BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an inflation method and its apparatus for air cushion body, and more particularly to an automatic inflation method, its inflation system, and its inflation apparatus for air cushion body.

Description of Related Arts

With the change of modern lifestyle and the rapid development of logistics industry, numerous goods, such as electronic products, chemical products, medical products, ceramics, glass, and other daily necessities, are traded through logistics. Nevertheless, serious loss can happen when these goods are damaged or distorted due to incidents like squeezing, collision, dropping, etc., which are sometimes inevitable during the storing or transportation processes.

In order to protect the goods, people utilize packaging boxes or the like to package the products before storing or transportation, which provides a predetermined cushioning function for the products so as to protect them. Currently, common packaging boxes include paper packaging boxes and air packaging bags. Conventional paper packaging boxes cannot offer ideal cushioning function to serve as a good protection solution. As a result, it usually requires the products to be packaged by foams or soft plastics of several layers before putting into the packaging box in order to provide a good anti-collision quality. Unfortunately, this will definitely increase its transportation cost, make packaging process harder, waste time, decrease working efficiency, and raise labor cost, which has failed to meet the demands of modern transportation industry.

Air packaging materials provide cushioning functions by filling air into films, they can be inflated and utilized right on the packaging site. Therefore, in comparison with conventional packaging materials, air packaging materials have the advantages of lower transportation cost, being easier for storing, better cushioning performance, and being more environmental friendly.

Nonetheless, the inflation way of conventional air packaging materials, such as air packaging cushion pads or air packaging bags is still difficult. Specifically,FIG. 1illustrates an on-site inflation method for a conventional air packaging bag. The air packaging bag has an inflation inlet. An inflation nozzle of an inflation device is arranged at the inflation inlet so as to fill the air into the air packaging bag through the inflation inlet. When the pressure in the air packaging bag is enough, the inflation nozzle will be pulled out and the inflation inlet will be closed. Thus, the air will be sealed in the air packaging bag, such that the air packaging bag can be utilized as a filling material of a packaging box and serve as an air cushion material. According to another practice, the position of the inflation inlet of the air packaging bag may be provided with an inflation valve of various types, such as a mechanical one-way valve. As a result, the inflation nozzle of the inflation device can be coupled to the inflation valve to inflate the air packaging bag, while after the inflation is finished, the inflation valve can serve to prevent an air leakage.

FIG. 2illustrates another air packaging bag, it comprises a one-way valve formed by at least two films and a plurality of inflation chambers formed by multiple films allowing air to be stored therein. That is to say, the one-way valve formed by two films is utilized for inflating the inflation chambers. After the inflation, the films that form the one-way valve will automatically attach with each other due to the air pressure in the inflation chambers, so as to prevent the air leakage. This type of air packaging bag usually has an inflation inlet and the rest parts of the air packaging bag are all sealing structures. The inflation inlet is also suitable for arranging an inflation nozzle of an inflation device so as for air to be filled from the inflation inlet into each inflation chamber of the air packaging bag. When the air pressure in the inflation chamber is sufficient, the inflation nozzle can be pulled out without sealing the inflation inlet thereafter. Then the air will be enclosed in each of the inflation chambers, such that the air packaging bag is available to accommodate articles for storing and transportation.

It can be seen that the films that form the inflation inlet are preferred to lean closely on the inflation nozzle during the conventional inflation process. Besides, air has to enter an inflation inlet of the air packaging material first, and then enter into corresponding inflation chambers subsequently via the inflation inlet. If the size of the air packaging material is large, it will require a deeper inflation process. However, the above inflation process that inflates with only a single inflation inlet may not be able to inflate the inflation chambers timely and well. In other words, the inflation chambers may not attain desired inflation air pressures. For example, the air packaging bag illustrated inFIG. 2comprises a plurality of inflation chambers arranged in parallel. If the above conventional inflation method is utilized, it is likely that some inflation chambers are fully inflated before the others. In other words, the conventional inflation method can not ensure that all inflation chambers are inflated for the predetermined air pressure in a short time, nor avoid the shaking of the air packaging bag caused by uneven force of inflation.

In addition, inflation devices, such as regular small air pumps, can not inflate efficiently in a packaging site. It often causes insufficient inflation, which not only wastes labor and time, but also fails to meet the requirement of inflation well. Besides, it is costly and inconvenient to use compressed air source, such as gas tank, which contains a high pressure gas to inflate the air packaging materials through the inflation nozzle. Moreover, the conventional inflation process for air packaging material costs too much labor. For example, if a small air pump is utilized to inflate the above air bag, it requires an operator to hold the small air pump with one hand and hold the air packaging bag at the position next to the inflation inlet with the other hand so as to conduct the inflation process or perhaps it takes two persons to cooperate for this process. If a compressed air source is utilized, it requires the operator to hold the air packaging bag with both hands and put the inflation nozzle of the inflation device at the inflation inlet of the air packaging bag so as to start the inflation process. Besides, the operator has to hold the air packaging bag tight during the inflation process to avoid the air packaging bag from fleeing due to the inflation. Furthermore, the conventional inflation practice basically only inflates one air packaging bag rather than continuously inflates a plurality of air packaging bags, so that the market lacks a continual automatic inflation technology.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the inflation method increases inflation efficiency, ensures inflation results, and is suitable for inflating various types of air cushion bodies.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the inflation method is suitable for automatically implementing inflation process for continuous type air cushion body, so as to decrease labor input or even eliminate labor input.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the continuous type air cushion body comprises a plurality of interconnected air-storing units, wherein the inflation method can inflate the air-storing units of designated quantity of a plurality of the air-storing units at once and move the inflated air-storing units of designated quantity forward, so that the inflation system can be ready to inflate the air-storing units of the next batch, and thus a continuous and automatic inflation technology is achieved.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation pipe of the inflation apparatus can inflate all the air-storing units of the batch of the air-storing units in one inflation process at once so as to boost inflation efficiency.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation side of the continuous type air cushion body comprises an inflation unit having two sides which are not heat sealing, wherein the inflation unit is suitable for moving forward along the inflation pipe for the implementation of continuous inflation process.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation unit at the inflation side of the continuous type air cushion body may comprise an inflation end portion formed by sealing at least two air cell films through a fringe heat sealing seam, wherein the inflation end portion can be split along the fringe heat sealing seam before or after the inflation process so as to allow the continuous type air cushion body to move forward.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation pipe is extended in the inflation unit of the continuous type air cushion body and the two sides of the inflation unit are clamped and sealed so as to form an inflation channel in the inflation unit in a single inflation process. However, in the conventional art, a main duct for inflation is preformed, and an end of the main passage has an inflation inlet, while the other end of the main passage has to be closed.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation pipe may comprise an elongated inflation groove arranged along the inflation channel, such that air released from the inflation groove can enter the air storage chamber of each air-storing unit immediately, so as to implement parallel inflation.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation method also provides a wrapping step to wrap the inflated air-storing units, so as to save the required space thereof and facilitate a subsequent use.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the continuous type air cushion body may comprise a plurality of interconnected air cushion bodies, wherein each air cushion body can serve the cushion function independently, such as becoming an air packaging bag, an air cushion pad, etc., wherein the air packaging bag or air cushion pad can be inflated in a single inflation process cycle.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, the inflation method also provides a product splitting step, such that the inflated air cushion body can be split into air packaging bag for packing goods or air cushion pad for cushioning.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the continuous type air cushion body can be continuously moved forward in a substantially horizontal condition, so that the operation is easy.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the continuous type air cushion body can be continuously moved forward in a substantially vertical condition, wherein the inflation apparatus is located above the continuous type air cushion body so as to save the required space of the inflation system in the inflation process.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein the inflation system comprises a pressure detector so as to determine that the air storage chambers of the air-storing units of the air cushion body have attained the required pressure and complete one inflation process to keep the inflation result in the air-storing units when a predetermined air pressure is detected in the inflation pipe.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an inflation method, inflation system, and inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, wherein according to some embodiments, a plurality of air storing units of the continuous type air cushion body are simultaneously heat sealed and inflated, so as to form various individual sealed air cushion products.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an inflation method for an air cushion body, wherein the air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cavity films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating the corresponding air storing units, wherein the method comprises the following steps: sealing off two ends of the inflation channel to form an inflatable cavity, filling air into the inflatable cavity to allow the air enters the corresponding air storing units via the air inlet channel, and loosening the two ends of the inflation channel upon completion of inflation to obtain the air cushion body that is inflated.

Preferably, a plurality of the air cushion bodies are connected to form a continuous type air cushion body, wherein the method further comprises the following step: driving the continuous type air cushion body to move forward and splitting the inflation units so as to continuously and automatically inflate the air cushion bodies.

Preferably, the inflation method further comprises the following steps: determining if an air pressure in the air storing unit of the air cushion body has reached a predetermined level and stopping the inflation if so.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an inflation method for an air cushion body, wherein the air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cavity films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating the corresponding air storing units, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

(a) arranging a vent hole of an inflation pipe connected with an air supply device into the inflation channel;

(b) closing openings on two ends of the inflation channel of the inflation unit to form a sealed inflatable cavity;

(c) inflating air into the inflatable cavity through the vent hole, and guiding air pumped into the inflatable cavity to enter the corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel; and

(d) releasing the openings of the two ends of the inflation channel of the inflation unit, such that the air cushion body is ready to leave away from the inflation pipe for obtaining the air cushion body that is inflated.

Preferably, in the step (a), the sealed distal end portion of the inflating portion of the inflation pipe enters the opening of an end of the inflation channel and penetrate through the opening of another end thereof, such that the main portion of the inflating portion is remained in the inflation channel and the vent hole formed in the main portion is located between the two inflation end portions of the inflation unit.

Preferably, in the step (a) and the step (d), the two ends of the inflation channel are closely clamped or released via two complementary clamping portions of a clamping device, so as to close or release the openings.

Preferably, the inflation method for the air cushion body further comprises the following step: starting or stopping the air supply of the air supply device to the inflation pipe through switching on or off the inflation control solenoid valve arranged in a pipeline between the air supply device and the inflation pipe.

Preferably, the step (c) further comprises the following step: detecting air pressure in the pressure control pipeline connected with the inflation pipe and switching off the inflation control solenoid valve arranged in the pipeline between the air supply device and the inflation pipe to stop the inflation if the air pressure reached the predetermined value.

Preferably, the inflation method for air cushion body further comprising the following steps:

(e) splitting the inflated inflation unit of the air cushion body, and detaching the inflated air cushion body from the inflation pipe along the length direction of the inflating portion of the inflation pipe.

Preferably, a plurality of the air cushion bodies are connected to form a continuous type air cushion body, wherein the inflation channel continuously communicating two adjacent air cushion bodies is formed respectively between the continuous type inflation units of the continuous type air cushion body, wherein the method further comprises the following step after the step (e): (f) driving the inflated air cushion body of the continuous type air cushion body to move forward to allow another adjacent air cushion body to reach at an inflation position, so as to continuously automatically inflate a plurality of air cushion bodies of the continuous type air cushion body.

Preferably, in the step (f), the driving force is provided by two conveying gears which are driven by a motor and are applied on the splitted inflation end portions of the inflation unit.

Preferably, the transfer rate and the transfer time of the two conveying gear are controlled and utilized for determining if the next air cushion body has reached at the inflation position.

Preferably, the inflation method for the air cushion body further comprises the following step: splitting the inflated air cushion body from the continuous type air cushion body so as to provide independent inflated air cushion bodies.

Preferably, the inflation method for the air cushion body further comprises the following step: continuously rolling up the inflated air cushion bodies together.

Preferably, the inflation method for the air cushion body further comprises the following step: driving the continuous type air cushion body arranged on a reel to rotate by rotation of the reel of a feeding device so as to continuously convey the air cushion body that is to be inflated to the inflation pipe.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an inflation apparatus for an air cushion body, wherein the air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cavity films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating the corresponding air storing units, wherein the inflation apparatus comprises:

an inflation pipe, made of rigid material and adapted for being connected to an air supply device, wherein the inflation pipe comprises an inflating portion, wherein the inflating portion comprises a main portion and a sealed distal end portion extended from the main portion, wherein the main portion has at least a vent hole, wherein after the main portion of the inflating portion is arranged in the inflation channel, two ends of the inflation channel are sealed off to form an inflatable cavity, wherein air is inflated into the inflatable cavity through the vent hole, wherein air entered the inflatable cavity will enter the corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel, so as to inflate the air cushion body.

Further, the inflation apparatus comprises a bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a mounting plate, wherein the inflation pipe comprises a mounting portion curvedly extended from the inflating portion for connecting with the air supply device, wherein the mounting portion is mounted on the mounting plate, wherein the inflating portion and the mounting plate are substantially arranged in a parallel manner.

Further, the main portion of the inflating portion either has one vent hole which is elongated in shape along the length direction thereof or has a plurality of the vent holes spacedly arranged.

Further, the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body comprises a clamping device, which comprises a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit, and a clamping power source, wherein the inflating portion of the inflation pipe is positioned between the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit, wherein the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit move towards or away from each other under the effect of the clamping power source, so as to close or release the two ends of the inflation channel of the air cushion body.

Further, the first clamping unit comprises two spaced first clamping portions, wherein the second clamping unit comprises two spaced second clamping portions coordinating with two of the first clamping portions respectively, wherein each first clamping portion has a first clamping surface and a first clamping groove arranged at a bottom thereof, wherein each second clamping portion has a second clamping surface and a second clamping groove arranged on a bottom thereof, wherein in a clamped state the first clamping portions and the second clamping portions clamp the two sides of the inflation unit with the first clamping surfaces and the second clamping surfaces in response to actuation of the clamping power source, such that each first clamping groove and second clamping groove form an entire clamping groove to accommodate the sealed distal end portion of the inflation pipe.

Further, the first clamping unit further comprises a first connecting portion connecting the two first clamping portions, wherein the second clamping unit further comprises a second connecting portion connecting the two second clamping portions.

Further, the clamping power source comprises two clamping air cylinders and two driving portions connected with the two clamping air cylinders, wherein the two driving portions are respectively connected with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, wherein the two clamping air cylinders drive the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion respectively to move towards or away from each other.

Further, the mounting plate has a clamping device retaining slot, wherein the two driving portions pass through the clamping device retaining slot to be mounted on the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion respectively, such that the two clamping air cylinders and the first and second clamping unit are respectively arranged at opposite sides of the mounting plate.

Further, the clamping device further comprises at least a holding unit that comprises two holding blocks and a guide rod arranged between the two holding blocks, wherein each of the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit further forms a top-to-bottom through guide rod hole in the corresponding first connecting portion and the second connecting portion for the guide rod to pass through, such that both the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit are located between the two holding blocks and the holding blocks are further affixed on the mounting plate.

Further, the clamping device further comprises the two holding units, wherein each of the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit has two spaced guide rod holes.

Further, a plurality of the air cushion body are connected to form a continuous type air cushion body, wherein the inflation apparatus further comprises a conveyor and a splitting device, wherein the conveyor brings the continuous type air cushion body to move forward along the inflating portion of the inflation pipe, wherein the splitting device comprises a splitting tool extended from the proximal end of the main portion of the inflating portion of the inflation pipe so as to stay out of the position of the vent hole and to split the inflation unit of inflated air cushion body, so as to allow the inflated air cushion body to be detached from the inflation pipe.

Further, the splitting device further comprises a holding device, which comprises a tool carrier for holding the splitting tool and a holding body connected with the tool carrier, wherein the holding body is affixed on the mounting plate.

Further, the inflating portion of the inflation pipe further comprises a tool mounting groove arranged on the inner side of the proximal end thereof for accommodating a sharp edge of the splitting tool.

Further, the splitting tool is inclinedly extended from the proximal end of the inflating portion of the inflation pipe.

Alternatively, the splitting device further comprises a holding device, which has a mounting hole, wherein the splitting tool has a stationary axle rotatably mounting the splitting tool at the mounting hole of the holding device.

Further, the splitting tool is a rotary cutting tool which has a continuous plane blade edge.

Alternatively, the splitting tool is a rotary cutting tool which has a continuous serrated blade edge.

Further, the conveyor comprises a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a conveying power source driving the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, wherein the two conveying units apply on split inflation unit to drive the continuous type air cushion body to move forward.

Further, the conveying power source comprises a conveying motor and an output shaft connected with the conveying motor, wherein the first conveying unit comprises a first connecting shaft connected thereon, a first conveying gear and a first driving gear mounted on two ends of the first connecting shaft respectively, wherein the second conveying unit comprises second connecting shaft connected thereon, a second conveying gear and a second driving gear mounted on two ends of the second connecting shaft respectively, wherein the first conveying gear and the second conveying gear are engaged with each other, wherein the first driving gear and the second driving gear are engaged with each other, wherein the second conveying unit further comprises a first roller mounted on the output shaft, a second roller mounted on the second connecting shaft and located at an outer side of the second driving gear, and a transmission belt rolled on the first roller and the second roller.

Further, the inflation apparatus also comprises a shifting device mounted on the mounting plate to drive the air cushion body to move along the moving direction thereof during the inflation process.

Further, the shifting device comprises an actuating mechanism, a clamping mechanism, and a shifting mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism is affixed on the shifting mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism provides driving force for the clamping mechanism and the shifting mechanism to drive the air cushion body to move along the moving direction thereof during the inflation process.

Further, the actuating mechanism comprises two identical second clamping air cylinders, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping block and a second clamping block, which are respectively connected with the two second clamping air cylinders, so as to be controlled to move for clamping or loosening the clamping mechanism.

Further, the actuating mechanism further comprises two identical driving air cylinders connected with the shifting mechanism so as to move the shifting mechanism.

Further, the actuating mechanism is affixedly mounted on the back side of the mounting plate, wherein the shifting device comprises a guide rail, wherein the shifting mechanism and the clamping mechanism drive the air cushion body to move along the guide rail toward the moving direction thereof during the inflation process.

Further, the guide rail comprises two first guide rails and two second guide rails, wherein the shifting device further comprises a first shifting block and a second shifting block, wherein two ends of the first shifting block are respectively slidably connected with the first guide rail, so as to slide along the first guide rail, wherein two ends of the second shifting block are respectively slidably connected with the second guide rail, so as to slide along the second guide rail.

Further, the inflation apparatus also comprises a hanging support to hangingly support the bracket, so as to be suitable for keeping the continuous type air cushion body upright and be moved forward for the inflation.

Further, the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body further comprises a collecting device adapted for gathering and arranging the inflated air cushion body.

Further, the collecting device is a receiving rack arranged in the extended moving direction of the inflated air cushion body.

Further, the receiving rack is a cane-shaped hollow structure comprising an inlet, an outlet, a receiving shaft arranged internally, and a rotating motor driving the receiving shaft to bring the inflated air cushion body to enter the inlet and exit from the outlet.

Further, the receiving rack is cane-shaped and comprises a vertical portion and a lateral portion extended from the top of the vertical portion toward a direction away from the bracket, wherein the inlet is arranged in the vertical portion, wherein the outlet is arranged in the end of the lateral portion.

Further, the inlet is arranged in a side of the vertical portion facing the inflated air cushion body and the height of the inlet is not lower than the position and height of the inflated air cushion body.

Further, the collecting device further comprises a winding rack, which comprises a winding reel to roll up the air cushion bodies emerged from the outlet of the receiving rack via rotation of the winding reel.

Further, the winding reel is power driven.

Further, the rotating motor is connected with the winding reel so as to drive the winding reel to rotate and automatically roll up the products.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an inflation system for an air cushion body, wherein the air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cavity films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the one or more air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating the corresponding air storing units, wherein the inflation system comprises:

an inflation apparatus comprising a bracket and a rigid inflation pipe, wherein the bracket comprises a mounting plate, wherein the inflation pipe comprises an inflating portion and a mounting portion curvedly extended from the inflating portion, wherein the mounting portion is mounted on the mounting plate, wherein the inflating portion has a distal end portion thereof sealed off and at least a vent hole;

an air supply device, wherein the inflation pipe is communicatively connected with the air supply device;

a control device, wherein the inflation channel provides an inflatable cavity formed by sealing off the two ends thereof, wherein the vent hole of the inflating portion is arranged in the inflation channel, such that when the inflation pipe is communicated with the air supply device by the control of the control device, air is inflated into the inflatable cavity through the vent hole and then enter the corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel so as to inflate the air cushion body.

Further, the inflation apparatus further comprises a clamping device, wherein the clamping device is driven by the control device to clamp the two sides of the inflation unit of the air cushion body that is to be inflated.

Further, the clamping device comprises a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit, and a clamping power source, wherein the inflation pipe is positioned between the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit, wherein the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit move towards or away from each other under the effect of the clamping power source, so as to close or loosen the two sides of the inflation unit of the air cushion body.

Further, a plurality of the air cushion body are connected to form a continuous type air cushion body, wherein the inflation apparatus further comprises a conveyor and a splitting device, wherein the conveyor brings the continuous type air cushion body to move forward along the inflating portion of the inflation pipe, wherein the splitting device comprises a splitting tool extended from the proximal end of the inflation pipe so as to stay out of the position of the vent hole and to split the inflation unit of inflated air cushion body, so as to allow inflated air cushion body to be detached from the inflation pipe.

Further, the conveyor comprises a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit and a conveying power source, wherein the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit apply on split inflation unit under the drive of the conveying power source, so as to move the continuous type air cushion body forward.

Further, the control device comprises a main control unit which comprises a main control module, wherein the control device further comprises an inflation control solenoid valve operatively connected with the main control module, wherein the inflation control solenoid valve is arranged in a pipeline structure between the air supply device and the inflation pipe so as to communicate the pipeline between the air supply device with the inflation pipe or disconnect the pipeline between the air supply device and the inflation pipe in response to the control command of the main control module.

Further, the inflation system for the air cushion body further comprises a pressure control duct communicatively connected with the inflation pipe, wherein the control device further comprises a pressure control unit operatively connected with the main control module, wherein the pressure control duct is connected with the pressure control unit to detect air pressure of the pressure control pipeline so as to determine if the inflation of the air storing unit of the air cushion body has attained the required air pressure, wherein the main control unit sends out a control command to stop the inflation if so.

Further, the inflation system for the air cushion body further comprises two air cylinder ducts communicatively connected with the air supply device, wherein the clamping power source comprises two clamping air cylinders respectively connected with the two air cylinder ducts to control the connection and disconnection of the two air cylinder ducts via cylinder control solenoids.

Further, the conveying power source of the conveyor comprises a conveying motor operatively connected with the main control module so as to start or stop conveying the continuous type air cushion body under the control of the main control module.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a continuous type air cushion body, comprising a plurality of connected air cushion bodies, wherein each air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cavity films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the one or more air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating corresponding air storing units, wherein the inflation channel is formed by communicating two adjacent air cushion bodies, wherein in a continual automatic inflation process, two ends of the inflation channel are sealed so as to form an inflatable cavity, such that air that enters the inflatable cavity enters corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel, wherein the two ends of the inflation channel are released upon completion of inflation, such that the inflated air cushion body is available.

Further, the inflation unit and the two air cell films are integrally formed, while preferably, the continuous type air cushion body further comprises a continuously heat sealing fringe heat sealing seam and an inflation channel heat sealing seam, wherein the fringe heat sealing seam heat seals the edges of the two inflation end portions of the inflation unit together, wherein the inflation channel heat sealing seam connects the two valve films with the two air cell films respectively, wherein the inflation channel is formed between the fringe heat sealing seam and the heat sealing seam.

Further, the two inflation end portions are formed by the two air cell films folded from one piece film.

Further, the inflation unit and the two valve films are integrally formed, while preferably, the continuous type air cushion body further comprises a continuously heat sealing fringe heat sealing seam and an inflation channel heat sealing seam, wherein the fringe heat sealing seam heat seals the edges of the two inflation end portions of the inflation unit together, wherein the inflation channel heat sealing seam connects the two valve films and the two air cell films respectively, wherein the inflation channel is formed between the fringe heat sealing seam and the heat sealing seam

Further, the two inflation end portions are formed by the two valve films folded from one piece film.

Further, the continuous type air cushion body also comprises a heatproof layer arranged between the two valve films.

Further, the heatproof layer comprises a heatproof layer main body and a plurality of heatproof layer branches extended from the heatproof layer main body and spacedly arranged in each of the air storing units, wherein the heatproof layer main body is continuously extended in the inflation channel.

Further, the air cushion body is an inflatable cushion pad.

Further, the air cushion body is a three-dimensional packaging bag formed through a first thermoplastic sealing process and a secondary thermoplastic sealing process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides an air cushion body, comprising one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cell films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the one or more air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating corresponding air storing units, wherein the inflation channel comprises two openings formed on the two sides respectively, wherein the openings at the two ends of the inflation channel are sealed off so as to form an inflatable cavity during inflation, wherein an inflation pipe for inflation is placed into the inflation channel to inflate into the inflatable cavity, wherein air that enters the inflatable cavity enters corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel, wherein the two ends of the inflation channel are released upon the completion of inflation, such that the inflated air cushion body is available.

The inflation unit is integrally formed with the air cell films or the valve films.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an inflation method for an air cushion body, wherein the air cushion body comprises one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cell films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the one or more air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping each other, wherein an inflation channel is formed between the two inflation end portions and the inflation valve forms at least one air inlet channel for inflating the corresponding air storing units, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

(a) closing the openings at the two ends of the inflation channel of the inflation unit so as to form a sealed inflatable cavity;

(b) moving the air cushion body forward;

(c) inflating the inflatable cavity through the vent hole, such that air filled into the inflatable cavity enters the corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel; and

(d) releasing the openings of the two ends of the inflation channel of the inflation unit, such that the air cushion body is ready to leave away from the inflation pipe, so as to obtain the air cushion body that is inflated.

Preferably, in the step (a) and the step (d), the two ends of the inflation channel are clamped or loosened via a complementary clamping device, so as to close or open the openings.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step before the step (c): detecting the air pressure connected with the inflation pipe and stopping the inflation if the air pressure reached a predetermined value.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step: (e) splitting the inflated inflation unit of the air cushion body and detaching the inflated air cushion body from the inflation pipe along the length direction of the inflating portion of the inflation pipe.

Preferably, a plurality of the air cushion bodies are connected to form a continuous type air cushion body, wherein the inflation channel continuously communicating two adjacent air cushion bodies is formed respectively between the continuous type inflation units of the continuous type air cushion body, wherein the method further comprises the following step after step (e): (f) driving the inflated air cushion body of the continuous type air cushion body to move forward to allow another adjacent air cushion body reach to an inflation position and to continuously automatically inflate a plurality of air cushion bodies of the continuous type air cushion body.

Preferably, in the step (f) the driving force is provided by two conveying gears which are driven by a motor and are applied on the splitted inflation end portions of the inflation unit.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step before the step (a): determining if the air cushion body has arrived at the inflation position.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step: cutting down the inflated air cushion body from the continuous type air cushion body so as to provide independent inflated air cushion bodies.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step: continuously rolling up the inflated air cushion bodies together.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step: guiding the moving direction of the air cushion body in the inflation process.

Preferably, it further comprises the following step: driving the continuous type air cushion body arranged on a reel to rotate so as to continuously convey the air cushion body that is to be inflated to the inflation pipe by rotating the reel of the feeding device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an operating system of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body for controlling the operation of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body. The operating system comprises a man-machine interface panel and a circuit board electrically connected with the man-machine interface panel in order to receive the commands sent from the man-machine interface panel and control the operations of corresponding components of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the man-machine interface panel comprises a start-stop button and a setting button arranged thereon. The start-stop button and the setting button are both electrically connected with the circuit board to control the start and stop of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body and set up specific operating parameters of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body during the operation.

Preferably, the setting button comprises a temperature setting button electrically connected with the circuit board to control the temperature for the inflation of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the setting button comprises an air volume setting button electrically connected with the circuit board to control the air volume for the inflation of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the setting button comprises a rate setting button electrically connected with the circuit board to control the inflating rate of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the setting button comprises an operating mode setting button electrically connected with the circuit board to control the operating mode that the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body applies during the inflation process.

Preferably, the setting button comprises a default mode button electrically connected with the circuit board to control if the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body applies the default mode during the inflation.

Preferably, the setting button comprises a custom button electrically connected with the circuit board to adjust the inflation temperature, inflation volume, and inflating rate of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body based on the needs.

Preferably, the setting button comprises an accessibility button electrically connected with the circuit board to control the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body to rotate the air cushion body forward or backward.

Preferably, the accessibility button comprises a forward button and a backward button, wherein the forward button is electrically connected with the circuit board to control the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body to rotate forward, wherein the backward button is electrically connected with the circuit board to control the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body to rotate backward.

Preferably, the start-stop button is a touch screen button.

Preferably, the setting button is a touch screen button.

Preferably, the start-stop button is a physical keyboard.

Preferably, the start-stop button is a physical keyboard.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides an operational method of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, comprising the following steps:

(1) turning on the power of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body;

(2) setting up the operational parameters of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body;

(3) starting or stopping the operation of the set parameters; and

(4) turning off the power of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the step (2) comprises a step of setting up a temperature parameter.

Preferably, the step of setting up a temperature parameter comprises a step of directly setting up the inflation temperature of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the step of setting up a temperature parameter further comprises a step of adjusting the temperature during the inflation process of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, so as to increase or decrease the inflation temperature of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body during the inflation process.

Preferably, the step (2) comprises a step of setting up an air volume parameter.

Preferably, the step of setting up an air volume parameter comprises a step of directly setting up the inflation volume of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the step of setting up an air volume parameter further comprises a step of adjusting the inflation volume during the inflation process of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, so as to increase or decrease the inflation volume of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body during the inflation process.

Preferably, the step (2) comprises a step of setting up a rate parameter.

Preferably, the step of setting up a rate parameter comprises a step of directly setting up the inflating rate of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body.

Preferably, the step of setting up a rate parameter further comprises a step of adjusting the inflating rate during the inflation process of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body, so as to increase or decrease the inflating rate of the inflation apparatus for the air cushion body during the inflation process.

Preferably, the step (2) comprises a step of setting up operating modes.

Preferably, the step of setting up operating modes comprises a step of setting up a counting mode and a step of setting up a continual mode.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

