivoted in and out of engagement with the rolls of film 20. In the shown embodiment, the brake or actuating mechanisms 30 are disengaged from contact with the rolls 22 and the tubular stretch films 20, 20', 20" and not arranged through the dispenser device 12.

[0074] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a dispensing device 12 and a storage 14.

[0075] The shown embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of fig. 1, except that the packaging device 16 is not shown.

[0076] The brake or actuating mechanisms 30 are disengaged from the rolls 22 but are preferable engaged when operating the system 10, such that the tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20" is tensioned.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of part of the film dispensing device 12.

[0078] It should be understood that the storage 14 is positioned to the right of the illustrated film dispensing device 12 and that the packaging device is positioned to the left.

[0079] The figure shows the principle of the opening devices 24, 24', 24" in connection with the opening device support frame 18.

[0080] In the shown embodiment in figure 7, only one tubular stretch film 20" is illustrated, but the same principle of arranging the other stretch films 20, 20' applies to the other tubular stretch films as well.

[0081] The opening device support frame 18 comprises a first number of opposed rollers 32, which rollers 32 in pairs support an intermediate opening device 24". The intermediate opening device 24" comprises a second number of opposed rollers 34, which interact with the first number of rollers 32, such that said tubular stretch film 20, 20', 20"can be supported between the first 32 and second number of rollers 34 in a low friction manner for dispensing onto the gripper arms 26.

[0082] In the following is given a list of reference signs that are used in the detailed description of the invention and the drawings referred to in the detailed description of the invention. 10Packaging system 12Film dispensing device 13Dispensing device base frame 14Storage 15Storage base frame 16Packaging device 18Opening device support frame 20Tubular stretch film 20'Tubular stretch film 20"Tubular stretch film 22Rolls of film 24Opening device 24'Opening device 24"Opening device 26Gripper arms 28Cutter and welder 30Brake or actuating mechanism 32First number of rollers 34Second number of rollers

Claims

1. A film dispensing device (12) for arranging a tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto a film packaging device (16) for packing an object with said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20"), said dispensing device (12) being arranged for dispensing said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto said packaging device (16) from a storage (14) of two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20"), such as two different rolls (22) of tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20"), said dispensing device (12) comprising an opening device support frame (18) supporting two or more individual opening devices (24, 24', 24"), said opening devices (24, 24', 24") being arranged for opening said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") from said storage (14), prior to arranging one of the tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") onto said packaging device (16).

2. A film dispensing device (12) according to claim 1, said opening devices (24, 24', 24") being separate from said opening device support frame (18) and being supported between opposite parts of said opening device support frame (18), such that said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") is supported on the interior side by said opening device (24, 24', 24") and on the exterior side by said opposite frame parts, wherein at least one of said opening devices (24, 24', 24") comprises two mutually displaceable opening device elements, each opening device element supporting a tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") in at least two points of contact.

3. A film dispensing device (12) according to any of the previous claims, said opening device support frame (18) being moveable for altering the position of said opening devices (20, 20', 20") in a horizontal and / or vertical direction.

4. A film dispensing device (12) according to claim 3, said opening devices (24, 24', 24") having the same height during operation.

5. A film dispensing device (12) according to any of claims 2-4, said opposite parts of said opening device support frame (18) comprising a first number of rollers (32) and said opening devices (24, 24', 24") comprising a second number of rollers (34) interacting with said first number of rollers (32) such that said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") can be supported between said first (32) and second number of rollers (32).

6. A film dispensing device (12) according to claim 5, at least one of said first number of rollers being motorized.

7. A packaging system (10) for packing an object with said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20"), said packaging system (10) comprising: - a film dispensing device (12) according to any of claims 1-6, - a storage (14) of two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20"), such as two or more different rolls (22, 22', 22") of tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") arranged on a common support frame, and - a film packaging device (16) for packing an object with said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20").

8. A packaging system (10) according to claim 7, said film dispensing device (12), said storage (14) of two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") and said film packaging device (16) being modular.

9. A packaging system (10) according to claim 8, said two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") being of different sizes.

10. A packaging system (10) according to any of claims 7-9, said two or more opening devices (24, 24', 24") and said two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") being arranged in different vertical planes, respectively, during operation.

11. A method for packaging objects with a tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20"), said method comprising the following steps: - providing a packaging system (10) according to any of claims 7-10, - determining one of said two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") to be dispensed onto said packaging device via the respective opening device (24, 24', 24"), said packaging device comprising a number of moveable gripper arms (26) for supporting said dispensed tubular stretch film, - moving said opening device support frame (18) and / or said moveable gripper arms, such that said respective opening device (24, 24', 24") is positioned at a vertical position corresponding to said gripper arms (26), - dispensing said determined tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto said gripper arms (26), and - packing said tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") by said packaging device around said object.

12. A method according to claim 11, said moveable opening device support frame (18) supporting said opening devices (24, 24', 24"), being moveable in a horizontal direction during operation, said method comprising the following steps: - prior to dispensing said determined tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto said gripper arms (26) of said packaging device (16), arranging said respective opening device for said determined tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") in a horizontal position substantially in a most proximate position of said packaging device (16), - arranging an end of said determined tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto said gripper arms (26) followed by moving said respective opening device (24, 24', 24") to a position distanced from said gripper arms (26), and - after said respective opening device (24, 24', 24") have been distanced from said gripper arms (26), dispensing a determined amount of tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") onto said gripper arms (26).

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, said storage (14) comprising two or more rolls (22, 22', 22") of tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20"), said storage (14) comprising a brake or actuating mechanism ensuring that the tubular stretch film (20, 20', 20") between said storage (14) and said dispensing device (12) is keep tight during operation.

14. A method according to any of claims 12 or 13, said two or more individual tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") being of different sizes, and said distanced position of said respective opening device (24, 24', 24") being different depending on which one of said tubular stretch films (20, 20', 20") is determined.

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