WO2008052176A2 - Système de retrait d'emballage - Google Patents

Système de retrait d'emballage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008052176A2
WO2008052176A2 PCT/US2007/082704 US2007082704W WO2008052176A2 WO 2008052176 A2 WO2008052176 A2 WO 2008052176A2 US 2007082704 W US2007082704 W US 2007082704W WO 2008052176 A2 WO2008052176 A2 WO 2008052176A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wrap
load
vacuum
removal system
face
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/082704
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008052176A3 (fr
Inventor
Jon D. Jacobs
Brian E. Busse
Robert A. Gabel, Jr.
Original Assignee
Busse/Sji Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Busse/Sji Corporation filed Critical Busse/Sji Corporation
Priority to MX2009004423A priority Critical patent/MX2009004423A/es
Priority to US12/441,461 priority patent/US20090301031A1/en
Priority to CA002664489A priority patent/CA2664489A1/fr
Publication of WO2008052176A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008052176A2/fr
Publication of WO2008052176A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008052176A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
    • B65B69/0033—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for by cutting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wrap removal system for automatically removing stretch wrap from a palletized load.
  • a palletized load may have multiple layers of wrap wrapped about a width of the load and extending a height of the load. Once the load reaches its destination, the wrap must be removed prior to further processing of the articles contained in the load. In some situations, the wrap is manually cut and removed from the load. Such a process is inefficient, time-consuming, and difficult, for example, because loads may reach heights of 110 inches or more.
  • Some wrap removal machines are known for cutting and removing wrap from a load; however, such machines are not adaptable to work with loads of varying height and have poor control of the wrap after it has been removed from the load. Further, current processes for removing the wrap result in damage to the load by the wrap.
  • the present invention relates to
  • the invention provides a wrap removal system for removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor.
  • the wrap removal system includes an upright support member, a beam coupled to an upper extent of the support member for movement along a height of the support member, a gripper assembly coupled to the beam and operable to engage the film wrap to create a space between the load and the film wrap, and a cutter assembly.
  • the invention provides a method of removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor with a wrap removal system.
  • the film wrap is engaged on a first vertical face of the load adjacent a top edge of the load.
  • a portion of the film wrap is pulled away from the first vertical face of the load.
  • At least a portion of a cutter assembly is inserted between the load and the portion of the film wrap that is pulled away from the first vertical face of the load.
  • the film wrap is cut with the cutter assembly.
  • the cutter assembly is moved vertically downward from a first position adjacent the top edge of the load to a second position adjacent a bottom edge of the load to allow separation of the film wrap from the load.
  • the invention provides a wrap removal system for removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor.
  • the wrap removal system includes an upright support member, an overhead beam coupled to the support member, and a first gripper assembly pivotably coupled to the overhead beam by a pivot arm and movable between a first position remote from the load and a second position adjacent the load.
  • the first gripper assembly includes a vacuum face defining a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with a vacuum source and operable to engage the film wrap and pull the film wrap away from the load.
  • a cutter assembly is movable relative to the support member and operable to cut the film wrap to allow separation of the film wrap from the load.
  • An air jet is coupled to the pivot arm and fluidly coupled to a compressed air source, the air jet being positioned to direct air in between the load and the film wrap.
  • the invention provides a method of removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor with a wrap removal system.
  • a portion of the film wrap is pulled away from a first vertical face of the load.
  • a cutter member having a cutter assembly is rotated from a retracted position remote from the first vertical face of the load to an extended position adjacent the first vertical face of the load.
  • the portion of the film wrap that is pulled away from the first vertical face of the load is engaged with the cutter assembly.
  • the film wrap is cut with the cutter assembly to allow separation of the film wrap from the load.
  • the cutter member is rotated from the extended position to the retracted position.
  • the film wrap is engaged adjacent a second vertical face of the load, and the load is advanced along the conveyor away from the film wrap.
  • the invention provides a cutter assembly coupled to a pivotable cutter member of a wrap removal system for removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor.
  • the cutter assembly includes a first cutting mechanism including a first slitter blade driven by a first belt.
  • a second cutting mechanism includes a second slitter blade driven by a second belt.
  • the second belt is driven by contact with the first belt.
  • a motor is coupled to the first belt to drive the first belt.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a wrap removal system according to one embodiment of the invention, and the system in use with a palletized load supported by a conveyor system.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view of the wrap removal system of Figs. 1 and 2 in use with the palletized load supported by the conveyor.
  • Fig. 4 is a first side view of the wrap removal system of Figs. 1 and 2 in use with the palletized load supported by the conveyor.
  • Fig. 5 is an opposite side view of the wrap removal system of Figs. 1 and 2 in use with the palletized load supported by the conveyor.
  • Fig. 10 is a rear view of an overhead portion and a beam of the wrap removal system of Figs. 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a gripper assembly of the wrap removal system with a clamp mechanism in an open position.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates the gripper assembly of the wrap removal system with the clamp mechanism in a closed position.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a cutting assembly of the wrap removal system.
  • Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate the cutting assembly of the wrap removal system.
  • Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the gripper assembly taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 11.
  • Figs. 1-5 illustrate a wrap removal system 10, or unwrapping apparatus, used in conjunction with a conveyor system 14 to remove film wrap such as plastic stretch wrap, from a palletized load 18.
  • the load 18 includes a plurality of articles 22 supported by a pallet 26, whereby the wrap is used to secure and stabilize the articles 22 on the pallet 26.
  • Loads 18 enter a facility for processing, for example, at a receiving station, and advance along a conveyor 30 of the conveyor system 14 in a first direction. A belt of the conveyor 30 is removed for clarity in Figs. 1-3.
  • the wrap removal system 10 cuts the wrap and removes the wrap from the load 18 to a disposal system 34.
  • Figs. 6-9 illustrate the wrap removal system 10 in greater detail without the conveyor system 14 or the load 18.
  • the wrap removal system 10 includes a main support member 38 positioned adjacent to the conveyor system 14, on either side of the conveyor 30.
  • An overhead beam 42 is movably coupled to the support member 38 such that the beam 42 travels in a generally vertical direction along the support member 38.
  • Four gripper assemblies 46 are pivotally coupled to the beam 42 and arranged to engage three sides or faces of the wrapped load 18.
  • Two gripper assemblies 46A, 46B are configured to engage the wrap on a leading face 18A of the load 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the leading face 18A is substantially vertically oriented.
  • Each of the remaining gripper assemblies 46C, 46D is configured to engage the wrap on one of the lateral side faces 18B of the load 18, which are also vertically oriented in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the gripper assemblies 46 A-D engage the wrap and pull the wrap away from the load 18 to facilitate cutting and removal of the wrap.
  • the wrap removal system 10 also includes a cutter member 50 pivotally coupled to the main support member 38.
  • the cutter member 50 includes a cutter assembly 54 for cutting the wrap from the load 18, whereby the cutter assembly 54 travels a height of the load 18 to cut the wrap
  • the disposal system 34 is integrated with the wrap removal system 10 to collect the cut wrap from the load 18.
  • the disposal system 34 is positionable to the rear of the load 18 to prevent wrap from becoming entangled with the wrap removal system 10.
  • Examples of the disposal system 34 include a spooler, a wrap bundler, or a holding container, although other known means for disposing of the wrap may be used. The spooled and/or bundled wrap is eventually taken away for recycling or disposal.
  • Plastic stretch wrap (not shown) is wrapped about a height of the load 18 (Figs. 1- 5). It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other types of known wrap material may be used.
  • Each load 18 includes the leading face 18 A that faces forward along the conveyor path, a trailing face 18C opposite the leading face 18 A, and the side faces 18B.
  • the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B engage the wrap at the leading face 18A of the load 18 and are equally spaced from a centerline L of the load 18 to engage a front portion of the wrap.
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D engage the wrap at the lateral side faces 18B proximate the trailing face 18C to support back corners of the wrap.
  • the gripper assemblies 46 A-D may be positioned elsewhere on the load faces 18A-C.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the overhead beam 42 and the gripper assemblies 46 of the wrap removal system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the overhead beam 42 is coupled to the main support member 38, which is in turn coupled to a weighted bottom block 58 and positioned adjacent one side of the conveyor 30.
  • the bottom block 58 extends under the conveyor 30 of the conveyor system 14 and includes a weight 62 to prevent tipping of the wrap removal system 10.
  • the support member 38 extends upwardly from the bottom block 58 and includes a track 66 upon which the beam 42 travels.
  • the beam 42 is movably coupled to the support member 38 at the track 66.
  • the beam 42 supports each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D.
  • Each of the gripper assemblies 46A-D extends downwardly from an arm 78 pivotally coupled to the beam 42.
  • the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B are arranged to engage the leading face 18A of the load 18 proximate the centerline L of the load 18.
  • the side assemblies 46C, 46D are arranged to engage the respective lateral side faces 18B of the load 18 proximate the trailing face 18C.
  • the gripper assemblies 46A-D engage the wrap proximate a top edge of the wrap (generally at a top edge of the load 18).
  • gripper assemblies 46A-D are used, although in other constructions fewer or more gripper assemblies are included, which may be alternately positioned and/or spaced to engage the wrap at the same or different locations on the load 18. Alternately, other known gripper assemblies may be used, such as a single mechanism gripper, an array of mechanical grippers, or the like.
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D are shortened in some constructions to a vertical length about one third of the illustrated length. The reduced length reduces the overall suction area thereby reducing the severity of any possible vacuum leakage that may occur between the gripper assemblies 46C, 46D and the wrap.
  • Each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D is coupled to and extends downwardly from one of the arms 78.
  • Each arm 78 is pivotally coupled to the beam 42 at a bracket 82 that defines a pivot point.
  • the bracket 82 includes a pair of pillow block bearings.
  • Each arm 78 includes a pneumatic actuator 86 for pivoting the arm 78, and thereby the respective gripper assembly 46A-D, about the pivot point defined by the bracket 82.
  • the pivot points defined by the brackets 82 are equally spaced about a centerline C of the conveyor 30.
  • the arms 78 pivot between a rest position, in which the gripper assemblies 46 A-D are remote from the load 18, and an engagement position, in which the gripper assemblies are positioned adjacent the load 18.
  • the arms 78 In the rest position (not shown), the arms 78 are pivoted away from the load 18 and the conveyor 30 such that the load 18 may travel along the conveyor 30 without obstruction by the gripper assemblies 46A- D.
  • the engagement position the arms 78 are pivoted towards the load 18 such that the gripper assemblies 46A-D face the load 18 for engagement with the wrap.
  • the arms 78 pivot between about 90 degrees and about 130 degrees between the rest position and the engagement position.
  • other known actuators may be used to cause pivoting movement of the arms 78, such as a linear servo slide assembly, a linear actuator, a gear rack assembly, or the like.
  • a first end of each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D is coupled to a free end of the respective arm 78.
  • Each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D is coupled to the respective arm 78 such that when the arm 78 is in the engagement position, a vacuum face 90 of the gripper assembly 46A-D faces the load 18.
  • the free end of each arm 78 includes a support bracket 94 for coupling the respective gripper assembly 46A-D.
  • the gripper assemblies 46A-D are free to rotate about a vertical axis with respect to the respective support brackets 94 and further include respective pneumatic actuators 98, or pneumatic cylinders, for pivoting the gripper assemblies 46A-D relative to the pivot arms 78.
  • the axis of this pivot is horizontal and parallel with the respective vacuum face 90 such that the vacuum faces 90 of the gripper assemblies 46A-D do not have to be vertical.
  • other known actuators may be used to cause pivoting movement of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D, such as an electric actuator or the like.
  • the pneumatic actuators 98 are operable to rotate the gripper assemblies 46 A-D on the horizontal axis to bring a bottom end of each of the gripper assemblies 46A-D towards the load 18 such that the bottom ends of the gripper assemblies 46A-D contact the load 18 before the upper ends of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D as the pivot arms 78 pivot towards the load 18.
  • the support bracket 94 includes a pair of pillow block bearings that allow the gripper assemblies to rotate on a vertical axis.
  • the gripper assemblies 46A-D are free to pivot to align the respective vacuum faces 90 parallel to the faces 18 A, 18B of the load 18 and/or parallel to the wrap as it moves off of the load faces 18 A, 18B.
  • one or more of the gripper assemblies 46A-D do not pivot relative to the arm 78, or about a vertical axis to position the vacuum face 90 with respect to the load 18.
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D are not pivo table relative to the arms 78. Rather, the gripper assemblies 46C, 46D are rotatably coupled to the free ends of the arms 78 such that the gripper assemblies 46C, 46D may rotate freely within a given range of motion about a vertical axis with respect to the arms 78.
  • valves (not shown) operate the pneumatic cylinders 86 to pivot the arms 78 between the rest positions and the engagement positions.
  • Each valve allows the respective cylinder 86 to have four different conditions of cylinder actuation: both ends exhausted, one end pressurized and the opposite end exhausted, the one end exhausted and the opposite end pressurized, and both ends pressurized. Further, air pressure for each end is individually adjustable.
  • a controller controls motion of the arms 78, but also the force with which the arms 78 actuate.
  • the valve condition may change (i.e., lower the net cylinder force) such that the load 18 may be capable of moving the gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B out of the fully extended engagement positions.
  • a similar function is available for the arms 78 of the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D.
  • Each of the gripper assemblies 46A-D includes a main body 102, a clamp mechanism 106, and a clamp housing 110 (Figs. 12 and 13).
  • the main body 102 includes the vacuum face 90, which at least partially defines a vacuum chamber when engaged with the wrap.
  • a sealing member or gasket 112 is provided at the periphery of each of the vacuum faces 90.
  • the gaskets 112 define respective boundaries of the vacuum chambers, each of which is a substantially continuous rectangular volume in the illustrated embodiment.
  • Each vacuum face 90 includes an array of openings 114 in its surface.
  • a vacuum duct 118 (Fig. 17) extends through the main body 102 from each of the openings 114 to a rear face of the main body 102 opposite the vacuum face 90, whereby fluid communication is established between the vacuum chamber and a vacuum source.
  • each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D includes a vacuum level sensor to detect how well the wrap has been engaged or if it has been engaged at all. If a number of openings 114 in the vacuum face 90 are not covered, causing the vacuum level to be below a predetermined value, the sensor will detect a lower suction force and send a signal to the controller.
  • a 2-position vacuum control valve 210 best shown in Figs.
  • the valve 210 allows suction to be established and stopped almost instantaneously without stopping or reversing the vacuum blower 126.
  • Additional vacuum cutoff valves 128 may be positioned between the vacuum blower 126 and each of the gripper assemblies 46A-D.
  • the cutoff valves 128 may be selectively actuated to shut off suction to an associated one or more of the gripper assemblies 46A-D when not in use and/or when a vacuum leak is detected, whereby suction to the other gripper assemblies 46A-D is not compromised and a single vacuum blower 126 can service all of the gripper assemblies 46A-D.
  • a first vacuum cutoff valve 128 is provided between the vacuum blower 126 and the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B, and a second vacuum cutoff valve 128 is provided between the vacuum blower 126 and the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D.
  • each vacuum duct 118 is conical, including a large cross-sectional area at the opening 114 and a small cross-sectional area at a distance spaced from the vacuum face 90.
  • the openings 114 have a diameter of about 11/16 inches (0.6875 inches) and the smallest portion of each of the vacuum ducts 118 has a diameter of about 3/32 inches (0.09375 inches).
  • the cross-sectional area of the vacuum duct 118 at the opening 114 is at least 50 times as large as the cross-sectional area of the vacuum duct 118 at its smallest area.
  • the conical shape of the vacuum ducts 118 enables a relatively large surface area of wrap to be engaged while limiting the detrimental effects (by limiting the flow of air) of a vacuum leak at any of the openings 114.
  • the gripper assemblies 46A-D include vacuum faces 90 of about 48 inches long by about 5 inches wide and are provided with 441 openings, the openings 114 being spaced 3/4 inches on-center such that about 68.2 percent of the total vacuum face 90 is covered by "suction area" (i.e., the openings 114).
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D are shortened in some constructions to a vertical length about one third of the illustrated length. In such a construction, the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D may have a vertical length of approximately 17 inches and include greater than 100 but less than 175 openings 114 and vacuum ducts 118 having a similar arrangement as described above.
  • the gasket 112 of each of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D creates a perfect seal on the wrap and a single, continuous vacuum chamber is formed against the wrap.
  • a certain number of the openings 114 form a vacuum seal against the wrap, while others of the openings 114 do not.
  • a number of the vacuum ducts 118 corresponding to the openings 114 that seal against the wrap, define a plurality of separate vacuum sub-chambers (in parallel with each other).
  • the clamp mechanisms 106 of the gripper assemblies 46A-D are housed in the respective clamp housings 110. Each clamp mechanism 106 pivots between an open position (Fig. 12) and a closed position (Fig. 13). Each clamp housing 110 is coupled to an upper edge of the main body 102, whereby the clamp housing 110 is pivotally coupled to the support bracket 94 of the arm 78. Each clamp mechanism 106 includes a bracket 130 pivotally coupled to the housing 110 and a plate 134 coupled to the bracket 130. In the open position, the clamp mechanism 106 is housed within the clamp housing 110 and does not interfere with positioning of the respective gripper assemblies 46A-D with the load 18.
  • the plate 134 of the clamp mechanism 106 clamps down on the top edge of the wrap to secure a positive mechanical grasp, hi one embodiment, the plates 134 clamp down on a top plate of the load 18 to stabilize the load 18 and prevent articles 22 from falling as pressure is released when the wrap is cut.
  • pneumatic actuators 138 or pneumatic cylinders, actuate the clamp mechanisms 106 between their open and closed positions; however, in a further embodiment, other known actuators may be used to cause pivoting movement of the clamp mechanisms 106, such as an electric actuator or the like.
  • Figs. 14-16 illustrate the cutter member 50 and cutter assembly 54 of the wrap removal system 10.
  • the cutter member 54 is pivotally coupled to the main support member 38 at brackets 142, which define a pivot axis.
  • the cutter member 50 forms a "door" having one side edge 50A coupled the main support member and an opposite, free side edge 50B.
  • the cutter member 50 pivots about the axis of the brackets 142 between a first or retracted position (Fig. 15), in which the cutter member 50 is remote from the load 18 and clear of the conveyor 30 such that the conveyor path is free of obstruction, and a second or extended position (Figs. 1-9 and 14), in which the cutter member 50 extends outwardly from the support member 38 above the conveyor 30 to a location adjacent the load 18.
  • the cutter member 50 is pivoted between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees from the first position to the second position such that a face of the cutter member 50 is aligned substantially parallel to the leading face 18A of the load 18.
  • pneumatic actuators 146 are coupled between support plates 150 of the main support member 38 and the cutter member 50.
  • the pneumatic actuators 146 actuate the cutter member 50 between the first position and the second position; however, in a further embodiment, other known actuators may be used to cause pivoting movement of the cutter member 50, such as an electric actuator or the like.
  • the free edge 5OB of the cutter member 50 supports a track 154 extending a height of the cutter member 50, and the cutter assembly 54 is movably coupled to the track 154.
  • the cutter assembly 54 includes a guide plate 158 (Fig. 16) for guiding the cutter assembly 54 along the track 154.
  • the cutter assembly 54 travels along the height of the track 154 between an upper extent 154A (Fig. 15) of the track 154 and a lower extent 154B (Figs. 14 and 16) of the track 154.
  • a linear servo motor 162 (Fig. 15) causes movement of the cutter assembly 54 along the track 154, although in further embodiments other known actuators or motors may be used to move the cutter assembly 54.
  • the first belt 174 has a double-V cross-section to accommodate the drive forces of the gearmotor 180.
  • the second belt 186 can have a substantially flat, rectangular cross-section.
  • the second pulley 194 of the second cutting mechanism 170 consists of one or more small diameter ball bearings mounted on a fixed shaft, for example, the shaft of a bolt, hi the illustrated embodiment, the second pulley 194 consists of three ball bearings having outer diameters of about 0.875 inches.
  • a slitter blade 198 is coupled to the idler pulley 182 of the first cutting mechanism 166, and a slitter blade 202 is coupled to the first pulley 190 of the second cutting mechanism 170, whereby each blade 198, 202 rotates with the respective pulley 182, 190.
  • the blades 198, 202 have a diameter greater than the pulleys 182, 190 with the belts 174, 186 wrapped around them, for example, approximately 0.075 inches larger.
  • the blades 198, 202 overlap and the wrap is cut by a scissors action where the blades 198, 202 make contact.
  • the blades 198, 202 overlap a distance between about 0.03125 inches and 0.0625 inches.
  • the cutter assembly 54 and particularly a cut area 206 where the cutting mechanisms 166, 170 abut, are generally centered about the centerline L of the load 18.
  • the cut area 206 defines a downwardly-facing or downwardly-opening nip into which the wrap is introduced to the slitter blades 198, 202.
  • sensors used with the wrap removal system 10 include proximity switches and photo-eyes, although other known sensors may be used such as a photocell, a sonic senor, a vision sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an encoder, or any other known position sensor.
  • the conveyor 30 advances the load 18 to the wrap removal system 10 and a first photo-eye sensor (not shown) mounted to the conveyor system 14. Once the load 18 reaches the first sensor, advancement of the load 18 along the conveyor 30 ceases.
  • the load 18 stops with the leading face 18A positioned rearward of the main support member 38, although in a further embodiment the leading face 18 A may be aligned with the support member 38.
  • the wrap removal system 10 seeks and locates a top of the load 18, for example with a photo sensor, and lowers the beam 42 along the track 66 until the beam 42 is positioned just above the top of the load 18 and/or the brackets 82 of the arms 78 are positioned about the centerline L of the load 18.
  • a photo-eye sensor detects a top of the load 18 and signals a timer delay to stop lowering the beam 42 before the beam 42 contacts the load 18.
  • the beam 42 is lowered until the upper edges of the gripper assemblies 46 A-D are substantially aligned with the top of the load 18. Movement of the beam 42 relative to the conveyor 30 allows for use of the wrap removal system 10 with loads 18 of varying height, hi some embodiments, the beam 42 may travel about 50 inches between a maximum height and a minimum height, although other ranges are optional.
  • the arms 78 of the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B are pivoted to the engagement position such that the openings 114 face the leading face 18A of the load 18.
  • the cutter member 50 pivots to the second position such that the cutter assembly 54 faces the load 18.
  • the conveyor 30 advances the load 18 forward until the leading face 18A contacts the vacuum faces 90 of the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B.
  • a second photo-eye sensor mounted to the conveyor system 14 or the main support member 38 detects when a leading edge 18A of the load 18 is properly positioned relative to the main support member 38.
  • advancement of the load 18 ceases when the load 18 pushes against the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B.
  • sensors e.g., contact or pressure sensors are provided to detect when the conveyor 30 has advanced the load 18 forward into contact with the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B.
  • the vacuum blower 126 is actuated to provide a suction force to the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B such that the vacuum faces 90 engage the wrap.
  • a vacuum level sensor (not shown) associated with the gripper assemblies 46A-D detects the vacuum level, indicative of whether the wrap is held by the vacuum faces 90.
  • the conveyor 30 reverses a set distance, e.g., approximately one to two inches, to move the load 18 away from the gripper assemblies 46A, 46B such that the gripper assemblies 46A, 46B pull the wrap away from the leading face 18 A of the load 18, creating a gap therebetween.
  • the cutter member 50 can be rotated to the engagement position immediately after the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B are rotated to the engagement positions or after the gap is created between the wrap and the leading face 18A of the load 18.
  • the cutter assembly 54 which is positioned at the upper extent 154A of the track 154 and substantially aligned with a centerline L of the load 18, is lowered towards the top edge of the wrap.
  • the second pulley 194 i.e., smaller pulley
  • the belt 186 of the second cutting mechanism 170 is positioned inside the wrap and faces an interior surface of the wrap. The movement of the belt 174 pulls the wrap outwardly and upwardly away from the load 18.
  • the second cutting mechanism 170 can be plunged directly into the wrap. Under some circumstances, it may not be possible to pull the top edge of the wrap fully away from the load 18, whereby a gap can be created to insert at least a portion of the second cutting mechanism 170. hi such circumstances, the small pulley 194 is pushed down into contact with an exterior surface of a portion of the wrap that is pulled away from the load 18 (although a portion of the wrap may still extend over the top edge of the load 18). The cutter assembly 54 can be lowered to press the pulley 194 into the wrap, locally deforming the wrap around the portion of the belt 186 that is wrapped around the pulley 194.
  • the belt 186 frictionally engages the wrap and rotates to pull the top edge of the wrap off the load 18 and toward the cut area 206 for cutting. Similarly, the belt 186 is operable to pull the lower edge of the wrap off of the load 18 and towards the cut area 206.
  • a load 18 having a "full wrap" in which the wrap extends over the top edge and under a bottom edge of the load 18 or the pallet 26, can be unwrapped with the wrap removal system 10.
  • the cutter member 50 opens, or pivots, back to the first position. As the cutter member 50 swings back to the first position, the cutter assembly 54 travels back up the track 154 to the upper extent 154A in preparation for another cutting cycle.
  • the arms 78 of the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B are pivoted away from the load 18 to the rest position. Cut ends of the wrap open away from the load 18 as the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B pivot to the retracted positions clear of the conveyor 30.
  • the conveyor 30 advances the load 18, for example approximately 4-6 inches, to prevent the wrap from stretching as the arms 78 pivot about the axis of the brackets 82.
  • the arms 78 of the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D move towards the load 18 to the engagement position such that the vacuum face 90 faces the respective side face 18B of the load 18.
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D pivot to the engagement position such that the vacuum faces 90 contact the wrap.
  • the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D freely rotate relative to the free ends of the arms 78.
  • the side gripper arms 78 may move simultaneously with or immediately after the arms 78 of the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B move to the engagement position, hi one embodiment, a sensor mounted to the conveyor system 14 or the main support member 38 detects when the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D are properly positioned with respect to the load 18.
  • the vacuum blower 126 provides a suction force to the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D as well such that the vacuum faces 90 engage the wrap and pull the wrap away from the load 18. This operation can be performed by opening one or more of the vacuum cutoff valves 128 between the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D and the vacuum blower 126.
  • the vacuum level sensor in the gripper assemblies 46 detects whether the wrap is held by the vacuum faces 90. After the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D engage the wrap, the respective clamp mechanisms 106 are actuated to the closed position. The plates 134 of the clamp mechanisms 106 clamp down on the top edge of the wrap to secure a positive grip on the wrap. In one embodiment, the arms 78 of the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D retract slightly from the load 18 to allow the clamp mechanisms 106 to clamp the wrap. When the wrap is engaged by the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D, the leading gripper assemblies 46A, 46B may release the wrap (after pulling the cut wrap away from the leading face 18A of the load 18).
  • air jets 214A, 214B blow air into a space between the wrap and the load 18 to assist in separating the wrap from the load 18.
  • the air jets 214A, 214B are coupled to the arms 78 of the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B and the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D, respectively.
  • the air jets 214A, 214B can be directed towards the gaps between the wrap and the load 18 to blow the wrap away from the load 18 after the wrap is fully cut.
  • the air jets 214A on the arms 78 of the leading gripper assemblies 46 A, 46B may be active during cutting and directed to blow the cut edges of the wrap away from the cutter assembly 54.
  • the air jets 214A, 214B are positioned to direct air along the lateral side faces 18B and towards the trailing face 18C of the load 18 to inflate the wrap and/or create separation between the load 18 and the wrap.
  • arms 78 of the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D may pivot out of the engagement position to pull the wrap away from the load 18. hi one embodiment, the side gripper assemblies 46C, 46D maintain a pulling force to the wrap under tension, whether or not actual movement of the gripper assemblies 46C, 46D occurs.
  • the wrap removal system 10 may include air jets (not shown) on the conveyor 30 positioned to blow air into a space between the wrap and the load 18 to assist in separating the wrap from the load 18.
  • air jets (not shown) on the conveyor 30 positioned to blow air into a space between the wrap and the load 18 to assist in separating the wrap from the load 18.
  • each one of a first pair of air jets may be provided forward (downstream along the conveyor 30) of the beam 42 and positioned to blow air in a direction having upward, rearward (upstream along the conveyor 30), and laterally outward components.
  • Each of the first pair of air jets may be positioned adjacent a bottom edge of the respective side faces 18B of the load 18.
  • a second pair of air jets on the conveyor 30 may be provided rearward of the first pair of air jets and positioned to blow air in a direction having upward and rearward components.
  • the air jets 214A, 214B positioned on the arms 78 along with the air jets provided on the conveyor 30 can be particularly useful in overcoming a static electrical attraction between the wrap and the load 18, for example between a plastic wrap and a load 18 containing plastic items, hi some embodiments, a compressed air source is fluidly coupled to the air jets 214A, 214B and any additional air jets to provide a supply of air, although compressed gases other than air are optional.
  • the compressed air source can also supply the pneumatic actuators of the wrap removal system 10.
  • the conveyor 30 moves the load 18 forward. Simultaneously, the beam 42 raises along the track 66 of the main support member 38. Coordinated movement between the conveyor 30 and the beam 42 of the wrap removal system 10 pulls the wrap away from the load 18 as the load 18 continues to travel along the conveyor 30.
  • the side gripper assembly 46D closest to the disposal system 34 remains activated to engage the wrap and feed, or engage, the wrap to the disposal system 34. Once the disposal system 34 receives the wrap, the remaining gripper assembly 46D is de-activated to release the wrap.
  • the wrap removal system 10, and associated components return to the initial position in preparation for the next load 18 and to begin another wrap removal cycle.
  • the stretch wrap removal system 10 is adjustable and adaptable to work with loads 18 of varying heights.
  • the gripper assemblies 46 are arranged to engage wrap proximate a top of the load 18. Further, the gripper assemblies 46 are coupled to a beam 42 that travels in a vertical direction to locate the top of the load 18. Sensors and a controller determine when the beam 42 is properly positioned relative to the top of the load 18. Thereby, loads of varying heights may be used by the wrap removal system 10.
  • the side arms 78 and gripper assemblies 46C, 46D provide better control as the wrap is removed from the load 18. Further, the wrap may be pulled up by raising the beam 42, which also improves the system's ability to remove wrap from the load 18 in a controlled fashion.
  • the larger sized and number of holes 114 on the vacuum faces 90 of the gripper assemblies 46 ensures that a secure hold on the wrap is achieved.
  • the wrap removal system automatically removes stretch wrap from a palletized load and transfers the removed wrap to a disposal system, such as a spooler or wrap bundler.
  • the wrap removal system includes an overhead beam that seeks a top of the load.
  • Vacuum grippers are mounted to the beam and arranged to engage sides of a wrapped load that is advancing along a conveyor system. The grippers are positioned proximate the load and engage the wrap. Leading grippers pivot away from the load to pull the wrap away from the surface of the load.
  • a cutter assembly engages a top edge of the wrap and cuts the wrap between the top edge and a bottom edge. Once the cut has been made, side grippers engage the wrap and pull the wrap away from the load, and the load moves forward along the conveyor system to further pull the wrap away from the load. When the wrap is fully removed from the load, the wrap is engaged by the disposal system.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de retrait d'emballage destiné à retirer un film d'emballage d'une charge ou d'un convoyeur, le système de retrait d'emballage comprenant un élément de support vertical, une poutre couplée à l'étendue supérieure de l'élément de support pour le mouvement le long d'une hauteur de l'élément de support, un ensemble de préhension couplé à la poutre et pouvant servir à engager le film d'emballage pour créer un espace entre la charge et le film d'emballage, ainsi qu'un ensemble de découpe.
PCT/US2007/082704 2006-10-27 2007-10-26 Système de retrait d'emballage WO2008052176A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MX2009004423A MX2009004423A (es) 2006-10-27 2007-10-26 Sistema para la remocion de envoltorios.
US12/441,461 US20090301031A1 (en) 2006-10-27 2007-10-26 Wrap Removal System
CA002664489A CA2664489A1 (fr) 2006-10-27 2007-10-26 Systeme de retrait d'emballage

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85502106P 2006-10-27 2006-10-27
US60/855,021 2006-10-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008052176A2 true WO2008052176A2 (fr) 2008-05-02
WO2008052176A3 WO2008052176A3 (fr) 2008-10-30

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US (1) US20090301031A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2664489A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2009004423A (fr)
WO (1) WO2008052176A2 (fr)

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ITMO20090272A1 (it) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-13 Bortolin Kemo Spa Macchina per la depallettizzazione di un carico multistrato.
US7963086B2 (en) * 2007-11-06 2011-06-21 Porter Technologies, Llc Package unbundling system
ES2527540R1 (es) * 2013-07-24 2015-03-16 Soemba, Montajes, Instalaciones, Proyectos Y Automatizacion S.L. Máquina para el desenfundado de cargas paletizadas
CN112793874A (zh) * 2021-01-18 2021-05-14 浙江旭派克智能科技有限公司 一种自动拆膜机
WO2022153184A3 (fr) * 2021-01-12 2022-09-09 Ems Group S.P.A. Procédé de retrait de film d'une palette et appareil associé
IT202100031688A1 (it) * 2021-12-17 2023-06-17 Ems Group S P A Metodo per la svestizione di un pallet e relativo apparato

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EP2794405B1 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2016-11-16 Burford Corp. Appareil de fermeture par ruban adhésif, muni d'un codeur numérique
US20220204198A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2022-06-30 TAB Industries, LLC Exhaust Blower for Orbital Pallet Wrappers
FI125241B (en) * 2013-12-23 2015-07-31 Cross Wrap Oy Device for opening a bale
DE102014003652A1 (de) * 2014-03-13 2015-09-17 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Öffnen eines Behälters
JP6655411B2 (ja) * 2016-02-05 2020-02-26 不二越機械工業株式会社 開封装置
PT3214004T (pt) * 2016-03-03 2019-01-10 Freixenet S A Método de desembrulhar uma carga sobre a palete e dispositivo para levar a cabo o referido método
DK180383B1 (en) * 2019-04-08 2021-02-23 Varo Specialmaskiner As MACHINE FOR CREATING STACKED ELEMENTS LOCATED ON A SUPPORT BASE AND FOR CUTTING A HOLDING MATERIAL PLACED AROUND THE STACKED ELEMENTS
CN111114929A (zh) * 2020-01-03 2020-05-08 长沙长泰智能装备有限公司 抽卸铁丝装置自动定位系统及控制方法
CN112830038A (zh) * 2021-01-18 2021-05-25 浙江旭派克智能科技有限公司 一种具有回收破碎功能的拆膜机
CN112849612A (zh) * 2021-01-18 2021-05-28 浙江旭派克智能科技有限公司 一种具有自动回收功能的拆膜机
CN113184276B (zh) * 2021-04-21 2022-12-13 浙江中烟工业有限责任公司 一种商标纸加料系统
CN114987870B (zh) * 2022-04-30 2024-03-26 郑州轻工业大学 顶侧一体式包装膜冷切割智能拆膜装备
CN115214952A (zh) * 2022-06-30 2022-10-21 中科慧远智能装备(广东)有限公司 撕膜装置及撕膜方法

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US7963086B2 (en) * 2007-11-06 2011-06-21 Porter Technologies, Llc Package unbundling system
ITMO20090272A1 (it) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-13 Bortolin Kemo Spa Macchina per la depallettizzazione di un carico multistrato.
WO2011058456A1 (fr) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-19 Bortolin Kemo S.P.A. Machine pour dépalettiser une charge multicouche
ES2527540R1 (es) * 2013-07-24 2015-03-16 Soemba, Montajes, Instalaciones, Proyectos Y Automatizacion S.L. Máquina para el desenfundado de cargas paletizadas
WO2022153184A3 (fr) * 2021-01-12 2022-09-09 Ems Group S.P.A. Procédé de retrait de film d'une palette et appareil associé
CN112793874A (zh) * 2021-01-18 2021-05-14 浙江旭派克智能科技有限公司 一种自动拆膜机
IT202100031688A1 (it) * 2021-12-17 2023-06-17 Ems Group S P A Metodo per la svestizione di un pallet e relativo apparato

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090301031A1 (en) 2009-12-10
MX2009004423A (es) 2009-05-28
WO2008052176A3 (fr) 2008-10-30
CA2664489A1 (fr) 2008-05-02

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