阅读说明：本技术 衬垫供给进口
(Gasket feed inlet
) 是由 T·D·韦施
E·C·赖特 于 2018-05-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开了一种用于将原料转换为衬垫的衬垫转换机。衬垫转换机包括转换站和位于转换站下游的驱动机构。转换站包括衬垫进口和成形构件。进口构件包括开口,当原料被拉入并通过进口时所述开口收缩原料。成形构件位于进口构件的上游。成形构件以使原料在被拉入所述进口之前开始弯曲或卷曲的方式操纵原料的路径。驱动机构接收原料并在成形构件上拉动原料。(A liner conversion machine for converting stock material into a liner is disclosed herein.)
A dunnage conversion station of the type 1, for pulling a sheet of stock material in a longitudinal direction from a supply station and converting the stock material into a low-density dunnage, the dunnage conversion station comprising:
an inlet member; and
a stock forming member located upstream of the inlet member and on an upstream portion of the converting station to bend stock pulled from the supply station about a transverse axis extending generally transverse to the longitudinal direction, the stock forming member comprising:
a support structure extending in substantially the same direction as the transverse axis and bending the feedstock around the transverse axis, an
A central protrusion that protrudes deeper into the curvature of the stock material than the support structure, the central protrusion bending the stock material about both a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis extending generally centrally into the stock material in a generally longitudinal direction as the stock material moves longitudinally across the support structure and the central protrusion.
2. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the central protrusion extends radially from the support structure.
3. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism operable to pull stock material into the inlet member.
4. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the inlet includes a structural member that defines an opening disposed between the forming member and the drive mechanism, the opening constricting the stock material as it is drawn in a longitudinal direction and through the dunnage inlet member.
5. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the shaping member manipulates the path of the stock material in a manner that causes the stock material to begin to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet member.
6. A dunnage conversion station as set forth in claim 1, wherein the support structure extends across less than the entire width of the stock material.
7. A dunnage conversion station as set forth in claim 1, wherein the support structure extends across the entire width of the stock material.
8. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a laterally extending cylindrical bar.
9. The dunnage conversion station of claim 8, wherein the bar includes a lateral free end that allows a sufficiently wide stock material to be wrapped around the free end.
10. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the central protrusion is a semi-circular protrusion, and the semi-circular protrusion has an axis that is perpendicular to a laterally extending axis of the support structure.
11. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the central protrusion extends away from the support member a distance of between about 1/10 and 1/2 of a length of the support structure.
12. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the central protrusion extends rearwardly between approximately 15 ° and 75 ° from a horizontal plane passing through a central axis of the support structure.
13. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the forming member is connected to the dunnage inlet member by a connecting member extending therefrom.
14. The dunnage conversion station of claim 1, wherein the shaping member is positioned to change the direction of the stock material as the stock material is pulled from the supply station and through the inlet.
15. A dunnage conversion station as set forth in claim 4, wherein the shaping member is 2-8 times wider than the opening.
16, an dunnage system including the dunnage conversion station of claim 1 and a supply station configured to receive the stock material.
17. The liner system of claim 16 wherein the feed station is configured to receive stock material that is wider than the width of the forming member.
18, a dunnage conversion machine having a dunnage conversion station, the dunnage conversion station comprising:
a liner inlet having an outer structure defining an opening that constricts the feedstock as it is drawn into and through the liner inlet member; and
a lateral barrier member extending from the outer structure in a direction corresponding to a direction of a lateral width of stock being pulled into and through the liner inlet such that the lateral barrier member limits a tendency of stock to wrap around the outer structure and does not significantly restrict stock in an upstream direction; and
a drive mechanism downstream of the converting station, the drive mechanism receiving and pulling stock material through the liner inlet member.
19. A machine as recited in claim 18, wherein the lateral barrier member includes ears projecting laterally from the pad inlet and having a height less than the pad inlet.
20. The cushioning conversion machine of claim 19, wherein at least ears form attachments to the stand.
21. The dunnage conversion machine of claim 18, wherein the conversion station further comprises a shaping member located upstream of the inlet, the shaping member being configured to manipulate the stock material along the path of the stock material in a manner that causes the stock material to begin to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet.
Technical Field
The present invention is in the field of protective packaging systems and materials, particularly for converting raw materials used in protective packaging systems.
Background
The converting machine draws the stock supply (e.g., in the case of fan-folded paper) from a stack continuously formed or formed with discrete sections connected at into the converting machine.
The methods of converting stock into a less dense liner are by constricting the path of the stock through a funnel or similar constriction device, some conventional devices may cause degradation, such as tearing, of the stock as the path compresses the stock along the constricted portion of the path.
Disclosure of Invention
The cushioning conversion station may also include a stock forming member located upstream of the inlet member and on an upstream portion of the conversion station to bend stock pulled from the supply station about a lateral axis extending generally transverse to the longitudinal direction.
According to embodiments discussed herein, the central protrusion may extend radially from the support structure. The dunnage conversion station may include a drive mechanism operable to pull the stock material into the inlet member. The inlet may include a structural member defining an opening disposed between the shaping member and the drive mechanism. The openings may constrict the material as it is drawn in a longitudinal direction through the liner inlet member. The shaping member is capable of manipulating the path of the feedstock in a manner that causes the feedstock to begin to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet member. The support structure may extend across less than the entire width of the feedstock. Alternatively, the support structure may extend over a span that exceeds the entire width of the feedstock. The support structure may be a laterally extending cylindrical rod. The rod may include a transverse free end that allows a sufficiently wide stock material to be wrapped around the free end. The central protrusion may be a semi-circular protrusion, wherein the semi-circular protrusion has an axis perpendicular to the laterally extending axis of the support structure. The central protrusion may extend away from the support member a distance between about 1/10 and 1/2 of the length of the support structure. The central protrusion may extend rearwardly between about 15 ° and 75 ° from a horizontal plane passing through a central axis of the support structure. The shaping member may be connected to the liner inlet member by a connecting member extending therefrom. The forming member may be positioned to change the direction of the stock material as the stock material is pulled from the supply station and through the inlet. The shaping member may be 2 to 8 times wider than the opening.
The dunnage conversion station may be configured to receive the stock material. The feed station may be configured to accommodate a wider width of stock than the forming member.
A pad conversion station may include an outer structure defining an opening that constricts stock as the stock is drawn into and through a pad entry member.
The converting station may also include a forming member located upstream of the inlet, the forming member may be configured to manipulate the stock along the path of the stock in a manner that causes the stock to begin to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet.
Drawings
The drawings illustrate, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, or more embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pad conversion system;
FIG. 1B is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A of the pad conversion system;
FIG. 1C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A of a pad conversion system;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pad conversion system;
FIG. 2B is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A of the pad conversion system;
FIG. 2C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A of the pad conversion system;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the dunnage conversion machine of FIGS. 1A-2C;
FIG. 4A is a right side view of the embodiment of the shaping member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4B is a rear view of the embodiment of the shaping member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4C is a left side view of the embodiment of the shaping member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4D is a top view of an embodiment of the forming member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the embodiment of the inlet of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of a liner system with curved supports for daisy-chained feedstock.
Detailed Description
The stock material can be stored in rolls (whether drawn from the interior or exterior of the roll), bales, fan fold sources, or in any other suitable form the stock material can be continuous or perforated.
The cutting mechanism may be used with a cutting mechanism that is operable to sever cushioning material, more particularly, the disclosed conversion apparatus includes a mechanism for cutting or assisting in cutting cushioning material at a desired length, hi some embodiments, the cutting mechanism is used without or with limited user interaction.
1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, a dunnage conversion system 10 is disclosed, the dunnage conversion system 10 may include a supply of stock material 19 and or more of the dunnage apparatus 50, the dunnage apparatus 50 may include a supply station 13 and or more of the dunnage conversion machine 100, the dunnage conversion machine 100 may include a conversion station 60, a drive mechanism 250, and or more of the support 12, in general, the dunnage conversion system is operable to process the stock material 19, according to various embodiments, the conversion station 60 includes an inlet 70 that receives the stock material 19 from the supply station 13, the drive mechanism 250 is capable of pulling or assisting in pulling the stock material 19 into the inlet 70, in embodiments, the stock material 19 is engaged into the forming member 200 prior to the inlet 70. the forming member 200 may include a central protrusion 210 that is adapted to initiate bending of the stock material 19 prior to entering the inlet 70. the drive mechanism 250 cooperates with the edge 112 to assist a user in cutting or severing the dunnage material 21 at a desired location the stock material 21 is converted from the stock material 19, the stock material is itself converted from the supply source and delivered to the cutting and then to the cutting and driving mechanism 250 through the conversion station 112.
According to various examples, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stock material 19 is dispensed from a bulk supply source, shown as a plurality of stock units 300a-e, but may also be a single unit 300. the stock material 19 may be stored as a stack of fan-folded material. however, as described above, any other suitable type of supply or stock material may be used. the stock material 19 may be contained in the supply station 13. in examples, the supply station 13 is a cart 34 that is movable relative to the liner conversion system 10. the cart 34 includes side walls 140a, 140B. the side walls 140a, 140B may define a box 130 adapted to contain a plurality of stock units 300 from which the stock material 19 may be pulled. in other examples, the supply station 13 is not movable relative to the liner conversion system 10. in other examples, the supply station 13 may be a single box, basket, or other container mounted to or near the liner conversion system 10.
The stock material 19 is fed from the supply side 61 through the inlet 70 the stock material 19 is converted from a densified stock material 19 to a less dense dunnage material 21 through the inlet 70 and then pulled through the drive mechanism 250 and dispensed in the reverse off-tracking direction a at the discharge side 62 of the inlet 70 the stock material may be further steps converted by the drive mechanism 250 by allowing rollers or similar internal members to crumple, fold, collapse or perform other similar methods that further the folds, creases, rugosities or other three-dimensional structures created through the inlet 70 into a more permanent shape to form a low density configuration of the dunnage material the stock material 19 may include continuous (e.g., a continuously connected stock pile, roll or sheet), semi-continuous (e.g., a separate stock pile or roll) or discontinuous (e.g., a single discrete or short length of stock material) stock material 19 to allow continuous, semi-continuous or discontinuous feed into the dunnage conversion system 10. multiple lengths may be daisy chained together in addition to the inlet patent nos. 2012/0165172,8663 and U.S. cross-fold machine 70.
In configurations, the dunnage conversion system 10 may include a support section 12 for a support station, in examples, the support section 12 includes an inlet guide 70 for guiding sheet material into the dunnage conversion system 10, the support section 12 and the inlet guide 70 are shown with the inlet guide 70 extending from a post, hi other embodiments, the inlet guide may be combined into a single rolled or bent elongated element forming part of the of the support bar or post, the elongated element extending from a base configured to provide lateral stability to the conversion station, in configurations, the inlet guide 70 is a tubular member that also functions as a support member for supporting the stock 19, crumpling the stock 19, and guiding the stock 19 toward the drive mechanism 250.
According to various embodiments, the travel mechanism is an electro-mechanical drive device such as an electric motor 11 or similar motive device, the motor 11 is connected to a power source such as an electrical outlet via a power cord and is arranged and configured for driving the pad conversion system 10. the motor 11 is an electric motor, with operation controlled by a user of the system, such as by a foot pedal, switch, button, etc. in various embodiments, the motor 11 is part of the drive section and the drive section includes a transmission for transmitting power from the motor 11. alternatively, a direct drive may be used, the motor 11 is arranged in the housing and is fixed to the side of the central housing and the transmission is housed within the central housing and is operatively connected to the drive shaft and drive section of the motor 11, thereby transmitting power to the motor 11. other suitable motive devices may be used.
The motor 11 is mechanically connected to the drum 17 shown in fig. 2, either directly or via a transmission, which causes the drum 17 to rotate with the motor 11. During operation, the motor 11 drives the drum 17 in a reverse or counter-tracking direction (i.e., a direction opposite the reverse tracking direction), which causes the drum 17 to dispense the dunnage material 21 by driving the dunnage material in the reverse tracking direction as shown by arrow "a" in fig. 1C and 2 or retracting the dunnage material 21 into the converting machine in the opposite direction of a. The stock material 19 is fed from the supply side 61 of the inlet 70 and passed over the roller 17 to form the liner material 21, which is driven in the off-tracking direction "a" when the motor 11 is running. Although described herein as a drum, the element of the drive mechanism may also be a wheel, conveyor, belt, or any other suitable device operable to advance stock or liner material through the system.
According to various embodiments, the liner conversion system 10 includes a nip portion operable to press against material as the material passes through the drive mechanism 250. As examples, the nip portion includes a nip member such as a wheel, roller, sled, belt, multiple elements, or other similar member in examples, the nip portion includes a pinch wheel 14. the pinch wheel 14 is supported via a bearing or other low friction device on a shaft disposed along an axis of the pinch wheel 14. in embodiments, the pinch wheel may be powered and driven. the pinch wheel 14 is positioned adjacent to the roller such that the material passes between the pinch wheel 14 and the roller 17. in various examples, the pinch wheel 14 has a circumferential pressing surface disposed adjacent or in tangential contact with a surface of the roller 17. the pinch wheel 14 may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration examples of the size, shape, and configuration of the pinch wheel may include those described for the pinch wheel in U.S. patent publication No. 2013/0092716. in the examples shown, the pinch wheel 14 is engaged in a position biased against the roller 17 for converting the material to a material between the roller 14 and a motor drive for rotating the pinch wheel 14 or the roller 14 via a motor drive (e.g. 19).
According to various embodiments, the drive mechanism 250 may include a guide operable to guide the material as it passes through the nip portion in examples, the guide may be a flange 33 mounted to the drum 17 the diameter of the flange 33 may be greater than the diameter of the drum 17 such that the material is retained on the drum 17 as it passes through the nip portion.
The drive mechanism 250 controls the incoming liner material 19 in any suitable manner to advance it from the converting apparatus to the cutting member. For example, pinch wheels 14 are configured to control incoming material. As the high velocity incoming stock diverges from the longitudinal direction, a portion of the stock contacts the exposed surface of the pinch wheel to pull the diverging portion down onto the drum and help crush and crumple the resulting bunched material. The gasket may be formed according to any suitable technique, including the techniques mentioned herein or known techniques, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent publication No. 2013/0092716.
According to various embodiments, the conversion device 10 is operable to change the direction of the feedstock 19 as it moves within the conversion device 10. For example, the stock 19 is moved in a forward direction (i.e., from the inlet side to the run-back side) or a reverse direction (i.e., from the run-back side to the supply side 61 or in a direction opposite to the run-back direction) by a combination of the motor 11 and the drum 17. This ability to change direction allows the drive mechanism 250 to more easily cut the cushioning material by pulling the cushioning material 19 directly against the edge 112. As the stock 19 is fed through the system and the liner material 21, it passes over the cutting edge 112 or near the cutting edge without being cut.
Preferably, the cutting edge 112 is curved or downwardly oriented to provide a guide that deflects material in the outfeed section of the path as the material exits the system near the cutting edge 112 and possibly around the edge 112. The cutting member 110 can be curved at an angle similar to the curvature of the drum 17, but other angles of curvature may be used. It should be noted that the cutting member 110 is not limited to use with a sharp blade to cut the material, but it may include members that promote breaking, tearing, slicing, or other methods of severing the liner material 21. The cutting member 110 may also be configured to completely or partially sever the cushioning material 21.
In various embodiments, the transverse width of the cutting edge 112 is preferably at most about the width of the roller 17. in other embodiments, the width of the cutting edge 112 may be less than the width of the roller 17 or greater than the width of the roller 17. in embodiments, the cutting edge 112 is fixed, however, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the cutting edge 112 may be movable or pivotable. the edge 112 is oriented away from the drive portion. the edge 112 is preferably configured to sufficiently engage the liner material 21 when the liner material 21 is pulled in reverse. the edge 112 may include a sharp or blunt edge having a toothed or smooth configuration, and in other embodiments, the edge 112 may have a serrated edge with a number of teeth, an edge with shallow teeth, or other effective configuration.
Typically, the gasket material 21 follows a material path a as shown in fig. 1C. As described above, material path a has a direction that material 19 moves through the system. The material path a has various sections, for example a feed section from the supply side 61 and a severable section 24. The liner material 21 on the discharge side 62 substantially follows path a until it reaches edge 112. The edge 112 provides a cutting location for severing the liner material 21. The material path may be curved over the edge 112.
As described above, any suitable raw material may be used, for example, the raw material may have a basis weight of about at least 20lbs, up to about 100 lbs. the raw material 19 includes paper raw material stored in a high density configuration having th and second longitudinal ends, which is then converted to a low density configuration the raw material 19 is a sheet-like strip of material that is stored in a fan-folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 1A) or in a coreless roll.
In various embodiments, the ingredient units may include attachment mechanisms that may connect a plurality of ingredient units (e.g., to produce a continuous ingredient feed from a plurality of discrete ingredient units.) preferably, the bonding portion facilitates daisy-chaining of rolls to form a continuous sheet-like material stream that may be fed into the converting station 60.
In general, the term "sheet-like material (sheet)" refers to a generally sheet-like and two-dimensional material (e.g., where two dimensions of the material are significantly larger than the third dimension such that the third dimension is negligible or minimal compared to the other two dimensions). moreover, the sheet-like material is generally flexible and foldable, such as the exemplary materials described herein.
In some embodiments, the sheet material may be folded into a generally rectangular shape, such as a square, rectangular, or square, or a.
For example, when adjacent sections are in contact with one another, the continuous sheet may be configured as a three-dimensional body or stack (e.g., the accordion shape formed by the folding may be compressed such that the continuous sheet forms a three-dimensional body or stack).
Moreover, the stock units may have transverse folds that are parallel to one another (e.g., compressing the section formed by the fold lines at may form a three-dimensional body that is rectangular prismatic) and may also have or more folds that are not parallel with respect to the transverse folds.
In some embodiments, the transverse direction of the continuous sheet (e.g., the direction corresponding to transverse dimension 302 (see, e.g., fig. 6A and 7A)) is greater than or more dimensions of the inlet 70. for example, the transverse dimension of the continuous sheet may be greater than the diameter of the generally circular inlet.for example, reducing the width of the continuous sheet at its beginning may facilitate its entry into the inlet.
As described above, the dunnage apparatus 50 may include or more of the supply station 13 and the dunnage conversion machine 100 (as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C). according to various embodiments, the supply station 13 is any structure suitable for supporting the stock material 19 and allowing the introduction of the material into the inlet 70. the dunnage conversion machine 100 may include or more of the conversion station 60 and the support member 12.
According to various embodiments, the converting station 60 pulls the stock liner from the supply station 13 and begins to deform the stock liner into a denser configuration the material that is crumpled by entering the converting station is pulled by and into a drive mechanism 250 where the drum 17 advances to further compress the crumpled material, which allows the crumpled material to be set to maintain its crumpled form by forming a crumple along the crumpled area the converting station 60 includes a liner inlet 70 according to various embodiments the liner inlet 70 receives the liner along a path A (see FIGS. 1A-C and 2A-C).
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the liner inlet member 70 includes an inlet 71 that constricts the feedstock as it is drawn into and through the liner inlet member, the inlet 71 is defined by an outer support member 72 that forms an outer barrier adapted to engage and compress the feedstock 19 inwardly into a more dense configuration, preferably the outer support member 72 includes a transverse portion that may engage and compress the feedstock 19 inwardly, hi such examples, the outer support member 72 is located at least on a transverse side of the path of the feedstock through the converting station 60. in various examples, the outer support member 72 forms an outer periphery that defines the opening of the inlet 71. in the embodiments, the outer support member 72 is not fully engaged (i.e., forms a U-shape or similar design). in the embodiments, the outer support member 72 forms the entire periphery but is not connected (i.e., forms a spiral or similar design). in the embodiments, the outer support member 72 forms a fully closed and connected outer periphery. in the examples, the outer support member 72 is a continuous ring.
According to various embodiments, the gasket inlet member 70 may further include or more support members (e.g., 74, 75) that form a barrier on the side or sides of the gasket inlet member 70. the support members (e.g., 74, 75) are disposed on the sides of the inlet member based on the direction in which the stock material is received into the inlet member 70. for example, when stock material is received into the inlet member 70, the support members (e.g., 74, 75) are positioned outside of the inlet member 70 in the same direction as the lateral direction of the stock material . in this manner, when the stock material 19 is drawn into the inlet 71, the lateral support members (e.g., 74, 75) limit the tendency of the stock material to wrap around the support 72 around the inlet member 70. in examples, the inlet member 70 includes support members 74, 75 that extend outwardly from the support 72 on the lateral sides of the support members 72a, 72 b. in examples, the support members 74, 75 form ears that extend from the sides of the support 72 in this way, the ears limit the ability of the stock material 19 to wrap around the support 72 and thus, the lateral support members 72, prevent the possibility of tearing of the stock material from being pulled in the lateral direction, i.e., being pulled in the lateral direction, also extending over the lateral direction of the support member 72.
According to embodiments, the inlet 70 includes a support 72 formed as a ring (doughnout), the interior of the support being a hole having a circular edge 73 that defines the inlet 71. the circular edge 73 allows for a smooth transition of the stock 19 through the inlet 71, thereby limiting tearing. the lateral supports 74 and 75 may extend as ears from lateral sides 72a and 72b of the support 72. As used herein, an ear is a lateral support 74 and 75 protruding from the support 72 with a height EH that is less than the height of the support 72. height EH represents the height of the supports 72 and 75 at the sides of the support 72. in various embodiments, the height EH is greater than the width IW of the inlet 71 but less than the total height SW. of the support 72. according to various embodiments, the lateral supports 74 and 75 may have a width EW. extending from the outside of the support 72. the width represents an increase in the size of the barrier formed on the lateral ends of the inlet due to the lateral supports 74 and 75. for example, the lateral side of the inlet provides a greater barrier than the top or bottom of the inlet 1/2 if the stock is oriented with a lateral EW of the support such that the inlet is located above and below the width of the top of the inlet 721/2And (4) doubling. In this way, the barrier formed by the support 74 or 75 is 1 greater than the barrier formed by the support 72 alone1/2To 21/2And (4) doubling.
According to various embodiments, the pad inlet 70 may be supported by the bracket 12 the inlet 70 may be mounted directly to the bracket 12, the drive mechanism 250, or an intermediate member in examples, the support 75 includes an attachment bracket mounted to the bracket 12 by mounting the inlet 70 to the bracket directly or via the support 75, the inlet 70 is more securely positioned and therefore better able to handle forces caused by creasing of the stock at the inlet 71.
According to various embodiments, the converting station 60 includes a pad forming member 200. the forming member 200 receives the pad material along a path A (see FIGS. 1A-C and 2A-C) and manipulates the path of the stock in a manner that causes the stock to begin to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet. the stock flows upwardly in a longitudinal direction and around or more portions of the forming member 200. the forming member 200 is located upstream of the inlet 70. for example, the forming member 200 may be located between the inlet 70 and the supply station 13 such that as the stock 19 flows longitudinally downstream from the supply station, the stock slides around the forming member 200, allowing the forming member 200 to manipulate the shape of the stock 19 before the stock enters the inlet 71 of the inlet 70. as the stock is drawn from the supply station 13, the forming member 200 bends the stock 19 in or more directions.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4D, the forming member 200 includes a support structure 202 and a central protrusion 210, according to various embodiments, the support structure 202 extends across at least portions of a path a of the feedstock 19 (fig. 1A-C and 2A-C illustrate path a with material following the path, fig. 3 and 4A-D illustrate path a without additionally illustrating material.) for example, the support structure may extend transversely across the path or generally parallel to an axis 213 (which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal path a). since path a may be curved, axis 213 may also be perpendicular to each point along path a between the supply station 13 and the inlet 70. the support structure 202 is any suitable structure that may support a force generated by the feedstock 19 pulled into the inlet 70 from the supply station 13.
According to some embodiments, the support structure 202 may be a rod as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-D, as shown, the rod may be generally cylindrical, forming a rod, but in alternative embodiments, the rod may be other shapes suitable for supporting and shaping stock along its path the support structure 202 may extend between the lateral ends 211 and 212. in some examples, the rod may be curved, but in a preferred example, the rod is generally straight. in various embodiments, the ends 211, 212 may be free ends (i.e., not connected to any other structure.) the free ends 211, 212 may allow stock of sufficient width to curl around the free ends.
In embodiments, the stock 19 can slide over the forming member 200 without hanging from the free ends 211, 212 (i.e., the forming member 200 is wider than the lateral width of the stock 19 and the support structure 202 extends at least across the entire width of the stock.) in other embodiments, the stock 19 can slide over the forming member 200 while hanging from the free ends 211, 212 (i.e., the forming member 200 is narrower than the lateral width of the stock 19 and the support structure 202 extends across less than the entire width of the stock 19.) according to these examples, the forming member 200 is wider than the inlet 71 so the forming member 200 begins to curl significantly, which is further shrunk by the inlet 71 as the stock passes therethrough. according to various examples, the forming member 200 is about 2 to 8 times wider than the inlet 71. preferably, the forming member 200 is about 4 times wider than the inlet 71.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4D, the forming member 200 may also include a central protrusion 210 extending away from the support structure 202, the central protrusion 210 being located on the support structure 202 in a manner that bends the stock 19 about a longitudinal axis (e.g., axis 214) as the stock 19 moves across the forming member, this bending about the longitudinal axis is referred to as longitudinal bending, the longitudinal axis (e.g., axis 214) is an axis that extends parallel to the material path a at any particular point that is also located along or near the center of the central protrusion 210, it should be noted that path a is not linear when the stock 19 bends about the transverse axis 213, however, path a may be defined by a series of longitudinal axes (i.e., parallel and tangential to the path) following path a when the path a bends, the direction of the longitudinal axis (e.g., axis 214) may change while still remaining parallel at each subsequent point along the path, the longitudinal axis may also remain substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis 213, the term "vertical" as used in the case of the longitudinal axis and transverse axis intersect each other, and thus may limit the likelihood of tearing of the stock may be guided through the longitudinal bending of the stock inlet 70 when the stock 19 is bent, the roll 70 may be guided, the stock 19 may be bent, the inlet opening 70 may be reduced in a bending action that may be suitable for a bending of a roll of the stock 70.
According to various embodiments, the relationship between the support structure 202 and the central protrusion 210 may be such that the central protrusion 210 protrudes deeper into the feedstock 19, thereby forming a longitudinal bend around the central protrusion 210. According to various embodiments, the central protrusion extends radially from the support structure. This radial extension may be in a single direction, as shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4D, or in multiple directions, or it may extend all the way around (i.e., 360 around) the support structure 202 and away from the support structure.
According to embodiments in which the radial extension extends in a single direction or in a limited range of directions, the central protrusion may be a single post extending outward, an outwardly extending wall, or a structure extending outward in multiple directions as shown in fig. 4A-4D, the central protrusion 210 is a transverse wall extending from the support structure 202 as shown, the transverse wall is a semi-circular protrusion in various examples, the axis 215 of the semi-circular protrusion is inclined but perpendicular relative to the transverse axis 213.
Generally, the forming member 200 manipulates the path of the stock material in such a way that the stock material begins to bend or curl before being drawn into the inlet member. Although the support structure 202 may form a transverse bend and the central protrusion 210 may form a longitudinal bend, the combination of the two may begin to bend or curl the feedstock and direct it toward the inlet 70 to begin converting the feedstock 19 into the liner material 21.
As noted above, a variety of raw material products may be used, however, the central protrusion 210 may be configured to form a longitudinal bend adapted to minimize tearing upon entry into the inlet 70. depending on the width or stiffness of the raw material 19, the central protrusion 210 may have different lengths.in examples, the central protrusion 210 extends away from the forming member a distance PH between about 1/10 and 1/2 of the length of the support structure.A conversion system that processes narrower raw materials (e.g., 15 inches wide) may be closer to between 1/10 and 1/4 of the length of the support structure, while a conversion system that processes wider raw materials (e.g., 30 inches wide) may be closer to between 1/8 and 1/2 of the length of the support structure 202. some conversion systems may process wider raw materials and narrower raw materials.
The central projection 210 may be generally centrally located on at least of the path of the feedstock 19 or the support member 202, preferably, the support member 202 is also centrally located on the path of the feedstock 19 as the feedstock flows longitudinally downstream from the supply station 13 to the inlet 17, according to various embodiments, the central projection 210 also extends generally away from the drive mechanism 250 and the source of feedstock (e.g., the supply station 13). for example, the central projection 210 extends rearwardly from the support member 202 at an angle θ. in embodiments, θ is about 15 ° to 75 ° relative to a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the support structure 202. preferably, θ is about 35 ° to 55 ° relative to a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the support structure 202. more preferably, θ is about 45 ° relative to the central axis passing through the support structure 202 at which angle the feedstock symmetrically engages the central projection from the supply side as well as from the inlet side.
In accordance with various embodiments, the shaping member 200 is located upstream of the inlet 70, the stock can generally flow between the two devices without obstruction at , some embodiments can include a space between the two devices to keep the user's hands and fingers out of the system, the two devices can be directly connected to each other, they can both be connected to the holder 12, or or both can be cantilevered from the drive mechanism 250. in examples, the inlet 70 can be connected to the holder 12 as described above, and the shaping member 200 can be cantilevered from the inlet 70 via the connecting member 205. the connecting member 205 can directly connect the inlet 70 and the shaping member 200. the connecting member 205 can set the distance between the two devices, which is preferably a distance that allows for continuous crimping from the shaping member 200 to the inlet 70 to allow for a smooth transition (i.e., limited or no tearing) of the stock 19 through the inlet 70.
For example, the supply station 13 may be any suitable surface for holding stock 19 in a single bundle, multiple daisy chain bundles, a flat configuration, or a curved configuration in various examples, as shown in fig. 1A-1C, the supply station 13 is a cart 34 that is independently movable relative to the dunnage conversion machine 100 in various examples, as shown in fig. 2A-2C, the supply station 13 is mounted to the dunnage conversion machine 100 in a basket or similar support, for example, the supply station 13 may be mounted to the dunnage conversion machine 100 via a support portion (such as a bracket 12) in such embodiments, the dunnage conversion machine 100 and the supply station 13 do not move relative to each other in other embodiments, the supply station 13 and the dunnage conversion machine 100 may be fixed relative to each other but not mounted to each other, or the supply station 13 and the dunnage conversion machine 100 may move relative to each other when mounted on , regardless, the supply station may support stock 19 in or multiple units, fig. 1A-1C shows that the supply station 13 supports a plurality of stock units such as 300a, 300b, 300C, 300d, 300C, and/or 300C, and may be connected in a, 300C, or 300C, in a manner to facilitate the connection of a support of a single or a support unit, or a, and/or a support unit 300C, and may be connected in a single unit 300C, or a support, and may be connected in a, or a support, and may be connected in a, or a single unit 300C, and may be connected in a support, or a single unit 300C, such as may be connected in a single unit 300C, and may be connected in a single, or a single unit 300C, such as may be connected in a single unit, or a single unit, such as may be connected in a single unit 300d, or.
As described above, the dunnage conversion machine may include a supply station (e.g., supply station 13 (FIGS. 1A-1C)). for example, each stock unit 300 may be individually positioned into the supply station and may then be connected after positioning. thus, for example, each of the stock units 300a-300e may be appropriately sized for easy lifting and positioning by an operator. moreover, any number of stock units may be connected or daisy-chained from . for example, connecting a plurality of stock units from or daisy-chained may produce a continuous supply of material.
The stock unit may include or more straps that may secure the folded continuous sheet (e.g., to prevent it from unfolding or expanding and/or maintaining its three-dimensional shape). for example, the strap assembly 500 may be wrapped around the three-dimensional body of the stock unit, thereby securing multiple layers or sections together (e.g., formed by accordion-folding). the strap assembly 500 may facilitate storage and/or transport of the stock unit (e.g., by maintaining the continuous sheet in a folded and/or compressed configuration).
For example, when the unit of stock material 300 is stored and/or transported, wrapping the three-dimensional body of the unit of stock material 300 and/or compressing the layers or sections of the continuous sheet material defining the three-dimensional body at may reduce its size.
In general, the strap assemblies 500 may be positioned at any number of suitable locations along the transverse dimension of any of the stock units 300 in the illustrated embodiment, the strap assemblies 500 are located on opposite sides of the units in the embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, another stock units may be positioned on top of each stock unit, where 300a is shown on top of 300b, such that a bottom section and/or portion of the continuous sheet of unit 300a contacts the exposed portion of stock unit 300 b.
Also, as described above, the ingredient unit 300b may be identical to the ingredient unit 300 a. for example, the ingredient unit 300b may include connectors that may be oriented with its adhesive facing upwardly or outwardly, thus, additional ingredient units may be positioned on top of the ingredient unit 300b such that a continuous sheet of the ingredient unit 300b is connected from another continuous sheet of ingredient units (e.g., unit 300 a). in this manner, any suitable number of ingredient units may be connected and/or daisy-chained to provide a continuous feed of ingredient into the dunnage conversion machine.
In embodiments , as described in detail above, the ingredient units 300 may be curved or have an arcuate shape, for example, the units 300e may be curved while the units 300a are flat, in , all of the units are curved, or in other examples, no units are curved, in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the ingredient units 300a-d include coupling members 400 a-d. the ingredient units 300a-d may be curved in a manner that causes the connectors of the coupling members 400a to protrude outwardly relative to the other portions of the ingredient units 300 a-d. the coupling members 400a are configured to daisy chain the units 300a to the units 300 b. the coupling members 400b are configured to daisy chain the units 300b to the units 300 c. the coupling members 400c are configured to daisy chain the units 300 c. the coupling members 400d are configured to daisy chain the units 300d to the units 300 e. in , the ingredient units may be curved after being placed in the supply station 13 (e.g., the supply station may include an off-tracking prevention mechanism as described above. the units 300d may be placed in a flat, or the units may be placed on top of a continuous sheet material, or the units may be more continuous than the units where the units may be placed on top.
The belt strip assemblies 500 may be spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction of the three-dimensional body of the stock units. For example, the strap assemblies may be spaced apart from one another such that the center of gravity of the three-dimensional body is located between two strap assemblies 500. Alternatively, the belt strip assemblies 500 may be equally spaced from the center of gravity.
As described above, the stock units 300a-e (or units 300 used in embodiments) may be installed into the dunnage conversion machine 100 forming the dunnage system 50. additionally or alternatively, multiple stock units (e.g., similar or identical to the stock units 300) may be stacked upon one another in the dunnage conversion machine. the stock units may include or more strap assemblies 500. for example, the strap assemblies 500 may remain wrapped around the three-dimensional body of the stock units after installation and may be removed thereafter (e.g., the strap assemblies 500 may be cut and pulled at or more suitable locations).
Further, it should be understood that, in general, the three-dimensional master of any of the stacked Material Units described herein may be stored, transported, used in a Dunnage Conversion Machine, or combinations thereof, without any wrapping (or strapping) or with more or different straps or wraps than the strap assemblies discussed herein.
By utilizing a belt assembly 500 or similar tape wrap, the stock units 300 are not forced into a transversely rigid configuration. The belt assembly 500 thus allows the raw stock unit 300 to be laterally flexible or free of laterally rigid support, thereby allowing the raw stock unit 300 to bow/sag or otherwise flex into a laterally non-planar configuration.
The supply station 13 is configured to receive the fan-folded stock material 19 and to manipulate the fan-folded stock material 19 to retract from the supply station 13 in a non-planar configuration. The supply station 13 is associated with the dunnage conversion machine 100 such that the dunnage conversion machine 100 is operable to draw the fan-folded stock material 19 from the top of the fan-shaped stock pile 300. The non-planar configuration of the feedstock 19 limits the tendency of the material to blow off/deflect when exposed to significant gas flow. According to various embodiments, the various embodiments of the converting station 60 disclosed herein may be combined with a run-off prevention configuration of the feeding station and the support 160. More details of the support 160 are disclosed in an application filed concurrently herewith under application number 15/593,078 entitled "Wind-Resistant Fan fold supply support," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various types and sizes of liners may be required or desired to be accumulated or ejected according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the terms "top," "bottom," and/or other terms indicating orientation are used herein for convenience and to refer to a relative position and/or orientation between portions of an embodiment. It should be understood that certain embodiments or portions thereof may be oriented in other positions as well. Additionally, the term "about" should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding numerical value and the range of numerical values. In addition, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each integer within the range.
Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein, it is to be understood that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, features of various embodiments may be used in other embodiments. For example, the transducer with the roller may be replaced with other types of transducers. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
