Packaging machine with hose down construction

Abstract

A package wrapping machine includes a wrapping station where film is to be manipulated during a packaging operation. A support is provided for holding rolled film, the support located to permit film to be drawn into the wrapping station. A film grip assembly is used for gripping at least one edge of film during at least part of a wrapping operation. A plurality of sealed components are configured to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the components during a spray cleaning operation.

1 . A package wrapping machine comprising:
 a wrapping station where film is to be manipulated during a packaging operation;   a support for holding rolled film, the support located to permit film to be drawn into the wrapping station;   a film grip assembly for gripping at least one edge of film during at least part of a wrapping operation; and   a plurality of sealed components configured to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the components during a spray cleaning operation.   
     
     
         2 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 1 , wherein one sealed component is a scale assembly comprising:
 a weigher assembly including a platform upon which a product sits;   a load cell operatively connected to the weigher assembly such that weight of the product applies a force to the load cell which is converted into a corresponding electrical signal by the load cell;   the load cell being located within an enclosure formed between a cover and a base; and   a sealing member located between the cover and the base to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the enclosure.   
     
     
         3 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 2 , wherein another sealed component is a control box comprising:
 a top, a bottom and sides connecting the top and the bottom wherein at least one of the top, bottom and sides has an array of openings through which cables pass; and   gaskets positioned within the openings, the gaskets including a cable opening that receive the cables, the gaskets configured to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the control box.   
     
     
         4 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 3 , wherein another sealed component is a motor comprising:
 a housing;   an output shaft extending through an opening in the housing; and   a sealing member located between the housing and the output shaft to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the housing.   
     
     
         5 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 2 , wherein another sealed component is a camera assembly comprising:
 a housing;   a camera mounted within the housing;   a transparent plate through which the camera views a package; and   a sealing member located between the housing and the transparent plate to inhibit infiltration of liquid between the housing and the transparent plate.   
     
     
         6 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 2  further comprising
 a printer that is used to print weight information determined using the load cell; and   a liquid impermeable cover that covers the printer and inhibits passage of liquid therethrough.   
     
     
         7 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 1  further comprising a wash and rinse system integrated within the package wrapping machine. 
     
     
         8 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 7 , wherein the wash and rinse system comprises a conduit that deliver liquid to a plurality of nozzles that are located to deliver sprays of liquid onto desired locations. 
     
     
         9 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 8 , wherein at least one desired location is a location that comes into contact with a food product being wrapped. 
     
     
         10 . A method of cleaning a package wrapping machine including a wrapping station where film is to be manipulated during a packaging operation, a support for holding rolled film, the support located to permit film to be drawn into the wrapping station and a film grip assembly for gripping at least one edge of film during at least part of a wrapping operation, the method comprising:
 disconnecting power to the package wrapping machine;   attaching a protective cover about at least an interface portion of the package wrapping machine;   delivering pressurized liquid to the wrapping station of the package wrapping machine using a conduit connected to a source of liquid; and   inhibiting infiltration of liquid into multiple components of the package wrapping machine by providing components configured with sealing structures.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of delivering pressurized liquid includes delivering the pressurized liquid to the wrapping station using the conduit where the conduit is located within the package wrapping machine. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising attaching the protective cover about a printer of the package wrapping machine. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing components with sealing structures includes providing a scale assembly comprising
 a weigher assembly including a platform upon which a product sits;   a load cell operatively connected to the weigher assembly such that weight of the product applies a force to the load cell which is converted into a corresponding electrical signal by the load cell;   the load cell being located within an enclosure formed between a cover and a base; and   a sealing member located between the cover and the base to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the enclosure.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing components with sealing structures includes providing a control box comprising
 a top, a bottom and sides connecting the top and the bottom wherein at least one of the top, bottom and sides has an array of openings through which cables pass; and   gaskets positioned within the openings, the gaskets including a cable opening that receive the cables, the gaskets configured to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the control box.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein providing components with sealing structures includes providing a motor comprising
 a housing;   an output shaft extending through an opening in the housing; and   a sealing member located between the housing and the output shaft to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the housing.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein providing components with sealing structures includes providing a camera assembly comprising
 a housing;   a camera mounted within the housing;   a transparent plate through which the camera views a package; and   a sealing member located between the housing and the transparent plate to inhibit infiltration of liquid between the housing and the transparent plate.   
     
     
         17 . A package wrapping machine comprising:
 a wrapping station where film is to be manipulated during a packaging operation;   a support for holding rolled film, the support located to permit film to be drawn into the wrapping station;   a film grip assembly for gripping at least one edge of film during at least part of a wrapping operation;   a weigher assembly including a platform upon which a product sits;   a load cell operatively connected to the weigher assembly such that weight of the product applies a force to the load cell which is converted into a corresponding electrical signal by the load cell;   the load cell being located within an enclosure formed between a cover and a base;   a sealing member located between the cover and the base to inhibit infiltration of liquid into the enclosure; and   an integrated wash and rinse system delivers liquid to the wrapping station during a washing operation.   
     
     
         18 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 17  further comprising
 a housing;   a camera mounted within the housing;   a transparent plate through which the camera views a package; and   a sealing member located between the housing and the transparent plate to inhibit infiltration of liquid between the housing and the transparent plate.   
     
     
         19 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 17  further comprising
 a printer that is used to print weight information determined using the load cell; and   a liquid impermeable cover that covers the printer and inhibits passage of liquid therethrough.   
     
     
         20 . The package wrapping machine of  claim 17 , wherein the wash and rinse system comprises a conduit that delivers liquid to a nozzle that is located to deliver a spray of liquid toward the wrapping station.