ES2953460B2 - AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE INCLUDING A CORD TYING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

AUTOMATIC WRAPPER WHICH INCLUDES A TYING SYSTEM

CORD

Technical sector

The present invention refers to an automatic wrapping machine and more specifically to an automatic wrapping machine that comprises a cord tying system according to the claims that accompany the present specification.

State of the art

An automatic arm wrapping machine is a type of machine used to wrap plastic film or stretch film products. Compared to manual wrapping, an automatic arm wrapper can wrap products quickly and evenly, reducing the time and effort required to package loads for transitory movement or storage. On the other hand, automatic arm wrappers can provide more uniform and consistent wrapping, helping to ensure safe coating of products. This reduces the risk of damage to the product during transportation or storage and can help maintain the quality of the packaged product.

For example, in the state of the art, documents ES2055965 are known, which describe a system for sealing the tail end of a plastic sheet using extreme heat. US5802810 describes a system for securing the end of a roll of film once placed around the load. The system is characterized by two arms actuated by pneumatic pistons that move away from and towards the load during the wrapping process. Documents US20220002012A1, ES2650408, ES2191363T3, US4418510A, US4432185A, US4619102A, US4845920A or US4235062A also belong to the state of the art.

Part of the wrapping process with an automatic wrapping machine is the treatment of the end of the cord or excess film that may remain at the end of the wrapping of the load. This excess must be adjusted in some way to the load to prevent the wrapper from unraveling during transit movements and the product being compromised. There are many ways to carry out this treatment of surplus plastic, although, compared to the known state of the art, the present invention describes a quick, effective and easy to install system that allows continued production without the need to apply heat or glue, according to the attached claims.

US5802810A describes a method and apparatus for wrapping and securing a film around a load by placing a first arm that retains an end portion of the film towards the load, wrapping a layer of film around the first arm so that the first arm remains between the wrapped film and the load, removing while retaining the first arm the film between the wrapped film and the load, and releasing the final part of the film retained by the first arm to position and secure a first part of the film between the film wrapped and loaded. The load is further wrapped and subsequently a second arm is placed towards the load, and a layer of film is wrapped around the second arm so that the second arm is between the wrapped film and the load. A rope-shaped portion of film is captured and retained by the first and second arms. The film is then cut into a rope shape and the first arm retains an end portion of the cut film to later wrap another load. The other end of the cut portion of the rope-shaped film is retained by the second arm, which is removed from between the wrapped film and the load to position and secure a second part of the film between the wrapped film and the load. The arms are removed along a relatively straight path by laterally translating the arms as they rotate, thereby reducing contact between at least the portion of the arm that retains the film glue and the wrapped film.

Document ES2191363T3 describes a procedure for securing the rear end of a plastic film packaging for loads arranged on a platform, which includes the following stages: (a) formation of a bag in at least one of the final turns of the packaging, said pocket by stretching a part of said turn in a longitudinal direction and making said stretched part be arranged at an appropriate distance from the packaged load; (b) securing the film, in the area where the rear end of the packaging will be formed, by means of a clamp; further characterized by the steps of: (c) supply of a secondary clamp that holds the film, in the area where the rear end of the packaging will be formed; (d) cutting of the film between said two clamps so that the main clamp supports the front end of the film for the packaging cycle of a subsequent load, while the secondary gripper holds the rear part of the packaged load;

(e) inserting the secondary clamp securing the rear end of the packaging film within said pocket; (f) releasing the rear end of the film by said secondary clamp, within said pocket, and removing said secondary clamp from the pocket ;(g) contraction of the bag containing the rear end of the film, shrinking flat against the packed cargo, firmly gripping and holding the said rear end of the packaging film.

US2004045259A1 comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretchable flexible wrapping material and then attaching the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The formed rope is wound around the load for at least one turn. A second loop of the cable around the load is attached to the first cable with a mechanical twist tie around the two cables to prevent the load from unwrapping during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the cable and the two tied cables are returned to position against the wrapped load by the force of the tension of the elastic sheath.

However, none of the aforementioned documents indicates that the control of the time necessary for the outer box to come into contact with the load placed on the transport platform, whose control of the distance to travel to the load is carried out with: (i) a predetermination of the time necessary to complete the journey; (ii) the placement of one or more sensors that measure the distance between the load and the outer box of the tying module; and (iii) the placement of one or more pressure sensors that are stimulated by contacting the outer box of the tying module with the load that is being wrapped or left.

Explanation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative for the final treatment of the cord after the load wrapping process that does not require the use of heat and, in addition, is an element that moves towards the load and that, therefore , does not compromise its integrity. The present invention is configured to be implemented in packaging machines in which it is the consumable, mounted on its feeding structure, that rotates around the load, depositing itself on the product and covering it. All of this according to the claims that accompany this descriptive report.

More specifically, the automatic wrapping machine comprising a cord tying module, according to the present invention comprises at least one wrapping car configured as a control structure for the consumable used to package a load placed on a transport platform, and where The wrapping carriage comprises the cord device configured to form a cord or rope from the consumable material, the free end of which is clamped and manipulated to form a bundle on the cargo envelope, and which is characterized in that the wrapping module The cord comprises: a displacement base configured to bring a tying module closer to the load; and where once the tying module is in contact with the load, a cutting clamp and a clamping clamp are deployed, where said clamping clamp is configured to hold a free end of the cord of the consumable material film, before , during and after wrapping each load.

Thanks to this structure, the described cord tying module advantageously does not need to use heat to execute its function, simplifying the nature of the system and reducing the amount of energy it requires.

Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will emerge partly from the invention and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to restrict the present invention. Furthermore, the invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

Brief description of the drawings

Next, a series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention, which is illustrated as a non-limiting example of it, are briefly described.

Figure 1 shows a rotary arm packaging and conveying machinery.

Figure 2 is a front view to represent the distribution of the subsystems of the invention

Figure 3 shows the assembled tying module of the invention.

Figure 4 shows the tying module of the invention of Figure 3 deployed

Figure 5 shows a first detail view of the tying module of Figure 4 Figure 6 shows a second detail view of the tying module of Figure 4 Figure 7 shows a detail view of the internal components of the tying module Figure 8 shows a second detail view of the components of the tying module Figure 9 shows a detail view of the components of the transport module Figure 10 shows a second detail view of the components of the transport module Figure 11 shows another detail view of the components of the transport module Figure 12 shows another detail view of the components of the transport module Figure 13 shows a view of the assembly of the tying module on the transport module Figure 14 shows a view of the cord resting on the endplate

In these figures the following numerical references have been used:

1. Outer box

2. Cap set

3. Cylinder 1

4. Cylinder 2

5. Cylinder 3

6. Cylinder 4

7. Joint support. Court

8. Polyurethane spiral tube

9. Guided ramp gauge

10. Guided wheel cutting cord

11. Cord clip support

12. Swing fixation

13. Blade

14. Cylinder rod

15. Articulated ball joint

16. Cord retention clamp base

17. Cord clamp reinforcement

18. Stop

19. Cutting clamp

20. Clamp cutting support

21. Sufridera

22. End support

23. Skate

24. Drawer stop

25. Blade holder

26. Bearing position

27. Right shift support

28. Piston displacement

29. Displacement stem fixing

30. Transport Union

31. Movement base guide

32. Travel rail

33. Wired support

34. Piston rod displacement

35. Left shift support

36. Clamping guide base

37. Wrapping Cart

38. Load/pallet

39. Film cord/rope

40. Cargo transport platform

Detailed explanation of an embodiment of the invention

As can be seen in the attached figures, the present invention consists of an automatic wrapping machine that comprises, at least, one wrapping car (37) configured as a consumable feeding control structure, in which is housed, precisely, the consumable used to pack the cargo (38). This consumable is usually in the form of a coil or roll from which the plastic sheet (or other film-like wrapping material) is projected and placed around the load (38). In the wrapping car (37) there is also the mechanical device that is responsible for forming a cord (39) or rope from the consumable material, which provides stability to the load and is the free piece of material (39) that is then clamps and manipulates the tying module assembly. In an automatic wrapping system, the load (38) is placed on a platform (40) that functions as a transport of said load along the packaging line and on which the wrapping process is carried out.

The cord tying module is composed of four main subsystems:

A. Scroll Base

B. Tying module

C. Clamp

D. Cutting clamp

The tying module (subsystem B) is away from the load at the beginning of the cycle. Once the cycle has started, the outer box (1) is brought closer to the load through skids (31) in contact with a displacement rail (32) which in turn are supported on the displacement bases (25) and ( 37). This movement towards the load is carried out through the activation of a piston that activates a stem (34) which is responsible for bringing the tying module closer to the load to be wrapped. This movement is carried out until there is contact with the load (38) or until the outer box (1) makes contact with the transport connection (30).

The displacement base (subassembly A) is responsible for bringing the tying module (subsystem B) closer to the load (38). In Figures 9 to 13 it can be seen how the displacement base is coupled to the transport platform (40) so that part of the tying module is introduced at least partially into the platform (40) during its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the displacement base (subassembly A) is bolted to the transport platform (40) so that its components cannot be separated unless the transport platform is disassembled. In another preferred embodiment, the displacement base (subassembly A) is located below the transport platform (40) with supports independent of it and its structures, although associated, are not fully integrated. In another preferred embodiment, the tying module is located on an independent platform placed in front of the transport platform. This platform, in its initial or rest position, is at a lower level than the load or the upper plane of the transport included in the line. This platform is provided with motorized or pneumatic action mechanisms that allow it to move upwards, placing it at the same level as the load or above the upper plane of the transport, allowing it to perform maneuvers without being integrated into the transport.

The control of this system is carried out by controlling the time necessary for the outer box (1) to come into contact with the load (38) placed on the transport platform (40) of the line. This system can be implemented through different practical implementations: (a) the movement of the base is carried out through skates placed in the lower part of the outer box (1) of the tying module and whose control of the distance to travel to the load It is carried out with a predetermination of the time necessary to complete the route; (b) the movement of the base is carried out through skates placed in the lower part of the outer box (1) of the tying module and whose control of the distance to travel to the load is carried out with the placement of one or more sensors that measure the distance between the load and the outer box (1) of the tying module; and (c) the movement of the base is carried out through skates placed in the lower part of the outer box (1) of the tying module and whose control of the distance to travel to the load is carried out with the placement of one or more pressure sensors that are stimulated by contacting the outer box (1) of the tying module with the load that is being wrapped or left.

The tying module (subassembly B) is installed on or in front of end-of-line transport systems (40). In a preferred embodiment, this transport platform (40) is composed of metal rollers connected to a traction system that rotates them and consequently advances the load through the packaging line. In another preferred embodiment, the transport platform (40) does not contain rollers, but rather bands that are also pulled by one or more mechanical systems to achieve a cyclic movement and advance the load through the packaging line.

The system can be installed on both sides of the transport, and can have up to two modules operating at the same time in machinery that has more than one wrapping car, in order to shorten cycles and increase production. As many ties as the user wishes can be made during the wrapping process.

The operation of the cord tying system is independent of the size of the load (38) and the space it occupies on the transport of the packaging line, since the distance to be traveled through the outer box (1), the dimension of the skates (23) and the travel rails (32). This movement can be activated through a remote control, from the machinery screen or automatically by taking commands from a recipe previously programmed in the equipment.

Once in contact with the load, the cutting clamp (subassembly D) and clamping clamp (subassembly C) are deployed, which are responsible for keeping the free end of the film cord held before, during and after wrapping each pallet. The deployment of either of these two subassemblies can occur at any time while the outer carriage (1) is approaching or moving away from the load in order to optimize production times. The clamping clip (subassembly C) keeps the cord held and moved closer to the load. The wrapping machine with its wrapping car (37) proceeds to start the packaging cycle, placing at least one turn of material on the load so that the cord overlaps with the film and the cord (39) is kept dispensed by the sleeving carriage between a film of material and the load itself.

After this first revolution, the clamping clamp opens when a pneumatic cylinder (4) is activated, releases the end of the cord and retracts into the outer box (1), moving away from the load so that the module does not get in the way of the wrapping process. The packaging process is then continued according to the specifications or production needs. Towards the end of the cycle the sheathing carriage assembly forms a new cord that tightens at least once around the load.

The sheathing carriage with the cord continues the determined wrapping cycle by depositing at least one rope of film or cord in front of the endplate (21), so that it is between a cord (39) and the load (38) that is being packaged. . Subassembly C, or clamping clamp, is deployed so that it is next to subassembly D and in front of the cord (39) placed in the previous revolution of the machine. Advantageously, subassembly C does not press or deform the cord (39), allowing it to maintain its integrity and the tying process to have greater stability and repeatability.

The wrapping carriage (37) with the cord (39) continues the determined wrapping cycle by depositing at least one cord (39) in front of the end piece (21), so that it is between the cutting clamp (19) and the part. top of the end piece (21), and in front of subassembly C so that it is between the cutting clamp (19) and the cord retention clamp base (16).

The cutting clamp (19) proceeds to cut the cord by activating a pneumatic piston (6) that moves the nose (21) upwards so that the cord (39) is trapped between the nose (21) and the cutting clamp. (19) ensuring that the cord (39) makes contact with the cutting element (13) and cuts the cord (39). Next, the pneumatic piston (5) is activated, which begins the “folding” of subassembly D, that is, the cutting clamp (19). Subassembly D in turn has a position bearing (26) placed on at least one of its sides, which makes contact with the guided cutting wheel bead (10) that contains the guided ramp gauge (9) allowing the subassembly D is picked up with a specific forward movement. This movement drags the cut end of the cord down and behind the cord (39) previously positioned in front of the end piece (21). In this way the end of the cord (39) is placed in a safe position, blocked by friction with the load (37) and preventing it from escaping. Immediately after, the pneumatic piston (6) is activated, releasing the cut end of the cord.

In another embodiment, the pneumatic pistons (5) and (6) are activated in unison, achieving better coordination of the mechanical parts and reducing tying process times.

For its part, the clamping clamp (subassembly C) is also activated, through the activation of the pneumatic piston (4), which pushes the cord retention clamp base (16). Advantageously, the cord retention clamp base (16) contains two cord clamp reinforcements (17) that are also moved upwards until they come into contact with and pass through two gaps placed in the cord clamp support (11), achieving a completely secure hold of the cord. (39).

The clamping clamp (subassembly C) is then collected inside the outer box (1) by activating the pneumatic cylinder (4) and with the free end of the cord (39) secured between the cord retention clamp base (16) and the clamp support cord (11).

Next, the tying module (subassembly B) moves away from the load (37) to its rest position, so that it does not intervene with the movement of the sheathing carriage. The cord tying module described advantageously does not need to use heat to execute its function, simplifying the nature of the system and reducing the amount of energy it requires.

Claims (14)

1. An automatic wrapping machine comprising a cord tying module (39) where: The wrapping machine comprises at least one wrapping car (37) configured as a control structure for a consumable material used to package a load (38) placed on a transport platform (40), and where the cord tying module (39) ) is located on the wrapping carriage (37) and is configured to form a cord (39) or rope from the consumable material, the free end of which is clamped and manipulated to form a bundle on the cargo wrapping (38), and where the cord tying module (39) comprises, in turn: a displacement base (A) configured to bring a tying module (B) closer to the load (38); a tying module (B), a clamping clip (C) that is configured to hold a free end of the cord (39) of the consumable film, before, during and after wrapping each load (38); and a cutting pliers (D); and where the cord tying module (39) is configured so that once the tying module (B) is in contact with the load (38), the cutting clamp (D) and the clamping clamp (C) are deployed. ); and where the automatic wrapping machine is characterized because The control of the wrapper is configured by controlling the time necessary for an outer box (1) to come into contact with the load (38) placed on the transport platform (40) of the line; where this control comprises at least one selected from: (a) the control of the distance to be traveled through the outer box (1) to the load (38) is carried out with a predetermination of the time necessary to carry out the displacement of the base (A) by means of skates placed on the bottom of the outer box (1) of the tying module (B); (b) the control of the distance to travel through the outer box (1) to the load (38) is carried out with the placement of one or more sensors that measure the distance between the load (38) and the outer box (1) of the tying module (B), where the displacement of the displacement base (A) is carried out by means of skates placed in the lower part of the outer box (1) of the tying module (B); and (c) the control of the distance to travel to the load is carried out with the placement of one or more pressure sensors that are stimulated by contacting the outer box (1) of the tying module (B) with the load (38) that is leaving or being wrapped, where the displacement of the displacement base (A) is carried out through some skates placed in the lower part of the outer box (1) of the tying module (B). 2. The automatic wrapping machine according to claim 1 wherein The consumable material is presented in the form of a coil or roll from which a sheet is projected and placed around the load (38). 3. The automatic wrapping machine according to any of the previous claims where: The tying module (B) is in a position far from the load (38) in the initial position, and where once the work cycle has started, the outer box (1) is brought closer to the load (38) by means of guides. displacement (31) in contact with a displacement rail (32) which in turn is supported on displacement bases (25) and (37); and where this movement of approaching the load (38) is carried out through the activation of a piston that activates a stem (34) which is responsible for bringing the tying module (B) closer to the load (38) to be wrapped; and where this displacement is carried out until there is contact with the load (38) or until the outer box (1) makes contact with the transport connection (30). 4. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The deployment of the clamping clamp (C) and cutting clamp (D) assemblies can occur at any time while the outer carriage (1) is approaching or moving away from the load (38) in order to optimize production times, in such a way that the clamping clip (C) keeps the cord (39) held while it approaches the load (38). 5. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The wrapping car (37) proceeds to start the packaging cycle, placing at least one turn of material on the load so that the cord overlaps with the film and the cord (39) is kept dispensed by the wrapping car. between a film of material and the load itself. 6. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The clamping clamp opens when a pneumatic cylinder (4) is activated, releases the end of the cord and retracts into the outer box (1), moving away from the load so that the module does not interfere with the wrapping process. , and where the packaging process is then continued according to the specifications or production needs, and where towards the end of the cycle the sheathing carriage assembly forms a new cord that wraps at least once around the load. 7. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The sheathing carriage with the cord continues the determined wrapping cycle by depositing at least one rope of film or cord in front of the endplate (21), so that it is between a cord (39) and the load (38) that is being packaged. , and where the clamping clamp (C) is deployed so that it is next to the cutting clamp (D) and in front of the cord (39) placed in the previous revolution of the machine, in such a way that the clamping clamp (C) does not press or deform the cord (39). 8. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The wrapping car (37) with the cord (39) continues the determined wrapping cycle by depositing at least one cord (39) in front of the end (21), so that it is between the cutting clamp (19) and the part top of the nosepiece (21), and in front of the clamping clamp (C) so that it is between the cutting clamp (19) and the cord retention clamp base (16). 9. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The cutting clamp (19) proceeds to cut the cord by activating a pneumatic piston (6) that moves the nose (21) upwards so that the cord (39) is trapped between the nose (21) and the cutting clamp (19) ensuring that the cord (39) makes contact with the cutting element (13) and cuts the cord (39). 10. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The pneumatic piston (5) when activated begins the “folding” of the cutting clamp (D), that is, the cutting clamp (19), and where said cutting clamp (D) in turn has a position bearing (26) placed on at least one of its sides, which makes contact with the guided cutting wheel cord (10) that contains the guided ramp gauge (9) allowing the cutting clamp assembly (D) to be collected with a specific forward movement; and where this movement drags the cut end of the cord down and behind the cord (39) previously positioned in front of the end piece (21); In this way the end of the cord (39) is placed in a safe position, blocked by friction with the load (37) and preventing it from escaping; and where the pneumatic piston (6) is subsequently activated, releasing the cut end of the cord. 11. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The pneumatic pistons (5) and (6) are activated in unison, achieving better coordination of the mechanical parts and reducing tying process times. 12. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The clamping clamp (C) is activated by activating the pneumatic piston (4), which pushes the cord retention clamp base (16); and where the cord retention clamp base (16) contains two cord clamp reinforcements (17) that are also moved upwards until they come into contact with and pass through two gaps placed in the cord clamp support (11), achieving a completely secure hold of the cord ( 39). 13. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The clamping clip (C) is then collected inside the outer box (1) by activating the pneumatic cylinder (4) and with the free end of the cord (39) secured between the cord retaining clip base (16) and the cord clamp support (eleven). 14. The automatic wrapping machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein The tying module (B) moves away from the load (37) to its rest position, so that it does not intervene with the movement of the sheathing carriage.