U.S. patent application number 13/383932 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for stretch film wrapping manipulation tool, stretch film wrapping apparatus, and stretch film.
Invention is credited to Yoshiya Furuichi.
Application Number | 20120153063 13/383932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43449453 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120153063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furuichi; Yoshiya |
June 21, 2012 |
STRETCH FILM WRAPPING MANIPULATION TOOL, STRETCH FILM WRAPPING
APPARATUS, AND STRETCH FILM
Abstract
There is provided a stretch film wrapping manipulation tool in
which a core body, which is a bar-like member or a cylindrical
shaft-like member, is inserted into a roll body of the stretch film
in a cylindrical shape and a pair of grippers are provided on
opposite end sides of the core body to be gripped by the hands of a
user. A coupling portion for connecting the core body and the
gripper is provided on the opposite ends of the core body. An
attaching/detaching mechanism is arranged between at least one of
the grippers of the pair and the coupling portion to freely attach
and detach the gripper and the coupling portion. Thus, the stretch
film can be mounted on the roll body R in a very simple manner.
Further, the gripper can be held by the palm and the finger tips
are made free. Thus, the tension of the stretch film can be
fine-tuned.
Inventors: |
Furuichi; Yoshiya;
(Asaka-shi, JP) |
Family ID: |
43449453 |
Appl. No.: |
13/383932 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 15, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/062006 |
371 Date: |
March 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/160.4 ;
242/588.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/1752 20130101;
B65H 2402/412 20130101; B65H 2402/41 20130101; B65B 67/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/160.4 ;
242/588.2 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/02 20060101
B65H016/02; B65D 85/672 20060101 B65D085/672; B65H 18/28 20060101
B65H018/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2009 |
JP |
2009-167824 |
Claims
1. A stretch film wrapping manipulation tool for use with a
bar-like member or a cylindrical shaft-like member inserted into a
stretch film in a cylindrical shape, the stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool comprising: a core body, which is the bar-like
member or the cylindrical shaft-like member, inserted into a roll
body of the stretch film in a cylindrical shape; a pair of grippers
attached to opposite ends of the core body and held by hands of a
user; a coupling portion provided on the opposite ends of the core
body and connecting the core body and the gripper; and an
attaching/detaching mechanism arranged between at least one of the
grippers of the pair and the coupling portion and removably
attaching the gripper and the coupling portion.
2. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, wherein the gripper has an outer diameter being coverable with a
palm.
3. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, further comprising a rotation mechanism arranged between at
least one of the grippers of the pair and the coupling portion and
holding the gripper and the coupling portion in a relatively
rotatable manner.
4. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
3, wherein both the attaching/detaching mechanism and the rotation
mechanism are arranged in at least one of the grippers of the
pair.
5. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, wherein the attaching/detaching mechanism includes: an extended
portion arranged in one of the gripper and the coupling portion and
extending in the diameter direction of the stretch film; an
insertion opening arranged in the other one of the gripper and the
coupling portion and into which the extended portion is inserted;
and an insertion direction engaging step portion being continuous
circumferentially behind the insertion opening in an insertion
direction and engaged with the extended portion in the insertion
direction by causing a relative rotation between the extended
portion and the insertion opening.
6. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
5, wherein the attaching/detaching mechanism has a counter
insertion direction recessed portion being continuous to the
insertion direction engaging step portion in an opposite direction
of the insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion
circumferentially by accommodating the extended portion.
7. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
6, wherein the attaching/detaching mechanism has an urging member
causing the extended portion accommodated in the counter insertion
direction recessed portion to be urged to a bottom side of the
counter insertion direction recessed portion.
8. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, further comprising a hand grip belt which is arranged in at
least one of the grippers of the pair and into which a hand can be
inserted.
9. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, wherein the gripper has a maximum thickness of 40 mm or less and
3 mm or more along a longitudinal direction of the stretch film and
a maximum size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more in the diameter
direction of the stretch film.
10. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according claim 1,
wherein the core body has a maximum outer diameter of 65 mm or
less.
11. The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool according to claim
1, further comprising a cylindrical core body cover into which the
core body is inserted and which is arranged to be relatively
rotatable with respect to the core body.
12. A stretch film wrapping apparatus comprising the stretch film
wrapping manipulation tool according to claim 1; and the stretch
film.
13. The stretch film wrapping apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the stretch film has an inner diameter of 75 mm or
less.
14. The stretch film wrapping apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the stretch film has a core-less structure without a paper
core located on an inner peripheral surface.
15. A stretch film mounted on the stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool according to claim 12.
16. The stretch film according to claim 15, wherein the stretch
film has an inner diameter of 75 mm or less.
17. The stretch film according to claim 15, wherein the stretch
film has a core-less structure without a paper core located on an
inner peripheral surface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool and the like for using a synthetic resin film for
use in packaged goods for hand wrap application.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, a large number of manipulation tools for
hand wrapping a stretch film have been disclosed, available on the
market, and provided as a promotional material of the stretch film
(for example, see Patent Literature: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
08-119242 (paragraphs 0005 to 0007) and Non Patent Literature: hand
wrap holder as illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0003] The hand wrapping manipulation tool for a stretch film of
the Patent Literature is a plate-like manipulation tool made of a
manipulative material and used by being inserted into a paper core
as a roll core of the stretch film. The manipulation tool includes
a first shoulder portion having a receiving portion for one end
face of the paper core; a grip portion having a receiving portion
for the other end face thereof and being continuous to the first
shoulder portion; and a handle portion being continuous to the
second shoulder portion. The paper core holder portion, the first
shoulder portion, and the grip portion can be inserted into the
paper core. The second shoulder portion is wider than the inner
diameter of the paper core. The handle portion is shorter than the
paper core holder portion and has a handgrip in a longitudinal end
ridge portion. A stretch film cutter is described to be able to
provide at least one end in the width direction of the handle
portion.
[0004] When the Patent Literature is used, a board is inserted into
the paper core of the stretch film, a handle portion and a band
located on the lower end face of this board are folded back toward
a hook hole of a grip core on the upper end face thereof to catch a
hook on the leading end of the band. With the grip and the handgrip
of the band held by the hand, the film is wrapped around a package
in a substantially vertical state. Thus, the stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool of the Patent Literature has a problem in that it
is cumbersome to mount the stretch film roll body on the
manipulation tool.
[0005] Further, there is another problem of poor workability in
performing a wrap operation substantially vertically while holding
the grip and the handgrip because of poor stability in holding the
roll body, leading to a difficulty in contacting and wrapping the
stretch film around the package.
[0006] A hand wrap holder illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 is
disclosed in a Non Patent Literature found on the web page of the
packing and packaging material related manufacturers and venders on
the Internet. The hand wrap holder disclosed in the Non Patent
Literature is shown herein in both a plan view and a
cross-sectional view drawn based on a commercially available
product obtained by the present applicant. As illustrated in the
figures, the hand wrap holder includes a bottomed circular inner
cylinder 41 having a hand grip elongated hole 43 in a perpendicular
direction at the center of the bottom portion 41; and a circular
outer cylinder 42 rotatably fitted therein. These two members
combined into pairs are used to completely insert the outer
cylinder 42 into a paper core P as a core material from opposite
ends of a roll body R of a stretch film F. The roll body R is held
by both hands with all four fingers except the thumb inserted into
the hand grip elongated hole 43 of the inner cylinder 41 and with
the roll body R kept substantially vertical (perpendicular), the
stretch film F is wrapped around a package. At this time, the thumb
is always kept in contact with the surface of the roll body R so as
to impart tension to the stretch film F by the frictional force.
The hand wrap holder is described such that the holder can be
easily inserted into the roll body R of the stretch film F with a
horizontal width of about 500 mm, a length of about 300 m, and a
considerable weight, and creates less fatigue due to
lightweight.
[0007] The hand wrap holder of the Non Patent Literature is used by
being inserted into the paper core P. The size varies between the
inner diameter of the paper core P and the outer diameter of the
hand wrap holder. When the hand wrap holder is inserted into the
paper core P, they may be loosely fitted or tightly fitted,
resulting in uncertain fitting. When tightly fit, it is difficult
to insert the hand wrap holder into the paper core P, leading to
poor insertion. In contrast to this, when loosely fit, the hand
wrap holder comes out of the paper core P and the roll body R falls
off during wrapping operation.
[0008] Further, the hand wrap work suffers from remarkable
reduction in workability, such as that in order to lift the roll
body R in an upright standing state on the ground for hand wrap
work, the fingers need to be inserted into the hand grip elongated
hole of the hand wrap holder to lift the roll body R, but when
loosely fitted, only the hand wrap holder comes completely out of
the paper core P, and thus the roll body R cannot be lifted up.
[0009] Furthermore, the hand wrap holder disclosed in the Non
Patent Literature has a structure of fixing opposite end portions
of the roll body R, and hence the outer cylinder is completely
inserted into the paper core of the roll body R generally having an
inner diameter of about 76 mm (3 inches). Accordingly, the size of
the holder is limited to be equal to or less than the size
excluding the thickness (about 5 mm.times.2) of the inner cylinder
41 and the outer cylinder 42 fitted therein. As a result, the
maximum length of the hand grip elongated hole is equal to or less
than about 66 mm as the size excluding the thickness thereof.
However, when an attempt is made to insert all four fingers except
the thumb into the hand grip elongated hole with a size of 66 mm or
less, only up to the first joints thereof can be inserted at
best.
[0010] Stable work without effort or fatigue requires up to the
second joints of the fingers to be inserted into the hand wrap
holder. Otherwise, it would be difficult for adult workers to work
comfortably. More specifically, the hand wrap holder disclosed in
the Non Patent Literature imposes significant burden on the
fingers, and hence the roll body may fall off due to figure fatigue
or it is difficult to continue work for a long time. For that
reason, currently any one of the index finger and the little finger
is pulled out of the hand grip elongated hole for work at the
expense of convenience.
[0011] Furthermore, during work of wrapping the stretch film, the
relative angle between hands changes at any time depending on the
position of wrapping the package, but the hand wrap holder
disclosed in the Non Patent Literature cannot be rotated because
the holder is fitted and fixed to the roll body R. Accordingly, the
change in relative angle between the roll body R and both hands
cannot be followed, resulting in poor workability.
[0012] Furthermore, although not publicly known prior to the
present application, when the inner diameter of the paper core P is
set to about 66 mm, about 25 mm, or the like, the elongated hole
cannot be held by an adult worker to wrap. Thus, it is difficult to
apply the holder disclosed in the Non Patent Literature and the
holder is poor in versatility since the diameter of the paper core
is limited to three inches or more.
[0013] Further, in a case of a very long roll such as that a 400 m
long stretch film is wound around the paper core with a diameter of
three inches, an increase in weight increases the burden on the
fingers. Furthermore, an increase in outer diameter of the roll
body decreases the workability from the beginning. It is
substantially difficult to apply the holder of the Non Patent
Literature to the roll body of such a very long film.
[0014] During storage of the roll body, the roll body is kept
standing upright with the hand wrap holder positioned in the lower
end, which increases the risk of falling-down. If the roll body
falls down, the problem is that the stretch film F may be broken or
contaminated with dust or sewage from the floor.
[0015] As described above, the conventional wrapping manipulation
tool has many unsolved problems such as poor mountability of the
stretch film on the roll body R, poor workability in wrapping the
stretch film, a risk of falling-down of the roll body R, narrow
versatility, and further a high risk of damage and contamination
due to falling-down of the roll body R during storage.
[0016] The present invention attempts to solve the problems of such
a conventional configuration and an object of the present invention
is to provide a wrapping manipulation tool and the like allowing a
stretch film to be easily mounted on a roll body, enabling work for
a long time without fatigue, eliminating the risk of falling-down
of the roll body R, providing good workability and wide
versatility, and capable of safely storing the roll body R.
Solution to Problem
[0017] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a
stretch film wrapping manipulation tool for use with a bar-like
member or a cylindrical shaft-like member inserted into a stretch
film in a cylindrical shape, the stretch film wrapping manipulation
tool comprising: a core body, which is the bar-like member or the
cylindrical shaft-like member, inserted into a roll body of the
stretch film in a cylindrical shape; a pair of grippers attached to
opposite ends of the core body; a coupling portion provided on the
opposite ends of the core body and connecting the core body and the
gripper; and an attaching/detaching mechanism arranged between at
least one of the grippers of the pair and the coupling portion and
removably attaching the gripper and the coupling portion.
[0018] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, preferably the gripper has an outer diameter being
coverable with a palm.
[0019] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention preferably includes a rotation mechanism arranged between
at least one of the grippers of the pair and the coupling portion
and holding the gripper and the coupling portion in a relatively
rotatable manner.
[0020] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, both the attaching/detaching mechanism and the rotation
mechanism are preferably arranged in at least one of the grippers
of the pair.
[0021] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, the attaching/detaching mechanism preferably includes an
extended portion arranged in one of the gripper and the coupling
portion and extending in the diameter direction of the stretch
film; an insertion opening arranged in the other one of the gripper
and the coupling portion and into which the extended portion is
inserted; and an insertion direction engaging step portion being
continuous circumferentially behind the insertion opening in an
insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion in the
insertion direction by causing a relative rotation between the
extended portion and the insertion opening.
[0022] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, the attaching/detaching mechanism preferably includes a
circumferential engaging recessed portion being continuous to the
insertion direction engaging step portion in an opposite direction
of the insertion direction and engaged with the extended portion
circumferentially by accommodating the extended portion.
[0023] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, the attaching/detaching mechanism preferably has an
urging member causing the extended portion accommodated in the
circumferential engaging recessed portion to be urged to a bottom
side of the circumferential engaging recessed portion.
[0024] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention preferably includes a hand grip belt which is arranged in
at least one of the grippers of the pair and into which a hand can
be inserted.
[0025] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, the gripper preferably has a maximum thickness of 40 mm
or less and 3 mm or more along a longitudinal direction of the
stretch film and a maximum size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more
in the diameter direction of the stretch film.
[0026] In the stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention, the core body preferably has a maximum outer diameter of
65 mm or less.
[0027] The stretch film wrapping manipulation tool of the above
invention preferably includes a cylindrical core body cover into
which the core body is inserted and which is arranged to be
relatively rotatable with respect to the core body.
[0028] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a
stretch film wrapping apparatus including the above stretch film
wrapping manipulation tool and the stretch film.
[0029] In the stretch film wrapping apparatus of the above
invention, the stretch film preferably has an inner diameter of 75
mm or less.
[0030] In the stretch film wrapping apparatus of the above
invention, the stretch film preferably has a core-less structure
without a paper core located on an inner peripheral surface.
[0031] The present invention that achieves the above objects is a
stretch film set to the above stretch film wrapping manipulation
tool.
[0032] The stretch film of the above invention preferably has a
core-less structure without a paper core located on an inner
peripheral surface.
[0033] According to the above invention, the gripper is freely
attached to and detached from the core body, and hence can be
easily attached to the stretch film. Further, the gripper and the
core body are rotatable relative to each other, and hence a
relative angle change between both hands occurring when wrapping
the stretch film can be flexibly followed. Thus, good workability
is obtained.
[0034] The above invention adds a hand grip belt allowing a hand to
be inserted thereinto to the gripper and hence can prevent the
stretch film from falling off. As a result, the above invention can
prevent falling-down during storage at wrapping work and can
prevent contamination with dust or sewage from the floor which
tends to occur at falling-down. In particular, the stretch film can
be safely stored by hooking the hand grip belt to a hook or the
like provided on a wall or a pillar.
[0035] Further, according to the structure of the present
invention, the size of the gripper is not limited to the size of
the inner diameter of the stretch film. In light of this, the
gripper has a diametrical size of 100 mm or less and 30 mm or more
and a thickness of 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more; and the core
body has an outer diameter of 65 mm or less. As a result, the
stretch film has a wide selection range and hence provides a wide
versatility. Specifically, the external shape of the core body only
needs to be smaller in size than the inner diameter of the stretch
film. Thus, such a thin core body can be free from the limit of the
inner diameter of the stretch film and provides a wide
versatility.
[0036] As said before, according to the stretch film wrapping
manipulation tool of the present invention, the stretch film can be
easily mounted. Further, since the gripper is freely rotatable, a
relative angle change between both hands occurring when wrapping
the stretch film can be flexibly followed. Thus, good workability
is obtained.
[0037] Furthermore, since the gripper is set to a predetermined
size, the gripper can be held so as to be covered with and pressed
by the left and right palms from outside during wrapping work.
Thus, the load on the fingers of both hands is greatly reduced.
Accordingly, the fingers of both hands are made substantially free.
The degree of rolling out the stretch film can be adjusted while
the side surfaces of the gripper are held by the free fingers of
the left and right hands and the surface of the stretch film is
pressed by the fingers of the left and right hands. As a result,
extremely excellent workability is obtained.
[0038] Still further, an addition of the hand grip belt to the
gripper allowing a hand to be inserted into can prevent the stretch
film from falling off due to fatigue of fingers.
[0039] Further, the gripper can be gripped in a very easy manner
since the gripper has a diametrical size of 100 mm or less and 30
mm or more and a thickness of 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more
regardless of the size of the inner diameter of the stretch film.
Furthermore, since the core body has an outer diameter of 65 mm or
less, any core body with an outer diameter meeting the size of the
inner diameter of the stretch film may be used. In particular, a
wide versatility can be obtained such as an application to a
core-less stretch film without a paper core.
[0040] Further, the belt provided in the gripper can be used to
store the stretch film by being hooked to a hook or the like
provided on a wall or a pillar, which can prevent falling-down
during storage and can prevent contamination with dust or sewage
from the floor.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0041] As described above, the wrapping manipulation tool of the
present invention can easily mount the stretch film on the roll
body R. Further, since the gripper can be held by the palm, the
need to hook fingers is eliminated and the fingers can be freely
moved during work. As a result, the tension of the stretch film can
be fine-tuned by contacting the finger tips to the stretch film.
Further, a relative angle change between both hands occurring when
wrapping the stretch film can be flexibly followed. Furthermore,
since the burden on the fingers is reduced, working for a long time
does not impose fatigue on fingers, thus providing good
workability. Still furthermore, the risk of falling-down of the
stretch film due to fatigue of fingers can be eliminated and a
falling-down during storage and a contamination from the floor can
be prevented. Yet furthermore, various sizes of stretch film can be
handled, thus providing excellent versatility.
[0042] Note that the present invention can be applied to packaging
of cardboard boxes for use in the industrial fields requiring
somewhat large packages on a base plate and a floor surface,
regular shaped objects such as pipes, as well as irregular shaped
objects such as grain and pasture in the agriculture and dairy
farming field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of using a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to a first
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of each component constituting a
first gripper.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an assembly of the first
gripper.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the first gripper.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of each component of a core body
and a screw receiving body fixed in the vicinity of an upper end
thereof.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an assembly in a state in
which the screw receiving body is mounted in the vicinity of the
upper end of the core body.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of each component constituting a
second gripper.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an assembly of the second
gripper.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the second gripper.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a sectional view in a state in which the second
gripper is coupled to one end of the core body that passes through
the paper core of the roll body and the first gripper is mounted on
the other end of the core body.
[0053] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to a second
embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of each component constituting a
first gripper.
[0055] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of each component of a core body
and a fixed body fixed in the vicinity of an upper end thereof.
[0056] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cross section of the
fixed body when viewed from obliquely above.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an assembly of the first
gripper.
[0058] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a
method of using the wrapping apparatus.
[0059] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a
method of using the wrapping apparatus.
[0060] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the assembly describing a
method of using the wrapping apparatus.
[0061] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to another
configuration example 1.
[0062] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to still another
configuration example 1.
[0063] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to yet another
configuration example 1.
[0064] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of an assembly of a hand
wrapping apparatus for a stretch film according to another
configuration example 2.
[0065] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a holder of Non-Patent Document
obtained from commercially available products and drawn by the
present applicant.
[0066] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line Y-Y in FIG. 23
illustrating the holder of Non-Patent Document obtained from
commercially available products and drawn by the present
applicant.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0067] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described
referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of using a hand
wrapping apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a wrapping
apparatus) 1 for a stretch film according to a first embodiment of
the present invention. The wrapping apparatus 1 is configured to
include a stretch film F, and a hand wrapping manipulation tool 2
(hereinafter referred to as a manipulation tool 2) for the stretch
film F.
[0069] This manipulation tool 2 includes a core body S as a
bar-like member or a cylindrical shaft-like member to be inserted
into a paper core P of a roll body R for a stretch film F; and a
pair of grippers 10 and 20 attached to opposite ends of the core
body S. When used, a surface 104 (see FIG. 2) of a first gripper 10
and a surface 205 (see FIG. 7) of a second gripper 20 are held so
as to be covered with the left and right palms respectively; and a
side surface 105 of the first gripper 10 and a side surface 206 of
the second gripper 20 are gripped by the left and right fingers f1
to f5. At the same time, wrapping work is performed such that the
free fingers f1 to f5 are used to press the surface of the roll
body R so as to adjust the wrap of the stretch film F by applying
an appropriate tension to the stretch film F while adjusting the
strength of the pressing force.
[0070] Here, the core body S is a cylindrical shaft-like member and
has a maximum outer diameter of 65 mm or less. According to the
present embodiment, the outer diameter of the core body S is less
than 25 mm, or actually 20 mm so as to be able to use a stretch
film with an inner diameter of 66 mm or less, or preferably 25
mm.
[0071] FIGS. 2 to 4 each illustrate a perimeter structure including
the first gripper 10. The manipulation tool 2 includes the first
gripper 10, an attaching/detaching lever 11, a screw body 12 as a
component of a coupling tool 50, and a belt B attached to the first
gripper portion 10.
[0072] The first gripper 10 is a plate-like member having an outer
diameter allowing the fingers to be freely manipulated in a state
of being covered with the palm. Specifically, the size of the first
gripper 10 is such that the maximum thickness H along the
longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal
direction) of the stretch film F is 40 mm or less and 3 mm or more;
and the maximum size W in the diameter direction (hereinafter
referred to as a radial direction) of the stretch film F is 100 mm
or less and 30 mm or more. A planar portion 104 is held so as to be
covered with and pressed by the palm during wrapping. A side
portion 105 of the first gripper 10 is gripped by free fingers f1
to f5. As a result, the manipulation tool 2 is securely held by the
palm and the fingers f1 to f5.
[0073] Further, the first gripper 10 includes an accommodating
portion 101 formed in an outside planar portion 104 and serving as
a recess for accommodating an attaching/detaching lever 11; a
through-hole 102 formed continuously in an axial direction in a
bottom surface of the accommodating portion 101 so as to pass a
screw body 12 therethrough; and a film accommodating portion 103
formed in an inside surface 106 on the opposite side of the planar
portion 104 and serving as a recess for accommodating a tip portion
(edge) of the paper core P for the stretch film F.
[0074] The hand grip belt B is a strip-like member made of a fabric
material. A bolt hole B3 is formed on the side portion 105 of the
first gripper 10. A holding plate (washer) B2 having an opening so
as to face the bolt hole B3 is arranged. An end portion of the belt
B is pinched between the side portion 105 and the holding plate B2.
In this state, opposite ends of the belt B are fixed to the first
gripper 10 by fixing a bolt B1 to a bolt hole B3 of the side
portion 105 passing through the holding plate B2.
[0075] The attaching/detaching lever 11 is a plate member of a size
capable of being held in the accommodating portion 101. A
through-hole 113 for passing through an upper portion of the screw
body 12 is arranged in the center thereof. Further, the
attaching/detaching lever 11 has a bolt hole 111 formed along the
radial direction and opened on a side surface of the through-hole
113.
[0076] The screw body 12 includes a columnar coupling portion 121
having a bolt hole 122 for coupling with the attaching/detaching
lever 11 in the radial direction; a columnar holding portion 124
being continuous to the coupling portion 121 inwardly in the
longitudinal direction thereof and having a larger diameter than
that of the coupling portion 121; and a threaded region 123 being
continuous to the holding portion 124 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof, the threaded region 123 being made of a columnar
member having a smaller diameter than that of the holding portion
124 and externally threaded on the outer periphery. The threaded
region 123 is threadedly fitted in a screw receiving portion 301 of
a screw receiving body 30 in the coupling tool 50. The outer
diameter of the holding portion 124 is set so as to substantially
match the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, an outer
peripheral surface of the holding portion 124 abuts against an
inner peripheral surface of the core body S, and thereby increases
the rigidity in the bending direction.
[0077] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the columnar screw receiving body
30 as a component of the coupling tool 50 and the core body S to
which the screw receiving body 30 is fixed respectively. The screw
receiving body 30 includes a screw receiving region 301 having an
internally threaded end face in the longitudinal direction, and an
insertion portion 304 being continuous to the screw receiving
region 301 inwardly in the longitudinal direction thereof. The
insertion portion 304 has a coupling hole 302 passing therethrough
in the radial direction. Two coupling holes 302 are spaced at a
predetermined interval from each other in the longitudinal
direction. A resilient pin 60 for connecting to the core body S is
inserted into the coupling hole 302. Note that the coupling hole
302 may be a bolt hole. Then, a bolt can be used to connect to the
core body S.
[0078] A coupling hole 303 for connecting the screw receiving body
30 by means of the resilient pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of
the end portion of the core body S. The outer diameter of the screw
receiving body 30 is set to be substantially the same as or a
little smaller than the inner diameter of the core body S.
Accordingly, the screw receiving body 30 is accommodated completely
inside the vicinity of the end portion of the core body S. In a
state in which the position of the coupling hole 302 of the screw
receiving body 30 matches the position of the coupling hole 303 of
the core body S, the resilient pin 60 is inserted to fix both
bodies. Note that the present embodiment illustrates a case in
which the core body S has a cylindrical shape, but may have a bar
structure filled inside. In a case in which the core body S has a
bar structure, a recessed portion for accommodating the screw
receiving body 30 may be formed in the vicinity of the end portion
of the shaft. Note that the present embodiment illustrates a case
in which the screw receiving body 30 is completely accommodated
inside the core body S, but for example, the screw receiving body
30 may be coupled to an end portion of the core body S so as to
stretch from the end portion of the core body S. Note also that for
example, a metal material or the like may be used to integrally
form the core body S and the screw receiving body 30.
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first gripper 10, the
attaching/detaching lever 11, the screw body 12, and the screw
receiving body 30 are assembled in the following procedure. First,
the coupling portion 121 of the screw body 12 is rotatably inserted
into the through-hole 102 of the first gripper 10, and further
protruded into the accommodating portion 101 to be fitted in a
fitting portion 113 of the attaching/detaching lever 11.
Subsequently, the position of a bolt hole 111 on the side of the
attaching/detaching lever 11 matches the position of a bolt hole
122 on the side of the screw body 12, and then a bolt 112 is
screwed into both holes to connect the attaching/detaching lever 11
and the screw body 12. As a result, the first gripper 10 is
sandwiched in between the attaching/detaching lever 11 and the
screw body 12, but not connected thereto. Accordingly, the first
gripper 10 can be rotated freely relatively around a periphery of
the coupling portion 121 of the screw body 12. Therefore, this
configuration can allow a relative rotation (phase difference)
between the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 20 to be
described later. Thus, a change in angle between left and right
hands during use can be flexibly followed. A structure including
the first gripper 10, the screw body 12 of the coupling tool 50,
and the attaching/detaching lever 11 corresponds to a rotation
mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0080] As already described, the screw receiving body 30 is fixed
inside the core body S. In this state, the holding portion 124 and
the threaded region 123 of the screw body 12 attached to the first
gripper 20 are inserted into inside the core body S, and a user
uses the attaching/detaching lever 11 to rotate the screw body 12.
As a result, the threaded region 123 of the screw body 12 is
threadedly fitted in the screw receiving region 301 of the screw
receiving body 30 to form the coupling tool 50. Thus, the screw
body 12 can be freely attached to and detached from the screw
receiving body 30 by rotating the attaching/detaching lever 11 left
and right around the core body S. The screw structure including the
screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 corresponds to an
attaching/detaching mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0081] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate a state of a perimeter structure
including the second gripper 20. The manipulation tool 2 includes
the second gripper 20 and a coupling tool 21. The coupling tool 21
is used to connect the second gripper 20 and an end portion of the
core body S. The second gripper 20 is a plate-like member having an
outer diameter allowing the fingers to be freely manipulated in a
state of being covered with the palm. Specifically, the size of the
second gripper 20 is such that the maximum thickness H along the
longitudinal direction is 40 mm or less and 3 min or more; and the
maximum size W in the diameter direction is 100 mm or less and 30
mm or more. When the second gripper 20 is covered with the palm,
the fingers f1 to f5 are made free. Then, the fingers f1 to f5 can
be used to press the surface of the roll body R and thereby freely
manipulate the degree of rolling out the stretch film F.
[0082] The second gripper 20 includes an accommodating portion 203
formed in an outside planar portion 205 and serving as a recess for
accommodating a part of the coupling tool 21; a through-hole 202
formed continuously in a bottom surface of the accommodating
portion 203 so as to pass the part of the coupling tool 21
therethrough; a film accommodating portion 201 formed in an inside
surface 207 on the opposite side of the planar portion 205 and
serving as a recess for accommodating a tip portion (edge) of the
paper core P for the stretch film F; and a bolt hole 204 formed in
the longitudinal direction of the stretch film F for connecting the
gripper 20 and the coupling tool 21. Note that a total of four
openings 209 are formed in the second gripper 20 for reducing
weight.
[0083] Meanwhile, the coupling tool 21 is extended in the radial
direction to include a plate-like coupling portion 22 accommodated
in the accommodating portion 203 of the second gripper 20; and a
columnar insertion portion 23 continuously formed inwardly in the
longitudinal direction from the coupling portion 22. A bolt hole
for connecting to the second gripper 20 is formed in the coupling
portion 22 in the longitudinal direction thereof. A coupling hole
231 is formed in the insertion portion 23 so as to pass
therethrough in the radial direction. Two coupling holes 231 are
spaced at a predetermined interval from each other in the
longitudinal direction. A resilient pin 60 for connecting to the
core body S is inserted into the coupling hole 231.
[0084] A coupling hole 233 for connecting the coupling tool 21 by
means of the resilient pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of the end
portion of the core body S to which the coupling tool 21 is fixed.
The outer diameter of the insertion portion 23 in the coupling tool
21 is set to be substantially the same as or a little smaller than
the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, the insertion
portion 23 is inserted completely inside the vicinity of the end
portion of the core body S. In a state in which the position of the
coupling hole 231 of the insertion portion 23 matches the position
of the coupling hole 233 of the core body S, the resilient pin 60
is inserted to fix both bodies.
[0085] When the second gripper 20 and the coupling tool 21 are
assembled, first, the insertion portion 23 of the coupling tool 21
is inserted into the through-hole 202 of the second gripper 20 from
outside to inside to hold the coupling portion 22 of the coupling
tool 21 in the accommodating portion 203 of the second gripper 20.
Further, in a state in which the position of a bolt hole of the
coupling portion 22 matches the position of a bolt hole 204 of the
second gripper 20, both holes are connected to each other by means
of a bolt 221. Subsequently, the insertion portion 23 of the
coupling tool 21 is inserted into the core body S to fix both holes
by means of the resilient pin 60.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the manipulation tool 2 as a
finished product according to the present embodiment is such that
the screw receiving body 30 is inserted into inside one end of the
core body S; and the coupling tool 21 and the second gripper 20 are
attached to the other end of the core body S. The band B, the
attaching/detaching lever 11, and the screw body 12 are attached to
the first gripper 10. In the manipulation tool 2, one end of the
core body S is passed through the paper core P of the roll body R
for the stretch film F. Subsequently, the screw body 12 of the
first gripper 10 is inserted into an end portion of the core body S
and then the attaching/detaching lever 11 is rotated to connect the
screw body 12 and the screw receiving body 30. When the stretch
film F is exhausted, the attaching/detaching lever 11 is reversely
rotated to detach the first gripper 10 and the used paper core P is
removed and discarded.
[0087] According to the present embodiment, the second gripper 20
is completely fixed to the core body S and hence cannot be rotated.
Accordingly, a relative rotation between the second gripper 20 and
the attaching/detaching lever 11 causes a relative rotation between
the screw receiving portion 30 fixed inside the core body S and a
screw portion 12 fixed to the attaching/detaching lever 11, and
thereby both can be connected to each other. Thus, the first
gripper 10 can be detached very easily.
[0088] Further, during use, the first gripper 10 held by the palm
and fingers are sandwiched in between the attaching/detaching lever
11 and the coupling tool 50, but are not fixed to each other. Thus,
the first gripper 10 can be freely rotated around the coupling tool
50. Thus, if a relative angle change in both hands occurs during
wrapping of the stretch film F, rotational flexibility flexibly
adapted to the change can be obtained.
[0089] Even if a relative angle change occurs between the first
gripper 10 and the second gripper 20 during use, no relative angle
change occurs between the screw body 12 and the screw receiving
body 30 in the coupling portion 50 because the first gripper 10 is
freely rotatable. Accordingly, during use, the fitted state between
the screw portion 12 and the screw receiving portion 30 can be
prevented from being loosed.
[0090] Note that according to the present embodiment, when the
stretch film is wrapped, the paper core P rolls out the stretch
film F while relatively rotating along the periphery of the core
body S. At this time, a slight friction occurs between the core
body S and the paper core P, and this frictional force causes the
paper core P to rotate. Even in such a case, since the attachable
and detachable structure including the screw body 12 and the screw
receiving body 30 is arranged on the side of the freely rotatable
first gripper 10, no relative rotation occurs between the screw
body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 as long as the second
gripper 20 is fixed to the core body S.
[0091] Note that according to the present embodiment, the screw
body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 are formed with left hand
screw threads (counterclockwise). The direction of rolling out the
stretch film F is displayed. Then, even if the frictional force
acting between the paper core P and the core body S causes the core
body S to rotate, the force can be acted in a direction of further
strongly tightening the screw body 12 and the screw receiving
portion 30. In other word, an effective use of this slight
frictional force can prevent the first gripper 10 from coming off
during wrapping work. It is apparent that when the direction of
rolling out the stretch film F is displayed reversely, the screw
body 12 and the screw receiving body 30 may be formed with right
hand screw threads (clockwise).
[0092] Further, according to the present embodiment, during
wrapping work, the worker holds the first gripper 10 by the palm
with one hand inserted into the belt B of the first gripper 10 and
holds the second gripper 20 by the palm of the other hand.
Accordingly, a plurality of fingers f1 to f5 (particularly the
thumb) of both hands are made free, and hence the surface of the
roll body R of the stretch film F can be pressed by the finger tips
while the side surfaces of the first gripper 10 and the second
gripper 20 are being held. The degree of pressing force can be
increased or decreased to appropriately adjust the speed and
tension for rolling out the stretch film F during wrapping work. As
a result, the risk of falling-down of the roll body R is eliminated
and good workability is obtained. Further, when the wrapping work
is finished, the stretch film F can be cut at any position by
strongly pressing the surface of the stretch film roll body R by
means of the thumb f1. Particularly in comparison with a case in
which a plurality of fingers are inserted into grooves and holes
for holding, the present embodiment provides a structure allowing
the first gripper 10 and the second gripper 20 to be held by the
hand so as to be covered from outside, and hence the fingers f1 to
f5 (particularly the thumb) are made free. Accordingly, the fingers
f1 to f5 are not pressed during work, and hence fatigue can be
reduced. Further, the outside surfaces of the first gripper 10 and
the second gripper 20 are flat, and hence the wrapping apparatus 1
can be stably standing upright on the ground.
[0093] FIG. 11 illustrates a wrapping apparatus (hereinafter
referred to as a wrapping apparatus) 1 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the figure and
the following description, the same reference numerals or
characters are assigned to the parts and members which are the same
as or similar to those in the first embodiment; and thus the
detailed description thereof is omitted and the following
description will focus on the differences from the first
embodiment.
[0094] The wrapping apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is the
same as that of the first embodiment except the first gripper 10
and the perimeter structure in the manipulation tool 2. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, the first gripper 10 includes an
accommodating portion 101 formed in an outside planar portion 104
and serving as a recess for accommodating an attaching/detaching
lever 11; a through-hole 102 formed continuously in the axial
direction in a bottom surface of the accommodating portion 101 so
as to pass an engaging body 12 therethrough; and a film
accommodating portion 103 formed in an inside surface 106 on the
opposite side of the planar portion 104 and serving as a recess for
accommodating a tip portion (edge) of the paper core P for the
stretch film F.
[0095] The attaching/detaching lever 11 is a plate member of a size
capable of being held in the accommodating portion 101. A bolt hole
111 for connecting to an engaging body 13 serving as a component of
a coupling tool 50 is arranged in the center thereof.
[0096] The engaging body 13 includes a columnar coupling portion
131 having a longitudinal bolt hole 132 for connecting to the
attaching/detaching lever 11; a columnar holding portion 134 being
continuous to the coupling portion 131 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof and having a larger diameter than that of the
coupling portion 131; and an insertion region 133 being continuous
to the holding portion 134 inwardly in the longitudinal direction
thereof, the insertion region 133 being made of a columnar member
having a smaller diameter than that of the holding portion 134 and
having a compression spring 80 and a washer 82 on an outer
periphery thereof. A pinhole 135 is formed on the leading end side
of the insertion region 133 so as to pass therethrough in the
diameter direction. An extended pin 62 corresponding to an extended
portion cited in the present invention is fixed to the pinhole 135.
Opposite ends of the extended pin 62 protrude in the diameter
direction from the insertion region 133. The outer diameter of the
holding portion 134 is set so as to substantially match the inner
diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, an outer peripheral
surface of the holding portion 134 abuts against an inner
peripheral surface of the core body S, and thereby increases the
rigidity in the bending direction.
[0097] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a columnar fixed body 31 serving
as a component of the coupling tool 50. The fixed body 31 includes
an engaging region 311; and an insertion portion 314 being
continuous to the engaging region 311 inwardly in the longitudinal
direction thereof. The insertion portion 314 has a coupling hole
312 so as to pass therethrough in the radial direction. A resilient
pin 60 for connecting to the core body S is inserted into the
coupling hole 312.
[0098] The engaging region 311 includes an insertion opening 313
formed on an end face on the side of the engaging body 13; an
insertion hole 314 formed continuously in the longitudinal
direction of the insertion opening 313; an annular circumferential
groove 315 continuously formed circumferentially behind the
insertion hole 314 (here, inwardly in the longitudinal direction);
and a counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 arranged
continuously to the circumferential groove 315 on an opposite side
(here, outside in the longitudinal direction) of the insertion
direction.
[0099] The inner diameters of the insertion opening 313 and the
insertion hole 314 are set to be greater than the diameter of the
insertion region 133 of the engaging body 13 and less than the
outer diameter of the compression spring 80 or the washer 82. Thus,
when the insertion region 133 of the engaging body 13 is inserted
into the insertion hole 314 through the insertion opening 313, the
washer 82 abuts against an end face of the fixed body 31 to press
the compression spring 82. Note that a relief groove 317 for
avoiding the interference with the extended pin 62 is formed in the
insertion opening 313 and the insertion hole 314 in the
longitudinal direction thereof. This relief groove 317 guides the
extended pin 62 in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential
groove 315 formed continuously to the insertion hole 314
circumferentially guides the extended pin 62. Thus, an insertion
direction step portion 318 including corners of the relief groove
317 and the circumferential groove 315 is engaged with the extended
pin 62 in the longitudinal direction. This engagement prevents the
engaging body 13 from coming out of the fixed body 31. The counter
insertion direction recessed portion 316 formed continuously in the
circumferential groove 315 is circumferentially formed to have a
relative angle difference from the relief groove 317 and is
suspended just before reaching the end face of the fixed body 13.
Thus, the extended pin 62 is circumferentially guided by the
circumferential groove 315 and further is guided to the side
opposite to the insertion direction by the counter insertion
direction recessed portion 316 to be held at an end view point of
the groove. In this state, the circumferential direction step
portion 319 including corners of the circumferential groove 315 and
the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 is
circumferentially engaged with the extended pin 62. As a result,
unless the extended pin 62 accommodated in the counter insertion
direction recessed portion 316 is pushed back in the insertion
direction, the extended pin 62 and the engaging body 13 cannot be
rotated circumferentially inside the fixed body 31.
[0100] As described above, the extended pin 62, the engaging body
13, the fixed body 31, the compression spring 80, and the like
constitute the attaching/detaching mechanism cited in the present
invention.
[0101] Note that a coupling hole 303 for connecting the fixed body
31 by means of the resilient pin 60 is formed in the vicinity of
the end portion of the core body S. The outer diameter of the fixed
body 31 is set to be substantially the same as or a little smaller
than the inner diameter of the core body S. Accordingly, the fixed
body 31 is accommodated completely inside the vicinity of the end
portion of the core body S. In a state in which the position of the
coupling hole 312 of the fixed body 31 matches the position of the
coupling hole 303 of the core body S, the resilient pin 60 is
inserted to fix both bodies.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first gripper 10, the
attaching/detaching lever 11, and the engaging body 13 are
assembled in the following procedure. First, the coupling portion
131 of the engaging body 13 is rotatably inserted into the
through-hole 102 of the first gripper 10, and further protruded
from the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 101 to be
fitted in a fitting portion 113 of the attaching/detaching lever
11. Subsequently, the position of a bolt hole 111 on the side of
the attaching/detaching lever 11 matches the position of a bolt
hole 132 on the side of the engaging body 13, and then a bolt 112
is screwed into both holes to connect the attaching/detaching lever
11 and the engaging body 13. As a result, the first gripper 10 is
sandwiched in between the attaching/detaching lever 11 and the
engaging body 13, but not connected thereto. Accordingly, the first
gripper 10 can be rotated freely relatively around a periphery of
the coupling portion 131 of the engaging body 13. A structure
including the first gripper 10, the engaging body 13 of the
coupling tool 50, and the attaching/detaching lever 11 corresponds
to the rotation mechanism cited in the present invention.
[0103] Further, the compression spring 80 is inserted over the
insertion region 133 of the engaging body 13, further the washer 82
is inserted, and then the extended pin 62 is fixed to the pinhole
135. As a result, the extended pin 62 causes the washer 82 to be
engaged with the compression spring 80, which can prevent the
washer 82 and the compression spring 80 from coming out of the
insertion region 133. Thus, the assembly of the first gripper 10
and the like complete.
[0104] When the manipulation tool 2 is used, first one end of the
core body S is passed through the paper core P of the roll body R
for the stretch film F. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 16,
the engaging body 13 of the first gripper 10 is inserted from an
end portion of the core body S and further as illustrated in FIG.
17, the extended pin 62 is pushed inside along the relief groove
317. At this time, the washer 82 abuts against an end face of the
fixed body 31 to cause the compression spring 80 to shrink.
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the attaching/detaching
lever 11 is rotated to guide the extended pin 62 along the
circumferential groove 315. Note that a slight rotation of the
attaching/detaching lever 11 immediately causes the extended pin 62
to be engaged with the insertion direction step portion 318, and
then a force for shrinking the compression spring 80 is not
required. When the angle of the extended pin 62 matches the angle
of the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 as
illustrated in FIG. 18, the restoring force of the compression
spring 80 urges the extended pin 62 to move toward the bottom side
of the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316 as
illustrated in FIG. 11, and the extended pin 62 is automatically
guided along the counter insertion direction recessed portion 316
toward the side opposite to the insertion direction. As a result,
the extended pin 62 abuts against the bottom of the counter
insertion direction recessed portion 316 to be held. Unless the
extended pin 62 is pushed back in the insertion direction against
the restoring force of the compression spring 80, the extended pin
62 and the engaging body 13 cannot be rotated circumferentially
inside the fixed body 31. Note that the first gripper 10 can be
detached from the core body S by the aforementioned procedure in
reverse.
[0105] The wrapping apparatus 1 of the second embodiment allows the
first gripper 10 to be attached to and detached from the core body
S in a very simple manner, thus further increasing work efficiency.
In particular, since both the attaching/detaching mechanism and the
rotation mechanism are arranged on the side of the first gripper 10
and the core body S is fixed to the side of the second gripper 20,
an external force causing a relative rotation between the fixed
body 31 and the engaging body 13 hardly occurs during use.
Accordingly, the external force acting on the extended pin 62 can
be reduced to be small, and hence the size of the coupling tool 50
including the extended pin 62 can be reduced. As a result, the
diameter of the core body S can be reduced to up to less than 25
mm.
[0106] Note that the second embodiment exemplifies a coil spring as
the urging member, but the present invention is not limited to
this. For example, rubber, a plate spring, and other resilient
structures may be used as needed.
[0107] Further, the second embodiment exemplifies a case in which
the attaching/detaching mechanism is arranged inside the core body
S, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
like the wrapping apparatus 1 of another configuration example 1
schematically illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 21, the extended portion
63 extending in the diameter direction can be arranged in an end
portion of the coupling tool 50 fixed to the core body S so as to
form the insertion opening 117, the insertion direction engaging
step portion 118, and the counter insertion direction recessed
portion 119 on the side of the first gripper portion 10. An
engaging projection 64 is engaged with the extended portion 63 so
as to face the counter insertion direction recessed portion 119.
The extended portion 63 is inserted into the insertion opening 117
of the first gripper 10 and then the first gripper 10 is rotated by
90 degrees to engage the counter insertion direction recessed
portion 119 with the engaging projection 64. Thereby, the first
gripper 10 can be easily attached and detached. The present
configuration example uses the elastic deformation of the extended
portion 63 as the urging member. Although not particularly
illustrated here, the rotation mechanism is preferably arranged on
the side of the second gripper 20.
[0108] Thus, according to the wrapping apparatus of the present
embodiment, the outer diameter of the core body S is set to 65 mm
or less and hence the inner diameter of the stretch film F can be
set to 75 mm or less. For example, in the case of the stretch film
F using the paper core P, the inner diameter of the paper core P
can be set to 75 mm or less. For example, the present embodiment
uses the paper core P with an inner diameter of 25 mm. Accordingly,
in comparison with a widely used paper core with an inner diameter
of more than 75 mm, the maximum outer diameter of the stretch film
F when the same amount of film is wrapped can be greatly reduced.
The stretch film F is consumed in large amounts and hence
transported in large amounts by containers or the like. Thus, a
reduction in outer diameter of the stretch film F itself can
greatly reduce the logistics costs. As a result, energy consumption
during transportation is reduced, leading to a reduction in
environmental impact attracting increased attention in recent
years. Particularly, the present wrapping apparatus has the core
body S on the side of the manipulation tool, and hence can use a
so-called core-less structure without the paper core P for the
stretch film F. Note that frictional resistance between the stretch
film F and the core body S may increase. Thus, for example, like
the wrapping apparatus 1 of other configuration example 2 of the
second embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 22, the manipulation tool
2 preferably has a cylindrical core body cover S2 arranged outside
the core body S to allow a relative rotation with respect to the
core body S. Even if the stretch film F of a core-less structure is
closely attached to the core body cover S2, workability can be
improved because the core body cover S2 is freely rotatable. As a
result, the paper core P to be discarded can be eliminated. Thus,
the costs of the roll body R can be reduced and the roll body R for
the stretch film F with less discard costs can be obtained.
[0109] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above
embodiments and apparently various modifications can be made to the
present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
* * * * *