Automatic strapping device for transport strapping band hook

Abstract

The automatic banding device for the traffic transport banding hook provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hook clamping device, a first turning plate, a lifting cylinder, a linear guide rail, a hook fixing device, a band clamping device and a hook (a hole workpiece). After the hook fixing device fixes the hook (the hole workpiece) to the specified position of the banding station, the hook clamping device clamps the band, makes the band pass through the hole of the hook and turns over to the sewing position, and then the band clamping device fixes the band and sends the band to the sewing station. The whole automatic banding production process does not need manual operation and manual intervention, and is completely completed independently and automatically by the equipment. Therefore, the stability of the automatic production is greatly improved, and the hidden danger and problem of the capacity reduction caused by the personnel absence are greatly eliminated. The embodiment of the present disclosure has a simple structure, can be installed in various similar production environments, completely saves the manual operation, improves the stability and consistency of the production line capacity, reduces the enterprise cost, and greatly reduces the labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the fields of mechanical manufacturing and textile processing, which require the processing and production of flexible strip materials through perforated materials to form a single article, and particularly to an automatic strapping device for a transportation strapping hook. Background Technology

[0002] The production process of common security straps for securing luggage, trailer tires, and containers is mostly manual. Operators cut the straps to the required length, manually thread them through hooks, and then sew them together using a sewing machine. For a long time, production capacity has relied on worker skill and attendance. However, given the current situation of widespread pandemics, labor shortages, and high labor costs, automating the strap-threading process is a solution many manufacturers are seeking to stabilize and increase production capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic strapping device for transportation strapping hooks, so as to automatically thread flexible strapping through perforated workpieces, eliminating manual labor. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides an automatic strapping device for a transportation strapping hook assembly, the automatic strapping device comprising:

[0005] A threading clamp is required on every threading production line. The threading clamp consists of two toothed metal clamping handles, which are normally in a tightened state. The threading clamp is long and thin, with symmetrical toothed clamping plates at the front end. The length of the threading clamp is at least three times the thickness of the hole in the hook (workpiece with a hole). The width and thickness of the threading clamp are both smaller than the inner diameter of the hole in the hook (workpiece with a hole). The two clamping handles of the threading clamp are connected together by a rotating shaft. There is a power drive device behind the rotating shaft. The threading clamp is mounted on a guide rail or a movable slide rail.

[0006] The first-stage flip plate, composed of a metal plate, a positioning pin, and a return spring, is located at the rear end of the hook clamp's rotating shaft, near the tail end of the hook clamp, and connected to a handle on the hook clamp via another rotating shaft to the lower side of the metal plate. The upper side of the metal plate is connected to a lifting cylinder. The positioning pin is fixed below the metal plate, above the handle on the hook clamp, away from the rotating shaft but close to the return spring. The free end of the positioning pin contacts the handle on the hook clamp. By adjusting the length of the positioning pin, the hook clamp remains horizontal during standby and clamping operations. Normally, the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp are horizontal together, meaning the hole in the workpiece is vertically facing the hook clamp and the first-stage flip plate. During standby and clamping operations, the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp move horizontally together. When the first-stage flip plate, carrying the hook clamp, returns to the flipping position, the lifting cylinder moves the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp upwards and to the right.

[0007] The lifting cylinder, a common industrial cylinder, has a piston displacement control accuracy of at least 2mm and a repeatability accuracy of at least 2mm. The cylinder is vertically mounted below a linear guide rail and moves horizontally below the linear guide rail. A first-stage flap is fixed to the piston end of the cylinder, and the cylinder drives the first-stage flap to move vertically up and down.

[0008] Linear guides, industrial linear guides, with a movement accuracy of at least 2mm and adjustable movement speed. The linear guides are firmly mounted above the automatic tape threading production line. The moving head drives the lifting cylinder, the first-stage flip plate, and the threading hook clamp to move horizontally together. The length of the linear guides covers at least from the material feeding station to the end of the last tape threading station.

[0009] The hook holder is a device used to grip and hold the hooks (perforated workpieces) from the feeding station, and then position them at a designated location in the threading station. It consists of a pickup head, a rotating shaft, and a positioning device. The hook holder fixes the hooks (perforated workpieces) in a consistent direction and position, ensuring that the perforated plane of the hook (perforated workpiece) faces the threading clamp, and the center of the perforation aligns with the moving center of the threading clamp. After the threading command is completed, the hook holder releases the hooks (perforated workpieces), allowing them to move upwards and backwards along with the conveyor belt.

[0010] The strip clamping device is used to tighten and fix the strip on the production line, ensuring that the strip does not move and providing a guarantee and position reference for the strip clamping operation. The strip is fed from the feeder to the strip clamping device, passes through the strip clamping device, and reaches the front of the hook (workpiece with holes). When the hook clamp passes through the hole of the hook (workpiece with holes) and clamps the strip, the strip clamping device releases the strip and, together with the hook clamp, conveys the strip to the designed length. Then the hook clamp stops pulling while the strip clamping device tightens the strip.

[0011] A hook array (workpiece with holes), each workpiece has a through hole, and the holes on each workpiece are of the same size, with a diameter that allows the hook clamp to pass through freely without contact.

[0012] In some embodiments, two sets of the automatic tape-threading device are installed at the tape-threading station. After the hook clamp passes through the first row of hooks (workpieces with holes) and drives the tape to the sewing position, the tape fastening device will fix the tape. Then, on the other side of the tape fixing device, another row of hooks (workpieces with holes) will be delivered by another hook clamp, such as a ratchet puller. At this time, another hook threader will pass the other end of the tape through the hole of the new row of hooks (workpieces with holes) from the other side. Then the tape will be flipped to the sewing position and fixed by the tape clamping device. The entire device moves to the sewing station. The entire device includes a first-level flipping plate related equipment, a hook clamp, and a tape clamping device. The entire device is mounted on the XY slide.

[0013] In some embodiments, two primary flaps may be installed on the same track. The first primary flap, which is closer to the feeder, is in standby mode and raised to a height that does not obstruct the feeder's operation. The second primary flap drives the hook clamp to complete the automatic hooking of the first workpiece. Then, the feeder is released, and the hook clamp continues to move backward to make room for the second hook retainer. After the second hook retainer is in place, the second primary flap, with the hook clamp, performs the hooking operation again, passing the feeder through the second hook (workpiece with holes). Then, the first primary flap starts working, moving to the end of the feeder. The hook clamp clamps the end of the feeder and flips it, causing the feeder to flip to the sewing position. At this time, the feeder clamping device comes over and tightens the feeder. The entire feeder and the two hooks (workpieces with holes) move to the sewing position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hook clamp further includes a visual recognition device and a sensor for detecting successful clamping;

[0015] In some embodiments, the hook clamp can also be installed separately from the first-stage flip plate. That is, the hook clamp only retains the function of linear movement on the material belt track and clamping the material belt, while the first-stage flip plate cancels the function of clamping the material belt, but retains the function of flipping the material belt.

[0016] In some embodiments, if the diameter of the opening of the hook (workpiece with hole) is smaller than the width of the strip, a pre-shaping guide tool for the strip needs to be added on the other side of the hook clamp and the workpiece during the automatic strip threading process to make the two sides of the strip curl up to ensure that the width of the strip at the opening entrance is smaller than the opening diameter.

[0017] Beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein:

[0018] This disclosure provides an automatic strapping device for transportation strapping hooks. The device includes a hook clamp, a primary flip plate, a lifting cylinder, a linear guide, a hook fixing device, a strapping clamping device, and hooks (for perforated workpieces). A series of interconnected actions of the automatic strapping device allow the strapping to automatically pass through the hooks / ratchet puller hooks (for perforated workpieces), eliminating the need for manual operation and intervention. This significantly improves the stability of automated production and greatly reduces the potential for reduced productivity caused by staff absences. This disclosure has a simple structure, can be installed in various similar production environments, completely eliminates manual labor, improves the stability and consistency of production line capacity, reduces enterprise costs, and greatly reduces the labor intensity of personnel.

[0019] Of course, implementing any product or method of this disclosure does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall main structure of the automatic strapping device for the transportation strapping hooks in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall threading station structure of the automatic threading device for the transportation strapping hooks in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic strapping device for the transportation strapping hooks in this embodiment of the present disclosure after the strapping is threaded and flipped to the sewing position. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0025] To automatically thread flexible strapping through perforated workpieces, eliminating manual labor, this disclosure provides an automatic strapping device for transportation strapping hooks. For ease of description, it will be referred to as an automatic strapping device. This automatic strapping device is used in locations where manual strapping at each workstation was previously required, but which now need to be upgraded to unmanned automatic strapping production. The automatic strapping device provided in this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 As shown, the automatic belt-threading device provided in this embodiment includes:

[0027] There is at least one hook clamp 1 on a threading production line. The hook clamp 1 consists of two toothed metal clamping handles 7 and 8, which are normally in a tightened state. The hook clamp 1 is slender and has symmetrical toothed clamping plates at the front end. The length of the hook clamp 1 is at least three times the thickness of the hole of the hook (workpiece with hole) 12. The width and thickness of the hook clamp 1 are both smaller than the inner diameter of the hole of the hook (workpiece with hole) 12. The two clamping handles 7 and 8 of the hook clamp 1 are connected together by a rotating shaft 10. There is a power drive device behind the rotating shaft 10. The hook clamp 1 is mounted on a guide rail or a movable slide rail.

[0028] The first-stage flip plate 2, composed of a metal plate 11, a positioning pin 5, and a return spring 6, is located at the rear end of the pivot 10 of the hook clamp 1, near the tail end of the hook clamp 1, and connected to a handle 7 on the hook clamp 1 via another pivot 9 to the lower side of the metal plate 11. The upper side of the metal plate 11 is connected to the lifting cylinder 3. The positioning pin 5 is fixed below the metal plate 11, above the handle 7 on the hook clamp 1, away from the pivot 9 but close to the return spring 6. The free end of the positioning pin 5 contacts the handle 7 on the hook clamp 1. By adjusting the length of the positioning pin 5, the hook clamp 1 remains horizontal during standby and during clamping operations. Normally, the first-level flip plate 2 and the through hook clamp 1 are in a horizontal position together, that is, the holes of the hook (workpiece with holes) 12 are facing the through hook clamp 1 and the first-level flip plate 2 in a vertical direction. When in standby or during clamping operations, the first-level flip plate 2 and the through hook clamp 1 move together in a horizontal position. When the first-level flip plate 2 takes the through hook clamp 1 back to the flipping position, the lifting cylinder 3 drives the first-level flip plate 2 and the through hook clamp 1 to move upward and to the right together.

[0029] The lifting cylinder 3 is a common industrial cylinder with a piston displacement control accuracy of at least 2mm and a repeatability accuracy of at least 2mm. The cylinder 3 is vertically installed below the linear guide rail 4 and moves horizontally below the linear guide rail 4. A first-stage flap 2 is fixed to the piston end of the cylinder 3, and the cylinder 3 drives the first-stage flap 2 to move vertically up and down.

[0030] Linear guide 4, industrial linear guide, with a movement accuracy of at least 2mm and adjustable movement speed. The linear guide 4 is firmly mounted above the automatic tape threading production line. The moving head drives the lifting cylinder 3, the first-stage flip plate 2 and the threading hook clamp 1 to move horizontally together. The length of the linear guide 4 covers at least from the material feeding station to the end of the last tape threading station.

[0031] The hook holder 18 is a device used to grip and hold the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12 from the feeding station, and then position the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12 at a designated position in the threading station. It consists of a pickup head 15, a rotating shaft 16, and a positioning device 14. The hook holder 18 fixes the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12 in a consistent direction and position, ensuring that the open plane of the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12 faces the threading clamp 1, and the center of the open plane of the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12 is aligned with the moving center of the threading clamp 1. After the threading is completed, the hook holder 18 releases the hooks (perforated workpieces) 12, allowing them to move upwards and backwards along with the material belt 13.

[0032] The strip clamping device 19 is used to tighten and fix the strip 13 on the production line, ensuring that the strip 13 does not move, and providing a guarantee and position reference for the strip clamping operation. When the strip 13 is fed from the feeder to the strip clamping device 19, passes through the strip clamping device 19, and reaches the front of the hook (workpiece with hole) 12, the strip clamping device 19 starts and tightens the strip 13. When the hook clamp 1 passes through the hole of the hook 12 and clamps the strip 13, the strip clamping device 19 releases the strip 13 and, together with the hook clamp 1, conveys the strip 13 to the designed length. Then the hook clamp 1 stops pulling while the strip clamping device 19 tightens the strip 13.

[0033] The hook (workpiece with hole) 12 has at least one through hole, and the size of each hole is the same, and the diameter of the hole is at least large enough to allow the hook clamp 1 to pass through freely without contact.

[0034] In this embodiment, the automatic threading device is installed in two sets at the threading station. After the threading hook clamp 1 completes the threading of the first row of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12 and drives the material belt 13 to flip to the sewing position A, the material belt fastening device 19 will fix the material belt 13. Then, on the other side of the material belt fixing device 19, another row of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12 will be delivered by another row of hooks (workpieces with holes), such as a ratchet hand puller. At this time, another threading hook 1 will pass the other end of the material belt 13 through the hole of the new row of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12 from the other side. Then the material belt 13 flips to the sewing position A and is fixed by the material belt clamping device 19. The entire device moves to the sewing station. The entire device includes the first-level flip plate 2 related equipment, the row of hooks clamping device 18 and the material belt clamping device 19. The entire device is mounted on the XY slide.

[0035] In this embodiment, two primary flaps 2 can be installed on the same track. The first primary flap 2, which is closer to the feeder, is in standby mode and raised to a height that does not obstruct the operation of the feeder 13. The second primary flap 2 drives the hook clamp 1 to complete the automatic hooking operation of the first row of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12. Then the feeder 13 is released, and the hook clamp 1 continues to move backward to make room for the second row of hook fixer 18. After the second row of hook fixer 18 is in place, the second primary flap 2, with the hook clamp 1, performs the hooking operation again, passing the feeder 13 through the second row of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12. Then the first primary flap 2 starts working and moves to the end of the feeder 13. The hook clamp 1 clamps the end of the feeder 13 and flips it so that the feeder 13 flips to the sewing position A. At this time, the feeder clamping device 19 comes over and tightens the feeder 13. The entire feeder 13 and the two rows of hooks (workpieces with holes) 12 move to the sewing position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the hook clamp further includes a visual recognition device and a sensor for detecting successful clamping;

[0037] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the hook clamp can also be installed separately from the first-stage flip plate 2. That is, the hook clamp 1 only retains the function of linear movement on the material belt track and clamping the material belt, while the first-stage flip plate 2 cancels the function of clamping the material belt, but retains the function of flipping the material belt.

[0038] In some embodiments, if the diameter of the opening of the hook (workpiece with hole) 12 is smaller than the width of the strip 13, in the automatic threading process, a pre-shaping guide tool for the strip needs to be added on the other side of the hook clamp 1 and the workpiece 12 to make the two sides of the strip curl up, so as to ensure that the width of the strip 13 at the opening entrance is smaller than the opening diameter.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An automatic strapping device for a strapping hook system in transportation, characterized in that, include: There is at least one hook clamp on a threading production line. The hook clamp consists of two toothed metal clamping handles, which are normally in a clamped state. The hook clamp is slender and has symmetrical toothed clamping plates at the front end. The length of the hook clamp is at least three times the thickness of the hole of the hook. The width and thickness of the hook clamp are at least less than the inner diameter of the hole of the hook. The two clamping handles of the hook clamp are connected together by a rotating shaft. There is a power drive device behind the rotating shaft. The hook clamp is mounted on a guide rail or a movable slide rail. The first-stage flip plate consists of a metal plate, a positioning pin, and a return spring. It is located near the rear end of the hook clamp's rotating shaft, close to the tail end of the hook clamp, and connected to a handle on the hook clamp via another rotating shaft to the lower end of the metal plate. The upper end of the metal plate is connected to a lifting cylinder. The positioning pin is fixed below the metal plate, above the handle on the hook clamp, away from the rotating shaft but close to the return spring. The free end of the positioning pin contacts the handle on the hook clamp. By adjusting the length of the positioning pin, the hook clamp remains horizontal during standby and clamping operations. Normally, the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp are horizontal together, meaning the holes of the hook arrangement face vertically towards the hook clamp and the first-stage flip plate. During standby and clamping operations, the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp move horizontally together. When the first-stage flip plate, carrying the hook clamp, returns to the flipping position, the lifting cylinder drives the first-stage flip plate and the hook clamp to move upward and to the right together. The lifting cylinder is an industrial cylinder. The displacement control accuracy of the cylinder piston is at least 2mm, and the repeatability is at least 2mm. The cylinder is vertically installed below the linear guide rail and moves horizontally below the linear guide rail. A first-stage flap is fixed to the piston end of the cylinder, and the cylinder drives the first-stage flap to move vertically up and down. The linear guide is an industrial linear guide with a movement accuracy of at least 2mm and an adjustable movement speed. The linear guide is firmly mounted above the automatic tape threading production line. The moving head drives the lifting cylinder, the first-stage flip plate, and the threading hook clamp to move horizontally together. The length of the linear guide covers at least from the material feeding station to the end of the last tape threading station. The hook holder is a device used to grab and hold the hooks from the feeding station, and then position the hooks at the designated position in the hook threading station. It consists of a pickup head, a rotating shaft, and a positioning device. The hook holder fixes the hooks in a consistent direction and position, so that the plane of the hook opening faces the hook threading clamp, and the center of the opening is consistent with the moving center of the hook threading clamp. After the threading instruction is completed, the hook holder will release the hooks, so that the hooks can move out together with the material belt in the upward and backward directions. The strip clamping device is used to clamp and fix the strip on the production line to ensure that the strip does not move. It provides a guarantee and position reference for the strip threading operation. The strip is fed from the feeder to the strip clamping device. When the strip passes through the strip clamping device and reaches the front of the hook, the strip clamping device starts and clamps the strip. When the threading clamp passes through the hole of the hook and clamps the strip, the strip clamping device releases the strip and works with the threading clamp to transport the strip to the designed length. Then the threading clamp stops pulling and the strip clamping device clamps the strip. A hook array is a type of workpiece with holes. Each workpiece has at least one through hole, and the holes in each workpiece are of the same size. The diameter of the holes is at least large enough to allow the hook clamp to pass through freely without contact. The aforementioned automatic strapping device for transportation strapping hooks is installed in two units at the strapping station. After the hook clamp passes through the first hook and drives the strap to the sewing position, the strap fastening device will fix the strap. Then, on the other side of the strap fixing device, another hook holder will deliver another hook. At this time, another hook threader will pass the other end of the strap through the hole of the new hook from the other side. Then the strap flips to the sewing position and is fixed by the strap clamping device. The entire device moves to the sewing station. The entire device includes a first-stage flip plate, hook holders, and strap clamping devices. The entire device is mounted on an XY slide rail. The first-stage flip plate can be installed on the same track with two first-stage flip plates. The first first-stage flip plate, which is closer to the material feeder, is in standby mode and raised to a height that does not obstruct the operation of the material belt. The second first-stage flip plate drives the hook clamp to complete the automatic hooking of the first row of hooks. Then the material belt is released, and the hook clamp continues to move backward to make room for the second row of hook fixer. After the second row of hook fixer is in place, the second first-stage flip plate, with the hook clamp, performs the hooking operation again, passing the material belt through the second row of hooks. Then the first first-stage flip plate starts working, moving to the end of the material belt. The hook clamp clamps the end of the material belt and flips it over, so that the material belt is flipped to the sewing position. At this time, the material belt clamping device comes over and clamps the material belt. Then the entire material belt and the two rows of hooks move to the sewing position.

2. The automatic strapping device for a strapping hook system in transportation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hook clamp also includes a visual recognition device and a sensor to detect successful clamping.

3. An automatic strapping device for a strapping hook system in transportation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hook clamp can also be installed separately from the first-stage flip plate. That is, the hook clamp only retains the function of linear movement on the material belt track and clamping the material belt, while the first-stage flip plate cancels the function of clamping the material belt, but retains the function of flipping the material belt.

4. An automatic strapping device for a strapping hook system in transportation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the diameter of the opening of the hook is smaller than the diameter of the strip, in the automatic threading process, a pre-shaping guide tool for the strip needs to be added on the other side of the hook clamp and the hook to make the two sides of the strip curl up, so as to ensure that the width of the strip at the opening entrance is smaller than the opening diameter.

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