Stretch wrapping machine with film sealing assembly

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a stretch wrapping machine with a sealing and cutting device that applies stitching to seal the film after the load is wrapped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 367,511, filed on July 1, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a stretch wrapping machine, and more particularly, to a stretch wrapping machine including a film sealing assembly.

Background Art

[0003] In some types of known stretch wrapping machines, stretch film is used to secure a load of goods on a pallet. These stretch wrapping machines include a film carriage to which a replaceable roll of stretch film is attached. Depending on the type of stretch wrapping machine, the film carriage rotates relative to the load stacked on the pallet, or the load stacked on the pallet rotates relative to the film carriage, while the film carriage moves vertically relative to the load to wrap the load spirally with stretch film. For example, a turntable wrapping machine rotates a turntable carrying the load stacked on the pallet while vertically moving the film carriage to wrap the load with stretch film. A ring wrapping machine rotates the film carriage on a circular ring circumscribing the load stacked on the pallet while vertically moving the film carriage to wrap the load with stretch film. A rotary arm wrapping machine rotates a cantilever arm carrying the film carriage around the load stacked on the pallet while vertically moving the film carriage to enclose the load with stretch film.

[0004] When the packaging process is substantially complete, the film web extending between the package and the film roll on the film carriage is severed, creating a film trailing portion extending from the package. This film trailing portion needs to be secured to the film already wrapped around the package to prevent it from unwinding. This securing process can be performed before or after cutting the film web and forming the film trailing portion. Some existing stretch wrapping machines include various mechanisms for securing the film trailing portion. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002 / 0174626) There is an ongoing need to simplify and speed up this process in order to increase processing power. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a packaging machine comprising a packaging machine frame, guides attached to the packaging machine frame, guide actuators operably connected to the guides and moving the guides perpendicular to the packaging machine frame, a packaging assembly attached to the guides and including a film carriage, a packaging assembly actuator operably connected to the packaging assembly and moving the packaging assembly relative to the guides, and a sealing and cutting device attached to the guides. The sealing and cutting device comprises a heating element support, a heating element guard, a heating element positioned between the heating element support and the heating element guard and movable between a sealing position and a home position for sealing two layers of film together, and a clamp facing inward toward the heating element and positioned on the opposite side of the two layers of film from the heating element.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for packaging a package using a packaging machine, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the package within the packaging area of ​​the packaging machine; positioning the package using a packaging assembly mounted on a guide; positioning a sealing and cutting device including a heating element assembly near the packaged package; packaging the package and heating element assembly with an inner film sealing layer; overlapping an outer film sealing layer with at least a portion of the inner film sealing layer; positioning a clamp relative to the outer film sealing layer such that the clamp faces inward toward the package; operating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer with the outer film sealing layer; and cutting the outer film sealing layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the stretch wrapping machine of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing specific components of a stretch wrapping machine. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 3C] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 3D] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 3E] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 3F] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the package, film, and film sealing assembly of the packaging machine undergoing the sealing process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the steps of the packaging process, including the film sealing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented in various forms, but the drawings illustrate specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the specification are required, and a particular implementation may include additional, different, or fewer components. Modifications to the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and material of components, and the manner in which components are connected may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any orientation referred to herein reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms referring to mounting methods, such as mounting, connection, etc., should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operable mounting, connection, and similar mounting methods, not limited to direct mounting methods. This specification is intended to be interpreted as a whole and understood by those skilled in the art in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stretch packaging machine comprising a heating element assembly configured to seal a sealing layer of film, thereby completing strap packaging of a package.

[0010] Figures 1, 2, and 3A to 3F illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the stretch packaging machine 1 of the present disclosure (which may also be referred to as the “packaging machine” for brevity). The packaging machine 1 includes a packaging machine frame 10, a circular guide 20, a guide actuator 30, a packaging assembly 40, a sealing and cutting device 100 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2), an operator interface 500, and a control device 600.

[0011] The packaging machine frame 10 is formed from a plurality of tubular and / or solid members (not individually indicated) and is configured to support other components of the packaging machine 1. The packaging machine frame 10 defines a packaging area within itself and has a feed area 10a into which palletized goods (such as goods L on pallet P) are transported to the packaging area for packaging (e.g., via a conveyor C) and a discharge area 10b into which palletized goods are transported from the packaging area (e.g., via a conveyor C) after packaging. The illustrated packaging machine frame 10 is merely one example configuration, and any suitable configuration can be adopted.

[0012] The circular guide 20 functions as a mounting part for the packaging assembly 40 and is movably mounted to the packaging machine frame 10 (on one or more vertical members of the packaging machine frame 10, etc.) so that the circular guide 20 is vertically movable between an upper position and a lower position relative to the packaging machine frame 10.

[0013] The guide actuator 30 is operably connected to the circular guide 20 and moves the circular guide 20 between an upper and lower position relative to the packaging machine frame 10. In certain embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more motors operably connected to the circular guide 20 via one or more belt and pulley assemblies to move the circular guide 20 between an upper and lower position. In other embodiments, the guide actuator 30 includes one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the circular guide 20 to move the circular guide 20 between an upper and lower position. These are merely examples, and the guide actuator 30 may include any suitable actuator configured to move the circular guide 20 between an upper and lower position.

[0014] The packaging assembly 40 is movably mounted on the circular guide 20 such that the packaging assembly 40 is rotatable relative to the circular guide 20. The packaging assembly 40 includes a ring-shaped support (not shown), a film carriage (not indicated), and a packaging assembly actuator 400 (Figure 2).

[0015] The ring-shaped support serves as the mounting point for the film carriage and is movably mounted to the circular guide 20, so that the support (and other components connected to the carriage and support) can rotate relative to the circular guide 20. In this embodiment, the support is movably mounted to the circular guide 20 via a plurality of spaced-apart rollers (not shown), which are connected to the support and positioned on tracks (not shown) on the circular guide 20.

[0016] The film carriage is fixedly connected to a support and moves with the support (i.e., rotates relative to the circular guide 20 and moves perpendicular to the packaging machine frame 10). The film carriage is configured to rotatably support a roll of film (such as plastic stretch film). The film carriage may include, but is not limited to, a film carriage frame, a film reel support, one or more idler rollers, one or more pinch rollers, one or more pre-stretch rollers, and a pre-stretch drive assembly.

[0017] The packaging assembly actuator 400 is operably connected to the packaging assembly 40 to rotate the packaging assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. In a particular embodiment, the packaging assembly actuator 400 includes one or more motors operably connected to the packaging assembly 40 via one or more belt and pulley assemblies to rotate the packaging assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. This is merely an example, and the packaging assembly actuator 400 may include any suitable actuator configured to rotate the packaging assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L.

[0018] The sealing and cutting device 100 is supported by the packaging machine frame 10 and is configured to seal two layers of film F together and cut the film F from the film roll after the package L is packaged to complete the packaging process. By cutting the film F, a leading end of the film F is created for the film roll to be used in the next packaging process. The sealing and cutting device 100 can also be configured to hold the leading end after cutting the film F and connect the leading end to the next package when being wound.

[0019] As best shown in FIGS. 3A through 3F, the sealing and cutting device 100 includes a film sealing assembly 200 and a cutter (not shown). The film sealing assembly 200 includes a heating element assembly 205 and a clamp 240. The heating element assembly 205 includes a heating element 210, a heating element support 220, and a heating element guard 230. The heating element assembly 205 is vertically (with respect to the package L) movable between a home position (an upper position in this exemplary embodiment) and a sealing position (a lower position in this exemplary embodiment). In the home position, the film sealing assembly is positioned away from the film and the package so that the package L can be wrapped without being obstructed by the film sealing assembly 200. In the sealing position, the heating element assembly 205 is arranged as shown in FIG. 3B to perform the film sealing process as described in detail below. The film sealing assembly 200 can be connected to the circular guide 20 and / or the packaging assembly 40 and can be moved between the upper position and the lower position by the sealing and cutting actuator 300. In a particular embodiment, the sealing and cutting actuator 300 can be configured to move the film sealing assembly 200, the heating element assembly 205, the clamp 240, and / or one or more components of these assemblies.

[0020] The heating element 210 includes appropriate components configured to melt two overlapping layers of the film F together, depending on the embodiment, via heat conduction, convection, or radiation. In this exemplary embodiment, the heating element 210 includes a rotatable roller configured to heat to a temperature higher than the melting point of the film F via electric heating (such as, but not limited to, resistance heating or induction heating). In this embodiment, the heating element 210 is positioned between a heating element support arm 220 and a heating element guard 230 and is rotatable relative to the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element guard 230. The heating element guard 230 can move independently of the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210. As best illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, the heating element guard 230 is movable relative to the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element 210 between a shielding position in which the heating element guard 230 shields the heating element 210 from heating and melting the inner and outer film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 (e.g., Figure 3B) and a heating position in which the heating element guard 230 exposes the heating element 210 to the inner film sealing layer FS1 (e.g., Figure 3C), thereby enabling the heating element 210 to heat and melt the inner and outer film sealing layers FS1 and FS2. As best illustrated in Figures 3C to 3E, the heating element support arm 220 is positioned on the inside (or load side) of the heating element 210, and the heating element guard 230 is positioned on the outside (or sealing side) of the heating element 210. In various other embodiments, the heating element guard is connected to a heating element support and is movable together with the heating element support. In such an embodiment, the bottom of the heating element guard is located above the heating element, and therefore the heating element guard protects the film above, except for the position or level of the heating element.

[0021] Clamp 240 is movable between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, clamp 240 is positioned such that the packaging assembly 40 can wrap film F around the load L and / or around the heating element support arm 220 and the heating element guard 230 without interference from clamp 240. In the clamping position, clamp 240 moves toward the outermost film layer (e.g., the outer film sealing layer FS2) and engages the outer film sealing layer FS2. Clamp 240 can move between the release position and the clamping position via any suitable form of movement, such as sliding, pivoting, rotating, or translational movement, under the control of the sealing and cutting actuator 300.

[0022] The operator interface 500 is configured to receive input from an operator and, in certain embodiments, 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 or soft keys), one or more switches, and / or a touch panel. In various embodiments, the operator interface 500 includes a display device configured to display information to the operator, such as information regarding the pallet load, the status of the packaging operation, or the parameters of the packaging machine 1. The operator interface may include other output devices, such as one or more speakers and / or one or more lights, instead of or in addition to the display device. In certain embodiments, the operator interface 500 is formed as part of the packaging machine 1 and is attached, for example, to the packaging machine frame 10. In other embodiments, the operator interface is remote from the packaging machine 1.

[0023] The control device 600 includes a processing device that is communicatively connected to the memory device. The processing device may include, but is not limited to, any suitable processing device such as a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory device may include, but is not limited to, any suitable memory device such as a read-only memory, a random-access memory, one or more digital registers, a cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, a magnetic medium such as an integrated hard disk and / or removable memory, a magneto-optical medium, and / or an optical medium. The memory device stores instructions that can be executed by the processing device to control the operation of the packaging machine 1 (to perform packaging operations as described later).

[0024] The control device 600 is communicatively and operablely connected to the guide actuator 30, the sealing and cutting device 100, the sealing and cutting actuator 300, and the packaging assembly actuator 400, and controls the operation of these components in conjunction with the packaging operation. The control device 600 is communicatively connected to the operator interface 500 and (1) receives signals from the operator interface 500 that represent inputs received by the operator interface 500, and (2) sends signals to the operator interface 500 to cause the operator interface 500 to output information (for example, display it).

[0025] The packaging process, including the film sealing step in which the film is sealed after packaging, is shown in Figures 3A to 3F and will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, since Figures 3A to 3F show a partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the package, the left side of the package and the film layer wrapped on the left side of the package are not shown.

[0026] As shown in block 410, the packaging process includes positioning the package L in the packaging area. This includes positioning the circular guide 20 in its upper position and the sealing and cutting device 100 holding the leading edge of the film F on the roll R. The control device 600 controls the conveyor C to move the package L on the pallet P through the feeding area 10a into the packaging area of ​​the packaging machine 1.

[0027] As shown in block 420, the packaging process includes substantially packaging the load L as shown in Figure 3A. After the load L on the pallet P reaches the packaging area, the control device 600 controls the guide actuator 30 to lower the circular guide 20 so that the packaging assembly 40 is at least partially perpendicular to the portion of the load L. The control device 600 controls the sealing and cutting device 100 to hold the leading edge of the film F against the load L, and at the same time controls the packaging assembly actuator 400 to rotate the packaging assembly 40 relative to the circular guide 20 and the load L. By rotating the packaging assembly 40 relative to the load L in combination with the sealing and cutting device 100, the film F is drawn through the rollers of the film carriage and wrapped around the load L.

[0028] Once the film F is wrapped around the tip, the control device 600 controls the sealing and cutting device 100 to release the tip and move it away from the package L. The control device 600 continues to control the packaging assembly actuator 400 to rotate the packaging assembly 40, while controlling the guide actuator 30 to move the circular guide 20 vertically so that the package L is wrapped with the film F in a spiral pattern. During packaging, the control device 600 controls one or more pre-stretch actuators to rotate one or more pre-stretch rollers to pre-stretch the film F as it is pulled through the rollers.

[0029] Figure 3A shows a package L wrapped by a single layer of film labeled F1. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a package L wrapped by a single layer F1, the package L may be wrapped once, twice, or more times by the packaging assembly 40, and any suitable pattern such as a spiral pattern may be used.

[0030] As shown in block 430, the film sealing step of the packaging process includes the step of positioning the film sealing assembly near the package. Figure 3B illustrates a film sealing assembly 200 positioned near the package L after the package L has been wrapped with a layer of film F1. The film sealing assembly 200 may be positioned to engage with the film layer F1, or it may be positioned adjacent to the film layer F1 without contact. The heating element guard 230 is in a shielding or downward position to prevent any film from being exposed to the heating element 210.

[0031] As shown in block 440, the film sealing step of the packaging process includes wrapping the package L and the film sealing assembly 200 with an inner film sealing layer and an outer film sealing layer. The inner film sealing layer is illustrated in Figure 3B as the first film sealing layer FS1. Figure 3C shows the second film sealing layer FS2 positioned by the packaging assembly so as to at least partially overlap the first film sealing layer FS1. The second film sealing layer FS2 does not need to extend completely around the package L, but instead may extend only partially around the package to create an overlapping portion with the first film sealing layer FS1. The overlapping portions of the first and second film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 may be positioned to align with the film sealing assembly 200. The first and second film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 can be wrapped so as to align perpendicularly to each other, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0032] As shown in block 450, the film sealing step of the packaging process includes positioning the clamp 240 relative to the outer film sealing layer FS2. Figure 3C shows the clamp 240 moved to the clamping position and pressed against the outer film sealing layer FS2. Alternatively, the clamp 240 can be positioned next to or near the second film sealing layer FS2 without contact. Next, as shown in Figure 3C, the heating element guard 230 is moved from the shielding position to the heating position to expose the heating element 210 to the first film sealing layer FS1.

[0033] As shown in block 460, the film sealing step of the packaging process includes the step of operating a heating element assembly 205 to seal the inner film sealing layer FS1 to the outer film sealing layer FS2. Figures 3D and 3E show the heating element assembly 205 moving from the sealing position toward the home position, and as the heating element assembly 205 moves, the heating element 210 seals the inner film sealing layer FS1 to the outer film sealing layer FS2, producing the sealed layer FS1 / FS2. To seal the layers together, the heating element 210 presses the first and second film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 into the clamp 240 and applies heat as the heating element 210 moves upward. As the heating element assembly 205 moves upward, the combined and sealed film layers FS1 / FS2 bounce back to contact the layers of film F1 wrapped around the package L, partly due to the pre-stretch applied to those parts of film F. As shown in the figure, the heating element 210 extends beyond the heating element guard 230 (i.e., to the right) when the guard 230 is in the heating position. This can be caused by the guard 230 moving upward and to the left when it moves to the heating position (i.e., to expose the heating element), or by the heating element 210 moving to the right (i.e., beyond the guard 230) when the guard 230 moves to the heating position. Alternatively, the heating element guard 230 may not be movable and may always be positioned in the heating position so that the heating element 210 is always exposed.

[0034] Figure 3F shows the heating element assembly 205 after it has completed moving to the home position, with the film sealing layers FS1 and FS2 sealed together and bouncing onto film layer F2. At this stage, the clamp 240 can be moved to the release position, allowing the packaged and sealed package L to be removed from the packaging area.

[0035] As shown in block 470, the packaging process includes cutting the outer film sealing layer FS2. Although not shown in Figures 3A to 3F, the cutter of the sealing and cutting device 100 can cut the film either during or after the sealing process. For example, when the heating element assembly 205 moves from the sealing position to the home position and seals both layers FS1 and FS2, the cutter moves simultaneously to cut the film layer FS2 (i.e., the outermost layer of the film). The cutter may also include a leading-edge film holder to hold the cut end of the film in preparation for packaging the next load.

Claims

1. It is a packaging machine, Packaging machine frame and A guide attached to the packaging machine frame, A guide actuator is movably connected to the aforementioned guide and moves the guide perpendicular to the packaging machine frame, A packaging assembly, which is attached to the aforementioned guide and includes a film carriage, A packaging assembly actuator is operably connected to the packaging assembly and moves the packaging assembly relative to the guide, The sealing and cutting device is attached to the guide, and the sealing and cutting device is Heating element support, Heating element guard, A heating element is positioned between the heating element support and the heating element guard, is movable between the sealing position and the home position, and seals the two layers of film together. A packaging machine characterized by including a clamp that faces inward toward the heating element and is positioned on the opposite side of the two layers of film from the heating element.

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the heating element support is located on a first side of the heating element, and the heating element guard is located on a second side opposite to the heating element.

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

4. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the clamp is movable between a release position and a clamped position.

5. A method of packaging goods using a packaging machine, A process for positioning the package in the packaging area of ​​the packaging machine, The process of packaging a package using a packaging assembly attached to a guide, A step of positioning a sealing and cutting device equipped with a heating element assembly around a packaged package, A process of packaging the package and heating element assembly with an inner film sealing layer, A step of overlapping at least a portion of the inner film sealing layer with the outer film sealing layer, A step of positioning the clamp relative to the outer film sealing layer so that the clamp faces inward toward the load, A process of operating a sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer with the outer film sealing layer, A method comprising the step of cutting the outer film sealing layer.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the heating element assembly includes a heating element positioned outside the load, a heating element support, and a heating element guard.

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

8. Furthermore, A step in which the heating element assembly is moved from the sealed position to the home position, during which the internal film sealing layer is exposed to the heating element, The method according to claim 7, comprising the step of pressing a heating element against the internal film sealing layer and aligning it with a clamp to seal the internal film sealing layer with the external film sealing layer.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of positioning the heating element assembly such that the heating element support engages with the outer layer of the film wrapped around the package and the heating element guard engages with the inner film sealing layer.

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

11. The method according to claim 5, wherein the clamp is positioned relative to the outer surface of the outer film sealing layer.

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

13. The step of operating the sealing and cutting device to seal the inner film sealing layer to the outer film sealing layer is as follows: The process involves exposing the inner film sealing layer to the heating element of the heating element assembly, bringing the heating element into contact with the inner film sealing layer, and ensuring that the heating element faces outward from the package. The method according to claim 5, comprising the step of moving a heating element assembly from a sealed position to a home position while maintaining contact between the heating element and the inner film sealing layer.

Images