Automatic paper disc forming equipment and forming method

Abstract

The invention discloses automatic paper tray forming equipment and a forming method, relates to the technical field of paper product forming equipment, and solves the problems that existing paper tray production equipment is low in automation degree and the like. The equipment comprises a first gluing device, a forming mold, a second gluing device and an edge folding device which are sequentially arranged in the conveying direction, and the first gluing device, the forming mold, the second gluing device and the edge folding device work cooperatively with a conveying device arranged in a penetrating mode. The first gluing device is used for gluing four corners of the paperboard at fixed points at intervals; the forming die is used for punch forming, and the glue points are positioned to the connecting area; the second gluing device is used for continuously gluing the edge of the formed paper disc; and the edge folding device is used for folding and folding the edge and pressing the edge into a hollow reinforcing edge. Full-automatic continuous production from paperboards to finished products is achieved, the novel paper tray with the external connecting area and the hollow reinforced edge is specially designed, through reasonable procedure layout, the production efficiency is improved, meanwhile, the forming quality and the structural strength are ensured, and efficient, high-precision and high-stability automatic production is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of paper product forming equipment, and in particular to an automatic paper tray forming device and forming method. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated production of disposable paper containers such as paper trays and bowls, multiple key processes are typically involved, including gluing, molding, and folding. The quality and efficiency of these processes directly determine the final product's sealing performance, structural strength, appearance regularity, and the overall efficiency of the production line. Existing new paper trays feature an external connecting area composed of a first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, and specific-direction outer, inner, and vertical folds. The side panels also fold to form hollow handles. Therefore, their production requires not only main body molding but also key processes such as corner positioning and bonding, and hollow edge reinforcement folding. Furthermore, the external connecting area and hollow handles must be adapted to meet the demands of load-bearing capacity, hygiene, safety, and portability. This new type of paper tray differs in structure from previous paper trays, and existing equipment cannot be used with it.

[0003] Currently, the paper tray manufacturing industry mostly adopts a segmented processing model, which involves multiple independent machines completing processes such as gluing, stamping, and edge folding of the cardboard. Material transfer between these processes relies on manual handling or additional connecting mechanisms. This production model has several prominent problems: Firstly, the process connections are cumbersome, with numerous manual interventions, leading not only to low production efficiency but also to defects such as inaccurate gluing positions and poor edge alignment due to material misalignment and positioning deviations during transfer, directly affecting the quality of the formed paper trays. Secondly, the coordination and cycle time matching between equipment are complex, making it difficult to achieve large-scale continuous production.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the structural differences between the new paper trays and existing ones, existing equipment is largely incompatible. Specifically, in the gluing process, existing paperboard gluing devices are mostly designed for continuous or single-interval gluing, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of producing the new paper trays. This requires both precise corner gluing to ensure a strong bond between the side panels and the connecting area, and continuous, even gluing at pre-set positions on the edges to ensure a stable fit with the main body after folding. Traditional equipment either suffers from glue overflow or leakage, contaminating non-gluing areas, or lacks sufficient gluing precision, resulting in weak corner bonding or easy detachment of edges after folding. Moreover, it is difficult to adapt to the gluing position adjustment requirements of different paper tray sizes. Regarding the folding process, existing paper tray folding devices mostly adopt simple flat folding or single-layer folding structures. After folding, the edge strength of the paper tray is limited, making it difficult to form a hollow reinforced structure, which cannot meet the requirements of high load-bearing and deformation-resistant applications. Although some improved folding equipment attempts to improve strength, the structure is complex, the process is cumbersome, and the coordination with the gluing process is poor. Problems such as edge wrinkles and springback loosening are prone to occur during folding. At the same time, there is a lack of guidance and positioning design that is compatible with the external connection area and hollow handle structure of the paper tray, making it difficult for the formed paper tray to achieve the preset structural strength and appearance quality.

[0005] Therefore, for complex processes that require pre-applying glue to the corners of the cardboard, forming, and then applying glue to the edges, existing production lines lack a solution that can integrate multiple glue application modes on a single machine and coordinate them with forming and folding operations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. This invention provides an automatic paper tray forming device and forming method, which solves the problems of low automation, poor process coordination, insufficient glue application and folding accuracy, limited structural strength of the formed paper trays, and poor versatility of existing paper tray production equipment, making it difficult to meet the production needs of modern paper trays that require high efficiency, high precision, and high stability.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention: An automatic paper tray forming device, comprising: a frame; a conveying device, installed on the frame, for continuously conveying cardboard and semi-finished paper trays along a preset path; and sequentially arranged and cooperating with the conveying device along the conveying direction: a paper inlet, for guiding cardboard into the conveying device; a first gluing device, for applying glue to the four corner areas of the cardboard at fixed points and intervals to meet the bonding requirements of the external connection area of ​​the formed paper tray; and a forming mold, located downstream of the first gluing device, for stamping the cardboard with the corner glued areas to form a concave structure. The first adhesive device is located downstream of the forming mold and is used to continuously apply adhesive to the two opposite edges of the formed paper tray along a predetermined straight path to meet the subsequent edge bonding requirements. The second adhesive device is located downstream of the second adhesive device and is used to fold, flip, and press the edges of the paper tray that has been glued to form a hollow reinforced edge. The conveying device is arranged through the paper tray so that the paperboard or paper tray can pass through and be processed sequentially at the paper input end, the first adhesive device, the forming mold, the second adhesive device, and the edge folding device.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, an integrated structure is constructed, consisting of a frame, a through-type conveyor, and multi-process components that work in sequence along the conveying direction. This integrates key processes in paper tray production, such as paper feeding, corner-level fixed-point gluing, stamping, continuous edge gluing, and folding to form a hollow reinforced edge, into a single device. This achieves fully automated, integrated production of new paper trays from cardboard to finished product, solving the core problems of existing segmented production methods, such as reliance on manual transfer, cumbersome process connections, and poor coordination. The conveyor runs through the entire process and drives the cardboard / paper tray to move continuously, ensuring that each process is connected according to a preset rhythm, avoiding material offset and positioning deviation during transfer, and improving production efficiency. At the same time, this structure is specifically adapted to the special structures of new paper trays, such as external connecting areas and hollow reinforced edges. By first applying glue to the corners to ensure bonding of the connecting areas, and then applying glue to the edges to ensure folding fixation, the process layout ensures the forming quality and structural strength of the paper tray, achieving efficient, high-precision, and high-stability automated production. This adapts to the production needs of new paper trays with external connecting areas and hollow reinforced edge structures, reducing errors and costs caused by manual intervention.

[0009] In one possible design, both the first and second gluing devices include a glue storage mechanism, a glue dispensing mechanism, and a glue application mechanism. The glue storage mechanism contains glue. The glue dispensing mechanism is located at the outlet of the glue storage mechanism and includes a glue dispensing roller. The glue dispensing roller rotates and partially contacts the glue in the glue storage mechanism to carry the glue to its outer surface. The glue application mechanism contacts the glue dispensing mechanism, and the cardboard transported by the conveying device passes through the glue application mechanism. The glue application mechanism includes a glue application roller and a glue adsorption element disposed on the outer periphery of the glue application roller. The glue adsorption element rotates with the glue application roller and sequentially contacts the outer surface of the glue dispensing roller and the surface of the cardboard transported by the conveying device.

[0010] By adopting the above design, a stable glue storage, quantitative carrying, adsorption transfer, and accurate coating chain is formed through the coordinated design of the glue storage mechanism, glue dispensing roller, glue dipping roller, and glue adsorption component. Among them, the glue-immersion setting of the glue dispensing roller ensures a continuous glue supply. The glue adsorption component contacts the glue dispensing roller and the cardboard / paper tray in sequence with the glue dipping roller, replacing the traditional rigid glue coating roller for direct glue application. The adsorption characteristics of the adsorption component realize quantitative reception and uniform transfer of glue, thereby reducing glue overflow and leakage, and avoiding contamination of non-adhesive areas. This unified structure simplifies equipment design and maintenance, and ensures the glue application stability of the two glue application devices, providing a reliable structural foundation for the differentiated needs of subsequent fixed-point glue application and continuous glue application.

[0011] In one possible design, the glue adsorption components of the first gluing device are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the corresponding glue-applying roller, and the rotation cycle of the glue-applying roller is matched with the conveying speed of the conveying device, so that the glue adsorption components periodically form glue dots at the contact positions of each corner of the cardboard.

[0012] By employing the above design, and through the spaced distribution of the glue adsorption components and precise matching of their rotation cycle with the conveying speed, fixed-point and timed glue application to the four corners of the cardboard is achieved during high-speed operation. This ensures that the position of the glue adsorption component in contact with the cardboard each time accurately corresponds to the preset adhesive interval point. It eliminates the need for complex electronic positioning components, achieving periodic and intermittent glue application to the cardboard solely through mechanical structural coordination. This solves the problems of glue application position drift and inconsistent intervals that easily occur in traditional devices during intermittent glue application. It ensures that the position of the glue adsorption component in contact with the cardboard corresponds to the preset adhesive position, improving the accuracy of the glue application position and thus guaranteeing the accuracy and forming quality of subsequent cardboard bonding. Simultaneously, it simplifies the equipment structure, reduces electrical control costs and the probability of failure, and enhances the operational stability of the device.

[0013] In one possible design, the glue adsorption component of the second gluing device is a complete annular component that is continuously fitted onto the entire outer circumference of the glue-applying roller. The annular glue adsorption component rolls with the glue-applying roller and sequentially makes continuous contact with the outer surface of the corresponding glue-dispensing roller and the edge area of ​​the paper tray conveyed by the conveying device, so as to form a continuous glue line at the edge of the paper tray.

[0014] By adopting the above design and using a continuous ring-shaped adhesive adsorption structure, continuous and uniform adhesive application is achieved on the predetermined path of the paper tray edge, forming an uninterrupted adhesive line. It can flexibly adapt to the process requirements of continuous adhesive application and is particularly suitable for parts that need to be coated with continuous sealing adhesive lines or bonded over large areas on the cardboard. It ensures the uniformity and quality of the continuous adhesive line and provides a complete and continuous bonding foundation for the subsequent folding process to form a strong hollow reinforced edge.

[0015] In one possible design, the adhesive attachment is made of sponge material.

[0016] The above design utilizes the soft, porous, and uniformly absorbent properties of the sponge. On the one hand, it can stably and fully absorb and temporarily store glue from the glue dispensing roller. On the other hand, when in contact with the cardboard, it can achieve a gentle and uniform glue transfer through elastic deformation, effectively avoiding the problems of glue accumulation, stringing, or damage to the cardboard that are easily caused by rigid rollers. At the same time, the capillary action of the sponge helps to control the amount of glue and reduce waste.

[0017] In one possible design, the folding device includes a vertical folding mechanism and an edge-pressing mechanism; the conveying device transports the paper tray to be folded through the vertical folding mechanism and the edge-pressing mechanism successively; the vertical folding mechanism is located on the conveying path downstream of the second gluing device and is used to initially fold the edge of the paper tray; the edge-pressing mechanism is located downstream of the vertical folding mechanism along the conveying direction and is used to perform final folding and pressing on the folded edge; the vertical folding mechanism includes an inclined guide and a folding pad, with a vertical gap between the inclined guide and the folding pad for the folded edge of the paper tray to pass through; the inclined guide has an inclined surface that slopes upward along the conveying direction from the entry side of the paper tray transported by the conveying device, and its entry side position is low and this low position is low. The height of the paper tray's edge to be folded is such that the edge to be folded can be gradually folded upwards along the inclined surface until the edge is completely within the vertical gap, forming a vertical folded edge. The pressing mechanism includes an inner clamping strip and a movable pressing strip. The inner clamping strip is fixed to the rear side of the folding pad in the conveying direction and arranged along the conveying direction. The pressing strip is located on the rear side of the inclined guide in the conveying direction and close to the inclined guide. As the paper tray moves with the conveying device, after its folded edge contacts the pressing strip, the pressing strip presses inwards towards the paper tray body, causing the edge of the paper tray to fold over and wrap around the inner clamping strip, so that the folded and pressed edge sticks to the outer wall of the paper tray body. The conveying device continues to convey the paper tray until the paper tray is removed from the inner clamping strip.

[0018] By adopting the above design, through a two-stage mechanical action of vertical folding and flipping pressing, and using the inner clamping strip as the forming core, the flat edge of the paper tray is processed into a reinforcing rib structure with a hollow cavity inside, which solves the problems of insufficient strength and easy deformation of traditional folding edges in the background technology. The design of the inclined guide surface makes the vertical folding process smooth and gradual, avoiding edge wrinkling or cracking. The cooperation between the pressing strip and the inner clamping strip ensures the regularity of the flipped shape and the tightness of the pressing, improving the pressure resistance, deformation resistance and overall structural rigidity of the paper tray edge.

[0019] In one possible design, the pressure strip is connected to a heating element for heating the adhesive lines at the edge of the paper tray during the pressing process.

[0020] With the above design, during the pressing process, heat is directly applied to the bonding area coated with adhesive lines, which can effectively promote the rapid activation and curing of hot melt adhesive or other adhesives. This not only makes the edge bonding stronger and faster, preventing rebound and loosening, but may also eliminate the need for separate curing waiting time or subsequent heating processes, thereby shortening the production cycle and improving overall production efficiency.

[0021] In one possible design, the tilting guide is connected to the frame via an adjusting screw, which can adjust the vertical spacing between the tilting guide and the folding pad.

[0022] The above design allows for flexible adjustment of the vertical spacing between the tilting guide and the folding pad, enabling the device to quickly and linearly adjust the gap size between the tilting guide and the folding pad. This ensures that the edges of various paper trays can smoothly enter and form a regular vertical fold, making it easy to adapt to paper tray products with different thicknesses or different folding height requirements, thus improving the versatility and flexibility of the equipment.

[0023] In one possible design, a positioning mold for supporting and positioning cardboard or paper tray is fixedly installed on the conveying device. The positioning mold extends downstream of the forming mold to the folding device. The shape of the positioning mold fits the shape of the paper tray body and moves with the conveying device.

[0024] With the above design, the positioning mold provides a unified and consistent physical positioning reference for the paper tray from stamping to folding, ensuring that the paper tray does not shift or rotate during the subsequent second gluing and folding processes, which require high positional accuracy. This solves the problem of cumulative positioning errors in the connection of multiple processes and ensures the dimensional consistency and high quality of the final product.

[0025] Another technical solution of the present invention: an automatic paper tray forming method for an automatic paper tray forming device, characterized by comprising the following steps: S1: Paperboard conveying, the paperboard is fed from the paper inlet end by a conveying device and continuously conveyed; S2: Four-corner fixed-point gluing, using the first gluing device to apply glue at fixed points and intervals in at least four corner areas of the continuously conveyed cardboard, with the glue point positions corresponding to the bonding positions of the external connection area of ​​the formed paper tray. S3: Stamping and forming, using a forming mold to stamp the cardboard with corner adhesive dots to form a disc with a concave structure, and to position the adhesive dots in the four corner areas at the preset bonding positions; S4: Continuous edge gluing, using a second gluing device to apply continuous glue lines at predetermined positions on at least two opposite edges of the formed paper tray; S5: Folding and forming. Using the folding device, the edge of the paper tray is first folded vertically, and then the vertically folded edge is folded over to form a hollow reinforcing edge and pressed onto the outer wall of the paper tray body coated with continuous adhesive lines to complete the bonding and shaping.

[0026] Using the above technical solution, the forming method follows a continuous process of "cardboard conveying, fixed-point gluing at four corners, stamping, continuous gluing at the edges, and edge folding," realizing full automation and process collaboration in paper tray production. The method has clear and interconnected steps, enabling the efficient and high-quality production of new paper trays with externally strong adhesive corners and internally hollow reinforced edges. It solves the problem of the difficulty in adapting the complex process of existing new paper trays, avoids quality defects caused by process disconnection in segmented production, ensures product consistency and stability, and significantly improves production efficiency, reduces labor costs, and meets the needs of large-scale production. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the paper tray required for processing in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cardboard blank of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gluing device and the molding die of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first adhesive applicator of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first adhesive applicator of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second gluing device of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device and conveying device of the present invention; Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the vertical folding mechanism and conveying device of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical folding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing mechanism of the present invention before the pressing action; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing mechanism after the pressing action of the present invention; Among them, 100, paper tray / cardboard; 101, first side plate; 102, second side plate; 103, first connecting plate; 104, second connecting plate; 105, first wing plate; 106, second wing plate; 107, fixing plate; 108, central gap; 109, bonding position; 110, bonded position; 1. First gluing device; 11. Glue storage mechanism; 111. Glue storage hopper; 113. Glue dispensing funnel; 12. Glue dispensing mechanism; 121. Glue dispensing roller; 122. First rotating shaft; 13. Glue application mechanism; 131. Glue application roller; 132. Glue adsorption component; 2. Molding mold; 3. Second gluing device; 4. Folding device; 41. Vertical folding mechanism; 411. Inclined guide; 4111. Inclined surface; 4112. Arc transition; 412. Folding pad; 4121. Chamfer; 413. Vertical spacing; 414. Adjusting screw; 42. Edge pressing mechanism; 421. Inner clamping strip; 422. Edge pressing strip; 423. Edge pressing drive; 424. Clamping strip positioning cylinder; 5. Rack; 6. Conveying device; 61. Positioning mold; 7. Paper input terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4The invention discloses an automatic paper tray forming device. The target paper tray 100 processed by the device has a core structure consisting of an external corner connection area and a hollow edge reinforcement structure. At the corner connection, the paper tray 100 has a connection area at the junction of the first side plate 101 and the second side plate 102, comprising a first connecting plate 103 and a second connecting plate 104. A key design feature is that the first connecting plate 103 is folded outwards through an outer fold and fixed to the outer surface of the first side plate 101, ensuring that all bonding or fixing points are located outside the paper tray 100. At the top edge of at least one pair of opposing side plates of the paper tray 100, a handle or reinforcement structure is provided. This structure includes a first wing plate 105 connected to the side plate via an outward fold line, a second wing plate 106 connected to the first wing plate 105 via a downward fold line, and a fixing plate 107 connected to the second wing plate 106 via a downward fold line. After folding, a space gap 108 is formed between the first wing plate 105 and the second wing plate 106, and the fixing plate 107 is attached and fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding side plate. For ease of understanding, in the illustration of the unfolded drawing of the cardboard 100 blank, the bonding position 109 (the four corner areas and continuous glue line positions below) is the dark pattern layer, and the bonded position 110 is the light pattern layer.

[0029] The automatic forming equipment for paper trays mainly includes a frame 5, a conveying device 6, a paper input end 7, a first gluing device 1, a forming mold 2, a second gluing device 3, and a folding device 4.

[0030] The frame 5 is the supporting frame for the entire equipment. It is made of welded steel or assembled aluminum profiles and has sufficient rigidity and stability to support all moving parts.

[0031] The conveying device 6 is mounted on the frame 5 and is used to continuously convey the cardboard 100 and subsequent semi-finished paper trays 100 along a preset straight or circular path. In this embodiment, the conveying device 6 is preferably a synchronous belt conveyor or a precision chain conveyor line, and its drive motor is precisely controlled by a central control system (such as a PLC) to ensure a constant conveying speed and accurate start and stop positions. On the conveying surface of the conveying device 6, a positioning mold 61 is fixedly installed in the key work station section. The shape of the positioning mold 61 is precisely fitted to the bottom shape of the main body of the target paper tray 100. Its function is to provide stable support and a unique positioning reference for the subsequent paper trays 100 starting from downstream of the forming mold 2, preventing them from shifting or rotating during the second gluing and folding process.

[0032] The paper input end 7 is located at the starting end of the conveying device 6 and typically includes an automatic feeding platform, a hopper, or an automatic paper cutting device, used to separate the stacked pre-shaped cardboard 100 one by one and smoothly guide them into the positioning starting position of the conveying device 6.

[0033] like Figures 5 to 8As shown, the first gluing device 1 is located downstream of the paper feed input end 7. Its function is to apply glue to the four corner areas of the conveyed paperboard 100 at fixed points and intervals. The glued points correspond to the bonding positions 109 of the external connection area of ​​the side panel after the paper tray 100 is formed. The second gluing device 3 is located downstream of the forming mold 2. Its function is to apply glue continuously and evenly to the preset paths of the two opposite long edges of the formed paper tray 100 to correspond to the subsequent edge folding and bonding.

[0034] Both the first gluing device 1 and the second gluing device 3 are based on the same core structure, namely, both include a glue storage mechanism 11, a glue dispensing mechanism 12, and a glue application mechanism 13. The glue storage mechanism 11 includes a glue storage chamber 111 enclosed by a side plate, a top plate, and a bottom plate. One side (preferably a horizontal side) of the glue storage chamber 111 forms an open strip-shaped outlet. To further facilitate glue replenishment, a glue-filling funnel 113 can be installed on the top of the glue storage chamber 111. The bottom of the glue-filling funnel 113 communicates with the interior of the glue storage chamber 111, forming a glue-adding channel. The glue dispensing mechanism 12 is located at the outlet of the glue storage mechanism 11. Its core component is a glue dispensing roller 121, which is rotatably mounted via a first rotating shaft 122. A portion of the circumferential surface of the glue dispensing roller 121 extends into the interior of the glue storage chamber 111 through the outlet and is immersed in contact with the glue. When the glue dispensing roller 121 rotates, a layer of glue adheres to its outer circumferential surface and is carried out of the glue storage tank 111 with the rotation. The glue application mechanism 13 includes a pair of glue application rollers 131, with glue adsorption members 132 provided on their outer circumferential surfaces. The axes of the glue dispensing roller 121 and the glue application roller 131 are parallel and their surfaces maintain rolling contact. Preferably, they are driven synchronously by the same drive motor and transmission system.

[0035] The core difference between the first gluing device 1 and the second gluing device 3 lies in the configuration of the glue adsorption components 132, to adapt to different process requirements: In the first gluing device 1, the glue adsorption components 132 are multiple independent and spaced-apart sponge adsorption blocks fixed to the outer periphery of the glue-applying roller 131. By matching the rotation cycle of the glue-applying roller 131 with the conveying speed of the conveying device 6, these spaced adsorption blocks can periodically and accurately contact and transfer glue at predetermined positions at the four corners of the moving cardboard 100, thus leaving four precise glue dots. Specifically, the glue-applying roller 131 can be driven by a servo motor, and the conveying speed of the conveying device 6 can be precisely matched through a gear and rack mechanism. The glue is stored in the glue storage bin 111, and the glue dispensing roller 121 rotates at a uniform speed under the drive of the servo motor, continuously carrying glue out of the bin. The glue-applying roller 131 rotates synchronously, and the sponge adsorption components on it adsorb a fixed amount of glue when they contact the glue dispensing roller 121. The cardboard 100 is conveyed by the conveying device 6 at a constant speed matching the rotation speed of the adhesive roller 131. When the sponge portion, which has absorbed the adhesive, rotates downwards and contacts the surface of the cardboard 100, the adhesive is transferred onto the cardboard 100 by compression. Due to the spacing of the sponge and precise speed synchronization, the adhesive is accurately and equidistantly applied to preset positions on the cardboard 100. Furthermore, the desired application points can be adjusted by changing the diameter of the adhesive roller 131; thus, the diameter of the adhesive roller 131 can vary depending on the cardboard. The elastic properties of the sponge ensure uniform adhesive transfer without damaging the cardboard 100, and its porous structure effectively prevents adhesive dripping or splashing.

[0036] like Figure 8 As shown, in the second gluing device 3, the glue adsorption component 132 is a complete and continuous annular sponge sleeve, tightly fitted onto the entire outer circumferential surface of the glue-applying roller 131. When the formed paper tray 100 passes by, the annular sponge sleeve maintains continuous rolling contact with the edge of the paper tray 100, thereby coating a continuous and uniform glue line on it. The specific working process is as follows: the annular glue adsorption component 132 rotates at a uniform speed with the glue-applying roller 131, and its entire circumferential surface continuously undergoes two stages in each rotation cycle: first, it maintains rolling contact with the outer surface of the glue-dispensing roller 121, thereby continuously and uniformly adsorbing glue from the glue-dispensing roller 121; subsequently, the part of it that has adsorbed glue makes rolling contact with the surface of the cardboard 100 passing below at a uniform speed, continuously coating the cardboard 100 with glue, thereby forming a continuous glue line.

[0037] The forming mold 2 is located immediately downstream of the first gluing device 1. It typically includes an upper mold and a lower mold, driven by a stamping drive mechanism. Its structure is not significantly different from existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here. When the forming mold 2 closes, it stamps the flat cardboard 100, which has been marked with adhesive dots at the four corners, instantly forming it into a disc with a concave structure. This stamping action not only shapes the basic shape of the paper disc 100, but more importantly, through the precise positioning of the mold, accurately positions the previously coated four corner adhesive dots to the corner positions between the side panels of the formed paper disc 100, i.e., the areas where the external connecting areas are to be formed.

[0038] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the folding device 4 is located downstream of the second gluing device 3 and is crucial for the final structural strength of the paper tray 100. The folding device 4 includes a vertical folding mechanism 41 and an edge pressing mechanism 42.

[0039] A vertical folding mechanism 41 is installed on the conveying path to receive the paper tray 100 from the second gluing device 3 and initially fold its planar edges into an upright state. This vertical folding mechanism 41 mainly includes an inclined guide 411 and a folding edge pad 412. The folding edge pad 412 is vertically fixed on the frame 5, with its bottom surface contacting the top surface of the edge of the paper tray 100 to prevent abnormal folding of edges that do not need to be folded. Its sides support the edge portion of the paper tray 100 that requires folding. The inclined guide 411 is suspended on one side of the folding edge pad 412, with a specific vertical gap 413 maintained between them. The thickness of this vertical gap 413 is slightly greater than the thickness of the paper tray 100 substrate to allow the folded edge of the paper tray 100 to pass through.

[0040] The main technical feature of the inclined guide 411 is that it has an inclined surface 4111 at its top. This inclined surface 4111 starts from the side where the paper tray 100 enters (i.e., the entry side) and slopes upward along the height direction of the conveying direction. Its entry side end is at a low position, and the design height of this low point is lower than the initial height of the edge of the paper tray 100 to be folded. When the paper tray 100 is conveyed to this point, the bottom of its overhanging edge first contacts the low point. As the paper tray 100 continues to move forward, the edge is forced to slide upward along the inclined surface 4111, thereby being smoothly and gradually folded up until it fully enters and passes through the vertical gap 413, forming an upright edge folded state.

[0041] To ensure a smooth start to the folding process and prevent edge jamming or damage, the starting end of the inclined surface 4111 on the entry side of the paper tray 100 is preferably machined into a rounded transition 4112. Simultaneously, a chamfer 4121 is formed on the folding pad 412 at a position corresponding to the rounded transition 4112. This rounded transition 4112 and the chamfer 4121 work together to form an entry guide at the entrance that is wider on the outside, narrower on the inside, and gradually converges inward, gently guiding the edge of the paper tray 100 into the vertical gap 413.

[0042] To accommodate paper trays 100 with varying thicknesses or folding heights, the connection between the tilt guide 411 and the frame 5 is preferably designed to be adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, this can be achieved by adjusting the screw 414. Rotating the adjusting screw 414 allows for precise changes in the position of the tilt guide 411, thereby adjusting the vertical spacing 413 between it and the folding pad 412, thus enhancing the versatility of the device.

[0043] The edge-pressing mechanism 42 is located on the rear side of the vertical folding mechanism 41 along the conveying direction, and is used to perform final shaping and fixing of the edge of the paper tray 100, which is already in a vertical folding state. The edge-pressing mechanism 42 mainly includes an inner clamping strip 421 and an edge-pressing strip 422. The inner clamping strip 421 is fixedly installed on the frame 5 and can be installed on the rear end of the folding pad 412 via a bracket, extending along the conveying direction in its length direction. The cross-sectional shape of the inner clamping strip 421 matches the inner cavity of the reinforcing rib to be formed, and is usually rectangular, circular, or elliptical. The edge-pressing strip 422 is located on the rear side of the inclined guide 411 and is positioned close to the end of the inclined guide 411. The edge-pressing strip 422 is designed to reciprocate horizontally toward the main body of the paper tray 100. The edge-pressing strip 422 is connected to an edge-pressing drive 423, such as a cylinder, an electric push rod, or a cam mechanism driven by a servo motor. The drive stroke of the edge-pressing drive 423 is adjustable to accurately control the pressing force. In a further optimized embodiment, a heating element, such as an electric heating tube or a thermistor, may also be integrated on the pressing strip 422, the heat generated of which can be conducted to the working surface of the pressing strip 422.

[0044] To ensure the accurate positioning of the inner clamping strip 421 at the moment of pressing, several clamping strip positioning cylinders 424 can be installed on the frame 5 near the inner clamping strip 421. Before the pressing strip 422 moves, the output shafts of these clamping strip positioning cylinders 424 can extend first, pressing the inner clamping strip 421 against a specific reference surface of the positioning mold 61 to achieve accurate positioning and eliminate any gaps.

[0045] The working process of the folding device 4 is as follows: 1. Feeding and conveying: The paper tray 100 coated by the second gluing device 3 is placed on the positioning mold 61 of the conveying device 6, and adhesive is applied to the bonding position 109. Then it moves with the conveying device 6 towards the vertical folding mechanism 41.

[0046] 2. Vertical fold at the edge: When the edge of the paper tray 100 reaches the entry guide of the vertical folding mechanism 41, guided by the arc transition 4112 and the chamfer 4121, the edge smoothly contacts the low point of the inclined surface 4111, and as the paper tray 100 moves forward, it is gradually folded upward along the inclined surface 4111 until it is completely vertically folded and passes through the vertical interval 413.

[0047] 3. Preparation for edge pressing: The paper tray 100 continues to be conveyed, and the edge after being erected enters the edge pressing mechanism 42 area. If a clamping strip positioning cylinder 424 is provided, it will act first to accurately position the inner clamping strip 421 to the preset position.

[0048] IV. Folding, Wrapping, and Pressing: When the upright edge contacts the stationary edge-pressing strip 422, the edge-pressing drive 423 is activated, driving the edge-pressing strip 422 to quickly press it into the body of the paper tray 100. The edge-pressing strip 422 presses the upright edge inward, tightly wrapping it around the outer periphery of the inner clamping strip 421. If the edge-pressing strip 422 has a heating function, the heat also acts to promote the rapid adhesion of the pre-coated adhesive on the paper tray 100. The folded edge is firmly pressed against the outer wall of the paper tray 100 body, forming a hollow reinforcing edge that wraps around the inner clamping strip 421.

[0049] V. Demolding and Unloading: The pressing strip 422 and the clamping strip positioning cylinder 424 retract and reset, and the conveying device 6 continues to move forward, removing the paper tray 100 with the completed edge folding from the inner clamping strip 421 and transporting it to the next station to complete one processing cycle.

[0050] An automatic forming method for a paper tray 100 based on the above-mentioned equipment includes the following steps: S1: Paperboard conveying. The paperboard 100 to be processed is placed at the paper input end 7, and the paperboard 100 is continuously conveyed along the preset path of the frame 5 by the conveying device 6.

[0051] S2: Precise application of adhesive at four corners. Using the first adhesive application device 1, four adhesive dots are precisely applied to the four corner areas of the continuously conveyed cardboard 100 by spaced-out adsorption blocks. Specifically, as the cardboard 100 passes through the first adhesive application device 1, the glue dispensing roller 121 of the first adhesive application device 1 carries glue from the glue storage mechanism 11, and the glue-adhesive roller 131 drives the spaced-out glue adsorption blocks 132 to adsorb the glue. By matching the speed of the glue-adhesive roller 131 with that of the conveying device 6, the glue adsorption blocks 132 complete the precise application of adhesive at the bonding surfaces of the four corners of the cardboard 100.

[0052] S3: Stamping. The cardboard 100 is stamped using the forming mold 2 to form a concave disc, while the glue dots are positioned at the side panel connection area.

[0053] S4: Continuous Glue Application at the Edges. Using the second glue application device 3, a continuous glue line is applied to the two opposite edges of the paper tray 100 via an annular adsorption sleeve. Specifically, the formed paper tray 100 passes through the second glue application device 3 along with the conveying device 6. The glue dispensing roller 121 of the second glue application device 3 carries glue from the glue storage mechanism 11, and the glue-adhesive roller 131 drives the annular glue adsorption element 132 to adsorb the glue, forming a continuous glue line at the preset edge position of the side plate of the paper tray 100.

[0054] S5: Folding and forming. Using the folding device 4, the edge of the paper tray 100 is first folded vertically, then folded over, wrapped around the inner clamping strip 421, and heated and pressed together to form a hollow, reinforced edge, resulting in the finished paper tray 100. Specifically, the paper tray 100 enters the folding device 4 and is first guided by the entry guide port of the vertical folding mechanism 41. The edge of the side plate is gradually folded vertically along the inclined surface 4111 and enters the vertical interval 413. Then, the clamping strip positioning cylinder 424 presses the inner clamping strip 421 to fix it to the positioning mold 61. The edge pressing drive 423 drives the edge pressing strip 422 to press into the main body of the paper tray 100, so that the vertically folded edge is folded over and wrapped around the inner clamping strip 421. The heating element assists in the curing of the glue, and the edge is adhered to the outer wall of the main body of the paper tray 100 to form a hollow reinforced structure.

[0055] Finally, the paper tray 100 is discharged, and the conveying device 6 continues to drive the paper tray 100, which has completed the folding, to detach from the inner clamping strip 421 and be conveyed to the discharge end of the equipment, thus completing the automatic forming of the paper tray 100.

Claims

1. An automatic paper tray forming device, characterized in that: include: Rack (5); A conveying device (6) is installed on the frame (5) for continuously conveying cardboard (100) and semi-finished paper trays along a preset path; And the following are arranged sequentially and cooperate with the conveying device (6) along its conveying direction: The paper feed input end (7) is used to feed the paperboard (100) into the conveying device (6); The first gluing device (1) is used to apply glue to the four corner areas of the paperboard (100) in a fixed and intermittent manner to meet the bonding requirements of the external connection area of ​​the formed paper tray. The forming mold (2) is located downstream of the first gluing device (1) and is used to press the cardboard (100) that has been glued at the corner to form a disc with a concave structure and to position the corner glue dots to a preset connection area. The second gluing device (3) is located downstream of the forming mold (2) and is used to continuously apply glue to the predetermined straight path of the two opposite edges of the formed paper tray to meet the subsequent edge bonding requirements. The folding device (4) is located downstream of the second gluing device (3) and is used to fold, flip and press the edges of the paper tray that has been glued to the edges to form a hollow reinforced edge. The conveying device (6) is arranged through the paperboard (100) or paper tray so that the paperboard (100) or paper tray can pass through and be processed sequentially at the paper input end (7), the first gluing device (1), the forming mold (2), the second gluing device (3) and the folding device (4).

2. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first gluing device (1) and the second gluing device (3) include a glue storage mechanism (11), a glue dispensing mechanism (12), and a glue application mechanism (13); the glue storage mechanism (11) contains glue; the glue dispensing mechanism (12) is located at the outlet of the glue storage mechanism (11), and the glue dispensing mechanism (12) includes a glue dispensing roller (121), which rolls and partially contacts the glue in the glue storage mechanism (11) to carry the glue to its outer surface; the glue application mechanism (13) The cardboard (100) transported by the conveying device (6) comes into contact with the glue dispensing mechanism (12), and passes through the glue applicator (13). The glue applicator (13) includes a glue applicator roller (131) and a glue adsorption member (132) disposed on the outer periphery of the glue applicator roller (131). The glue adsorption member (132) rolls with the glue applicator roller (131) and sequentially forms contact with the outer surface of the glue dispensing roller (121) and the surface of the cardboard (100) transported by the conveying device (6).

3. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The glue adsorption element (132) of the first gluing device (1) is distributed at intervals on the outer periphery of the glue-adhesive roller (131), and the rotation cycle of the glue-adhesive roller (131) is matched with the conveying speed of the conveying device (6), so that the glue adsorption element (132) periodically forms glue dots at each corner contact position of the cardboard (100).

4. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The glue adsorption component (132) of the second gluing device (3) is a complete ring-shaped component, which is continuously fitted on the entire outer circumferential surface of the glue-applying roller (131). The ring-shaped glue adsorption component (132) rolls with the glue-applying roller (131) and makes continuous contact with the outer surface of the corresponding glue-dispensing roller (121) and the edge area of ​​the paper tray conveyed by the conveying device (6) in sequence, so as to form a continuous glue line at the edge of the paper tray.

5. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adhesive absorbent (132) is made of sponge material.

6. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding device (4) includes a vertical folding mechanism (41) and an edge pressing mechanism (42); the conveying device (6) conveys the paper tray to be folded through the vertical folding mechanism (41) and the edge pressing mechanism (42) in succession; the vertical folding mechanism (41) is located on the conveying path downstream of the second gluing device (3) and is used to initially fold up the edge of the paper tray; the edge pressing mechanism (42) is located downstream of the vertical folding mechanism (41) along the conveying direction and is used to perform final folding and pressing on the folded edge; The vertical folding mechanism (41) includes an inclined guide (411) and a folding pad (412). There is a vertical gap (413) between the inclined guide (411) and the folding pad (412) for the paper tray to pass through. The inclined guide (411) has an inclined surface (4111) that is inclined upward along the conveying direction from the entry side of the paper tray being transported by the conveying device (6). The entry side position is low and the low position is lower than the height of the edge of the paper tray to be folded, so that the edge of the paper tray to be folded can be folded upward gradually along the inclined surface (4111) until the edge is completely entered into the vertical gap (413) to form a vertical folded edge state. The pressing mechanism (42) includes an inner clamping strip (421) and a movable pressing strip (422). The inner clamping strip (421) is fixed to the rear side of the folding pad (412) in the conveying direction and arranged along the conveying direction. The pressing strip (422) is located on the rear side of the inclined guide (411) in the conveying direction and close to the inclined guide (411). The paper tray moves with the conveying device (6). After its folded edge contacts the pressing strip (422), the pressing strip (422) presses into the paper tray body, causing the edge of the paper tray to fold and wrap the inner clamping strip (421), so that the folded and pressed edge sticks to the outer wall of the paper tray body. The conveying device (6) continues to convey the paper tray until the paper tray is separated from the inner clamping strip (421).

7. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pressing strip (422) is connected to a heating element for heating the adhesive lines on the edge of the paper tray during the pressing process.

8. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tilting guide (411) is connected to the frame (5) by an adjusting screw (414), which can adjust the size of the vertical interval (413) between the tilting guide (411) and the folding pad (412).

9. The automatic paper tray forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying device (6) is fixedly installed with a positioning mold (61) for supporting and positioning the cardboard (100) or paper tray. The positioning mold (61) extends downstream from the forming mold (2) to the folding device (4). The shape of the positioning mold (61) fits the shape of the paper tray body and moves with the conveying device (6).

10. An automatic paper tray forming method based on the automatic paper tray forming equipment according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Paperboard conveying, the paperboard (100) is fed from the paper input end (7) by the conveying device (6) and continuously conveyed; S2: Apply glue at four corners. The first glue application device (1) applies glue at fixed points and at intervals to at least four corner areas of the continuously conveyed cardboard (100). The glue points correspond to the bonding positions (109) of the external connecting area of ​​the formed paper tray. S3: Stamping and forming, using the forming mold (2) to stamp the cardboard (100) with corner adhesive dots to form a disc with a concave structure, and to place the adhesive dots in the four corner areas at the preset bonding positions; S4: Continuous edge gluing, using the second gluing device (3) to apply continuous glue lines at predetermined positions on at least two opposite edges of the formed paper tray; S5: Folding and forming: Using the folding device (4), the edge of the paper tray is first folded vertically, and then the vertically folded edge is folded over to form a hollow reinforcing edge and pressed onto the outer wall of the paper tray body coated with continuous adhesive lines to complete the bonding and shaping.

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