MXPA05008018A

MXPA05008018A - Packaging machine and associated film gripper.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05008018A
Application number: MXPA05008018A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Thomas P Jones
Original assignee: Premark Feg Llc
Priority date: 2004-07-30
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2006-02-01
Also published as: ES2284338B1; ES2284338A1; ITTO20050518A1; CA2511152A1; US20060021299A1; CA2511152C

Abstract

A packaging machine for use in packaging a product using rolled wrap film includes a packaging station where film is to be manipulated during a packaging operation, a support for holding rolled film and located to permit film to be drawn into the packaging station and a film grip assembly for gripping at least one edge of film during at least part of a packaging operation. The film grip assembly includes a first jaw element, a second jaw element mounted for movement between a gripping position and a non-gripping position relative to the first jaw element and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned at least partially between the first jaw element and the second jaw element for selectively moving the second jaw element.

Description

PACKING MACHINE AND ASSOCIATED MOVIE CLAMP TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates to machines that can be used to place film around a product and, more particularly, to a machine that employs a fastener assembly that includes a movable jaw member.

BACKGROUND Products such as, for example, perishable food products are transported and / or stored frequently with wrapping film placed around the periphery of the product in order to provide a degree of isolation of the wrapped product in relation to its environment. Often, an apparatus is employed to automate the film wrapping process. As an example, an apparatus having a fastener for holding and locating a sheet of film has been proposed. The fastener includes a solenoid that controls the opening and closing of the fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, a packaging machine for use in packaging a product using a rolled film includes a packaging station where the film is to be handled during a packaging operation, a support for holding the rolled film and located in order to of allowing the film to be drawn into the packaging station and a film fastener assembly to hold at least one edge of the film during at least part of a packaging operation. The film clamp assembly includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member mounted for movement between a clamping position and a non-clamped position relative to the first jaw member and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned at least in a manner partial between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively move the second jaw member. In another aspect, a package wrapping machine for wrapping packages using a rolled wrapping film includes a wrapping station wherein the wrapping film is to be wrapped around a product, a support for holding the rolled wrapping film and located to allow it to be drawn into the wrapping station and a film holding assembly to hold at least one edge of the wrapping film as it is drawn into the wrapping station. The film fastener assembly is movable in a film removal direction and includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member mounted for pivotal movement between the fastening position and the unclamped position relative to the first jaw member, the second jaw member biased into the unclamped position and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively cause the second jaw member to pivot into the clamped position. In another aspect, in a package wrapping machine for wrapping packages using rolled wrapping film, a method is provided for selectively securing wrapped wrapping film using a film holder including a first jaw member and a second wrapping element. jaw, the second movable jaw element between a clamping position and a non-clamped position relative to the first jaw element. The method includes the use of a pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively control whether the second jaw member is in the clamped position or not, including the supply control of pressurized fluid towards the pneumatic activator. The details of one or more modalities are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wrapping machine. Figure 2 and 3 are perspective views of one embodiment of a fastener assembly suitable for use in the machine of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the fastener assembly of Figure 2 taken along the line 4-4 showing a jaw element in a clamped position. Figure 5 is a sectional view of a cylinder of the fastener assembly of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a piston of the fastener assembly of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the fastener assembly of Figure 4. Figure 2 along line 4-4 with the lower jaw element in a non-clamped position. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the fastening assembly of Fig. 2 along line 4-4 with a lower jaw element in a fastening position. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a subassembly mode of a wrapping machine including the film holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1, a package wrapping machine 100 includes a feeding portion 102 in which a product 104, for example, a perishable article such as food can be introduced to the machine 100, a wrapping station 106 ( see also FIGS. 9 and 10) in which the product 104 can be wrapped, for example, by means of a wrapping film such as a food contact grade film, and an exit portion 108 (FIG. 9) in FIG. wherein the wrapped product can be accessed, for example, to remove the product 104 from the machine 100. Referring to Figure 9, as will be described in greater detail below, the package wrapping machine 100 includes a fastener assembly 110 having multiple jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 driven by respective activators 162 (Figure 2). The jaw elements can be used to hold the film 118 of a continuous film roll 120, 122 to remove the film 118 within the wrapping station 106 and place the film 118 around the product 104. Referring to Fig. 2, the fastener assembly 110 includes an upper jaw member 124 and three lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116. The number of lower jaw elements may be increased or decreased depending on the application. Each of the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 is pivotally coupled to the upper jaw member 124 in order to allow the pivoting of the lower jaw elements 112, 114, 116 relative to the upper jaw member 124. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown, the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 are coupled to the upper jaw member 124 so as to allow each lower jaw member to be moved independently of the other lower jaw elements. This arrangement can provide greater flexibility, for example to accommodate a variety of film sheet widths. The arrangement also allows selectively releasing certain portions of the film during wrapping. In the alternative embodiment, the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 are coupled together so that the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 can be pivoted in unison (not shown). This arrangement may allow the use of only one trigger 162 to activate more than one of the lower jaw elements. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper jaw member 124 includes an elongated plate 126 and an array of separate upper projections 128 extending integrally from a front edge 130 (FIG. 3) of the plate 126. Each Projection 128 includes an upper traction member 132 (for example formed of plastic or rubber) which can facilitate the fastening and release of the film during use. As shown more clearly in figure 2, the traction members 132 have a flat lower surface 134. However, any suitable configuration such as a traction member including one or more teeth (not shown) extending outwardly from the surface 134 (e.g. , which can be engaged with corresponding teeth 136 which extend from the lower fastening elements 112, 114 and 116).

Referring still to Figures 3 and 4, extending from a trailing edge 138 of plate 126 is a pair of mounting members 140, 142 (Figure 3). The mounting members 140, 142 each provide a location in which a mounting assembly 144 can be connected to the upper jaw member 124. The mounting assembly 144 in turn provides a connection between the upper jaw member 124 and, for example, sliding blocks mounted for movement in the wrapping machine. The lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 are pivotally mounted to the upper jaw member 124 on a respective pivot axis A, B and C. The axes A, B and C are substantially parallel to a lower surface 152 of the member. of upper jaw 124 and each axis A, B and C also extends along a common line D (figure 2). Other configurations are also considered such as out-of-phase, non-aligned axes. The pivotal coupling. of the upper jaw element 124 and the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 are coupling assemblies 154 that include a pivot rod 156 and mounting brackets 158, each mounting bracket 158 having an aperture 160 dimensioned to receive in a manner The pivot bar 156 is slidable. Referring again to Fig. 2 and also to Fig. 4, the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 include a front holding portion 146 located forward of the associated pivot shaft and a portion of rear receiving 148 located behind the associated pivot shaft. The anterior holding portion 146 includes an arrangement of separate lower projections 150 that oppose the upper projections 128 during a clamping operation. Each lower projection 150 includes a traction member 132 (eg, formed of plastic or rubber) having a tooth arrangement 136 that can facilitate clamping and releasing the film during use. As mentioned before, the activators 162 (e.g., a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator) urges the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116 about their respective pivot axis. Other devices are also considered, such as an electric solenoid (e.g., an electric solenoid having a horizontal displacement and translation of movement toward vertical movement), to drive the lower jaw elements 112, 114 and 116. Referring in a manner Particular to Figure 4, the actuators 162 are positioned between the upper jaw member 124 and the associated lower jaw elements 112, 114, 116 and each actuator 162 includes a cylinder 164 (Figure 5) and a piston 166 (Figure 6) . Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cylinder 164 has a primary orifice 168 of length L that is sized to receive a base 170 of the piston 166 and a secondary bore 172 sized to receive a shaft 174 of the piston 166. The height H of the The cylinder may be less than about 1.5 inches in one embodiment, less than about 1.25 inches in another embodiment, or less than about one inch in one embodiment. Said heights, which are only illustrative, provide a relatively low profile for the fastener assembly that will not occupy a larger amount of space in the wrapping machine. As will be described below, the secondary bore 172 allows a rounded tip portion 176 of the piston shaft 174 to extend beyond an end 178 of the cylinder 164 to activate the associated lower jaw member from an unclamped, initial position toward a holding position. Other tip configurations are also considered, such as square end, pointed end, angled side surfaces or any combination of rounded, pointed and / or angled surfaces. Referring again to Figure 4, the cylinder 164 extends outward from and is rigidly connected to the lower surface 152 of the upper jaw member 124 within a recess 180 so that the surface 152 forms a posterior portion of the activator 162 when sealing the end of the cylinder.

As shown, the cylinder 164 is connected to the upper jaw member 124 by means of one or more fasteners 165. Any other suitable joining method can be used to rigidly connect the upper jaw member 124 and the cylinder 164 including, for example, welding. The inner surface 182 of the cylinder 164, the lower surface 152 of the lower jaw member 124 and a rear surface 184 of the base 170 * of the piston 166 form a chamber 186 that can be pressurized (for example, by pressurized fluid such as air) for transferring the piston 166 into the cylinder 164. The chamber 186 is in communication with a device (e.g., a compressor, pressurized container, etc.) suitable for pressurizing the chamber 186 (e.g., with a fluid, such as air) through means of a passage 188 extending from the trailing edge 138 and through the upper jaw member 124 (see also Figure 3). A connector 190 communicates with passage 188 and is configured to receive pneumatic tubing for delivery and removal of pressurized fluid from chamber 186. By forming the posterior portion of actuator 162 using the lower surface 152 of upper jaw member 124, the volume occupied by the clamping assembly 110 within the machine 100 can be minimized. To inhibit the loss of unintentional pressure within the chamber 186 during use, an o-ring 192 having a triangular cross section is positioned within the annular recess 194 and between the inner surface 182 of the cylinder 164 and the piston 166 (FIG. 6). Other types of seals can be used as o-rings having a round or square cross section, or a flexible membrane having an end that is fixed and an end that moves with the piston. As assembled, the primary orifice 168 and the secondary orifice 172 of the cylinder 164 each have a central axis extending along a line substantially perpendicular to the surface 152 to form an imaginary vertical activation axis E (see also FIGS. 7 and 8) along which the shaft 174 can move during use and which is laterally separated from the associated pivot axis. This vertical arrangement together with the orientation of the associated lower jaw member relative to the shaft 174 may allow the use of a relatively short path (e.g. in one mode as much as approximately one inch, as long as it has a sufficiently large orifice size). to provide a desirable clamping force (eg, in a mode of at least about 10 pounds, such as at least about 13 pounds) with the clamping assembly 110 in a clamping position. tip 176 of shaft 174 may be attached (eg, by means of welding, adhesives, etc.) to the associated lower jaw member in receiving portion 148 providing a balanced arrangement wherein shaft 174 may apply a clamping force and a releasing force to the lower jaw member In other embodiments, the tip portion 176 of the axle 174 only contacting body, although it is not attached to the lower jaw element in the receiving portion 148 by providing a thrusting arrangement wherein the shaft 174 can apply a clamping force to the lower jaw member. In any case, it may be desirable to apply a biasing force in the fastening portion 146, spaced apart from the associated pivot shaft to bias the lower jaw member toward its non-fastened portion. This can be achieved by means of a spring 196 (shown by dotted lines) and / or counterweight, as examples. In cases where a biasing force is applied, the actuator 162 can apply a sufficient clamping force to overcome the biasing force and sufficient also to allow the associated jaw members to sufficiently grip the sheet film when the bias elements jaw are in the holding position. Each activator 162 can be activated independently from the other activators 162 to move the lower jaw member associated independently to the other lower jaw elements. Likewise, all activators 162 or any combination of activators 162 can be activated simultaneously to move the associated lower jaw members in unison. To exemplify the movement of the lower jaw member, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the lower jaw member 114 is shown in a non-restrained and fastening position, respectively. Referring to Figure 7, the lower jaw member 114 is shown in its rest position, with the fastening portion 146 vertically spaced from the upper jaw member 124. The piston 166 of the activator 162 is biased adjacent to the bottom surface 152. In this position, an edge of the wrapping film (not shown) can be inserted between the upper jaw element 124 and the lower jaw element 114. Referring now to FIG. 8, the lower jaw element 114 is shows in the clamping position with traction members 132 of the upper jaw member 114 in contact. The piston 166 of the activator 162 is translated along an axis E in the direction of the arrow 198, applying a clamping force in the receiving portion 148 and rotates the lower jaw member 114 around the B axis (e.g. for clamping a sheet of wrapping film) in the direction of arrow 200. Referring now to Figure 9, sub-assembly 210 includes clamping assembly 110 and a pair of continuous film rollers 120, 122. Rollers 120, 122 of the film 118 are supported by the support structure 212 positioned to allow the film 118 to be drawn into the wrapping station 106. During use, the holding assembly 110 is manipulated to move first in the direction of the arrow 220 to a position to hold the end of the film. The clamping assembly is then moved backward in the direction of the arrow 222 to draw the film out of the roller and into the wrapping station 106, where a package is moved up into the film and then the wrapping takes place. . By way of example, the automated wrap is further described in U.S. Patent 6,658,820, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference. The fastening assembly 110 is shown positioned in an intermediate position in the wrapping station in Figure 9. A number of detailed embodiments have been described. However, it will be understood that several modifications can be made. For example, it is recognized that the described film support systems would have the same use in packaging machines of the type to put caps where the film is extracted on a container and then sealed to the upper part of the container in a placement station Cover. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A packaging machine for use in packaging a product using wrapped wrapping film, the machine comprising: a packaging station wherein the film will be handled during a packaging operation; a support for holding the rolled film, the support located to allow the film to be extracted inside the packaging station; a film fastening assembly for securing at least one edge of the film during at least part of a packaging operation, the film fastening assembly including: a first jaw member; a second jaw element mounted for movement between a clamping position and a non-clamped position relative to the first jaw member; and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively move the second jaw member. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the pneumatic actuator comprises a cylinder with an axis length of less than about 1.5 inches. 3. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the cylinder is rigidly connected to the first jaw member, and a piston is movably positioned inside the cylinder. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the axial length of the cylinder is less than about 1.0 inch. 5. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the first jaw member includes a recessed surface portion that receives one end of the cylinder. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that a whole cylinder is placed between the first jaw element and the second jaw element. 7. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the film clamping assembly further includes: a third jaw member and a fourth jaw element positioned on respective sides of the second jaw member, both the third jaw member and the fourth jaw member jaw element mounted for movement between respective clamping and non-clamping positions relative to the first jaw member; and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the third jaw member to selectively move the third jaw member; at least one pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the fourth jaw member to selectively move the fourth jaw member; and the pneumatic actuator between the first jaw member and the second jaw member is controllable separately from the pneumatic actuator between the first jaw member and the third jaw member and the pneumatic actuator between the first jaw member and the fourth element of the jaw. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the second jaw element is mounted for pivotal movement between the clamping position and the non-clamped position, the pneumatic actuator makes contact with the second jaw element on one side of its pivot shaft. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the second jaw member is deflected into the unclamped position, and the pneumatic actuator is operable in a thrust arrangement with the second jaw member and works against deflection when is activated 10. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the pneumatic actuator is operable in a balanced arrangement with the second jaw member. 11. A package wrapping machine for wrapping packages using rolled wrapping film, the machine comprising: a wrapping station wherein the wrapping film is wrapped around a product; a support for holding the wrapped wrapping film, the support positioned to allow the wrapping film to be extracted within the wrapping station; a film clamping assembly for clamping at least one edge of the wrapping film as it is pulled out within the wrapping station, the moving film clamping assembly in a film removal direction and includes: a first element of jaw; a second jaw member mounted for pivotal movement between a clamping position and a non-clamped position relative to the first jaw member, the second jaw member deviated within the non-clamped position; and at least one pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively cause the second jaw member to pivot in the clamped position. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is an upper jaw member, the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is a jaw member lower, and the pneumatic actuator has an activation axis that is substantially vertical. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the pneumatic actuator comprises a cylinder placed between the first jaw element and the second jaw element, a piston inside the cylinder and movable along an activating axis of the activator. , a sealing arrangement between the piston and the cylinder, wherein a high pressure side of the cylinder is positioned against a portion of the first jaw member. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the piston includes a tip portion that extends through an opening in an activation side of the cylinder to make contact with the second jaw member. 15. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the portion of the first jaw member is a recessed portion that receives one end of the cylinder. 16. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the sealed arrangement comprises at least one o-ring placed between the piston and the cylinder. 17. The machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the o-ring has a triangular cross section, with a corner in contact with an inner surface of the cylinder. 18. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the sealed arrangement comprises a flexible membrane. 19. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the cylinder has a length of less than about 1.0 inches. 20. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the portion of the first jaw member includes an opening therein for receiving pressurized air in order to cause the piston to move away from the first jaw member. 21. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the pneumatic actuator comprises a cylinder with an axis length of less than about 1.5 inches. 22. The machine according to claim 21, characterized in that a whole cylinder is placed between the first jaw member and the second jaw member and the cylinder is rigidly connected to the first jaw member, a piston is movably positioned inside the cylinder. 23. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that a mounting bracket is located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, a pivot bar is supported by the mounting bracket and defines a pivot axis of the second element of jaw. 24. In a package wrapping machine for wrapping packages using rolled wrapping film, a method for selectively holding the wound film using a film holder including a first jaw member and a second moving jaw member between a position and a position without attachment relative to the first jaw member, the method comprising: using a pneumatic actuator positioned between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to selectively control whether the second jaw member is or not in the clamping position, including control of supply of pressurized fluid to the pneumatic actuator. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the second jaw member is biased into the unclamped position and the pneumatic actuator operates against the bias. 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the second pivotal element is mounted for a pivotal movement and the pneumatic actuator is placed to one side of a pivotal axis of the second jaw member to effect the pivoting of the second jaw member. .