Automatic lid opener and lid closeer

Abstract

This application provides an automatic cap separating device and a cap closing device. The automatic cap separating device of the first aspect of this application includes a cap-supporting ring, a rotating ring, and a clamping ring that are stacked sequentially and coaxially assembled as a single unit. The rotating ring can rotate relative to the cap-supporting ring and the clamping ring, allowing the automatic cap separating device to switch between a reset state and a feeding state. In the reset state, multiple cap-supporting components arranged circumferentially along the cap-supporting ring extend radially into the cap-supporting ring, while multiple clamping components arranged circumferentially along the clamping ring retract and embed themselves in the clamping ring to support the cap. In the feeding state, multiple clamping components extend radially into the clamping ring, while multiple cap-supporting components retract and embed themselves in the cap-supporting ring to output the cap. The automatic cap separating device of the first aspect of this application achieves rapid, efficient, and high-quality automatic cap separating of stacked caps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of packaging equipment technology for cup products, specifically to an automatic lid dispenser and lid closing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity and widespread use of cup-packaged beverages, the demand for packaging efficiency has increased. When serving cup-packaged beverages, it is necessary to remove a large number of stacked cup lids and reseal them onto the cups. However, whether using general lid-separating equipment or manual separation, the process of removing lids from a stack generally suffers from low efficiency and poor sealing results. High-efficiency, high-quality automated lid separation is not achievable.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of automatic lid opener and lid closeer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an automatic cap dispenser, comprising a cap-supporting ring, a rotating ring, and a clamping ring that are stacked sequentially and coaxially assembled as a single unit, wherein...

[0005] The rotating ring can rotate relative to the cover support ring and the clamping ring, allowing the automatic cover dispenser to switch between a reset state and a feeding state.

[0006] In the reset state, multiple cover support components arranged circumferentially along the cover ring extend radially into the cover ring, while multiple clamping components arranged circumferentially along the clamping ring retract and embed in the clamping ring to support the cover body.

[0007] In the unloading state, multiple clamping components extend radially along the clamping ring into the ring, and multiple cover support components retract and embed in the cover support ring to output the cover body.

[0008] The automatic cap separator provided in the first aspect of this application achieves rapid, efficient, and high-quality automatic cap separation from stacked caps through the cooperation of a cap-supporting ring, a rotating ring, and a clamping ring. The rotating ring rotates relative to the cap-supporting ring and the clamping ring. The automatic cap separator switches between a reset state and a feeding state, enabling continuous and uninterrupted automatic cap separation from stacked caps. The automatic cap separator provided in the first aspect of this application has high cap separation quality. In the reset state, the clamping component of the clamping ring is embedded in the clamping ring, while multiple cap-supporting components arranged circumferentially around the cap-supporting ring support the caps and, in conjunction with gravity, correct the posture of the caps about to fall into contact with the cap-supporting components. In the feeding state, the clamping component of the clamping ring extends radially into the clamping ring, clamping at least one cap stacked on top of the caps to be separated, ensuring that only the caps to be separated fall, while the remaining caps stacked on top are fixed in the automatic cap separator, thus achieving cap separation. The clamping component also exerts a squeezing action on at least one of the caps to be separated, which helps the cap to be separated to be separated more quickly from the stacked caps. In the unloading state, multiple cap-supporting components retract and embed in the cap-supporting ring, quickly opening a drop channel for the cap to be separated, allowing the cap to fall quickly under its own weight and the squeezing action of the clamping component, thus achieving cap output.

[0009] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the rotating ring is provided with multiple sets of channels at intervals along its circumference.

[0010] Each set of channels includes:

[0011] The first channel is used to drive the cover component to extend and retract radially along the cover ring when the rotating ring rotates;

[0012] The second channel is used to drive the clamping component to extend and retract radially along the clamping ring when the rotating ring rotates.

[0013] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first cross section of the first channel has a first center line, the tangent of the first center line intersects the radial direction of the rotating ring at an acute angle, wherein the first cross section is parallel to the rotating surface of the rotating ring.

[0014] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the second channel includes: a first channel section and a second channel section.

[0015] The second cross-section of the first channel has a second centerline, and the third cross-section of the second channel has a third centerline. The tangents to the second and third centerlines intersect at an obtuse angle. All points on the second centerline are equidistant from the center of the rotating ring. Both the second and third cross-sections are parallel to the rotation surface of the rotating ring.

[0016] The first channel keeps the clamping component extended into the clamping ring as the rotating ring rotates.

[0017] As the rotating ring rotates, the second channel causes the clamping component to gradually extend or retract radially along the clamping ring.

[0018] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, each set of channels further includes:

[0019] The third channel is a rotating track used to provide rotational positioning when the rotating ring rotates relative to the cover ring and the clamping ring.

[0020] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the third channel is an arc-shaped channel.

[0021] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, in each set of channels, the third channel is located between the first channel and the second channel in the circumferential direction of the rotating ring.

[0022] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the cover ring has multiple slots on the side facing the rotating ring, and the clamping ring has multiple guide posts along its circumference on the side facing the rotating ring, the guide posts being adapted to the shape of the slots.

[0023] In the discharge direction of the automatic cap separator, the guide post is inserted into the corresponding slot via the third channel penetrating the rotating ring to form a rotational positioning structure. 8. The automatic cap separator according to claim 2, characterized in that the cap-supporting ring has a plurality of first slots corresponding to the cap-supporting components on the side facing the rotating ring, and the cap-supporting components include:

[0024] The material tray is designed to fit the shape of the corresponding first slot.

[0025] The first guide post is located on the side of the feeding tray facing the rotating ring. The first guide post is inserted into the first groove and is used to drive the feeding tray to extend and retract radially along the cover ring in the corresponding first groove when the rotating ring rotates.

[0026] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the clamping ring has a plurality of second slots corresponding to the cover component on the side facing the rotating ring, and the cover component includes:

[0027] The upper clip is adapted to the shape of the corresponding second slot.

[0028] The second guide post is located on the side of the upper clamping piece facing the rotating ring. The second guide post is inserted into the second groove and is used to drive the upper clamping piece to extend and retract radially along the clamping ring in the corresponding second groove when the rotating ring rotates.

[0029] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect of this application, a plurality of cap storage rods are provided at intervals along the circumference of the clamping ring on the side of the clamping ring facing away from the rotating ring, and the axial direction of the cap storage rods is parallel to the discharge direction of the automatic cap dispenser.

[0030] The second aspect of this application provides a lid-closing device for closing a cup lid onto the mouth of the cup body. The lid-closing device includes the automatic lid-opening device provided in the first aspect of this application.

[0031] The lid-closing device provided in the second aspect of this application has high lid-closing efficiency, thereby improving the efficiency of lid-closing and packaging beverage cups and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automatic cap dispenser provided in the first aspect of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along the CC direction;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the structure in the embodiment shown.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An example structural diagram of the cover ring in the embodiment shown;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An example structural diagram of the clamping ring and the storage cover rod in the embodiment shown;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An example three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating ring in the embodiment shown;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the rotating ring shown;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a top view in the reset state;

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 1The illustrated embodiment is shown in a bottom view in the reset state;

[0042] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a top perspective view of the structure between the first and second stages during the switching process from the reset state to the feeding state.

[0043] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a bottom view showing the transition from the reset state to the feeding state between the first and second stages.

[0044] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a bottom view in the unloading state;

[0045] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a top view in the unloading state.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] Cover ring-1; Cover component-11; Feeding plate-111; First guide post-112; First slot-12; Hole-slot-13;

[0048] Rotating ring-2; First channel-21; Second channel-22; First section channel-221; Second section channel-222; Third channel-23;

[0049] Clamping ring-3; Clamping component-31; Upper clamping piece-311; Second guide post-312; Second slot-32; Guide post-33;

[0050] Storage cover rod-4;

[0051] Cover-5. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0056] With the increasing popularity and widespread use of cup beverages, the demand for packaging efficiency has increased. Through in-depth research, the inventors discovered that mass-produced cup lids are typically stacked together, forming piles of lids. Manually separating these lids is inefficient and difficult. However, in conventional lid-closing devices, the lid-separation step is often the most difficult and inefficient part of the automated lid-closing process. The inventors found that stacked lids are prone to tilting, resulting in uneven stacking and softer lid materials, making it difficult for the lid-separator in the cup-closing device to separate them efficiently and effectively.

[0057] This application is made in light of the discovery and research into the aforementioned technical problems.

[0058] The following combination Figures 1 to 13 The structure of the automatic cap dispenser and the specific automatic cap dispensing process provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application will be described in detail.

[0059] The first aspect of this application provides an automatic cap dispenser, comprising a cap-supporting ring 1, a rotating ring 2, and a clamping ring 3, which are stacked sequentially and coaxially assembled into one unit.

[0060] The rotating ring 2 can rotate relative to the cover support ring 1 and the clamping ring 3, so that the automatic cover dispenser switches between the reset state and the unloading state.

[0061] In the reset state, multiple cover support components 11 arranged circumferentially along the cover ring 1 extend radially into the ring of the cover ring 1, and multiple clamping components 31 arranged circumferentially along the clamping ring 3 are embedded in the clamping ring 3 to support the cover body 5.

[0062] In the unloading state, multiple clamping components 31 extend radially along the clamping ring 3 into the ring of the clamping ring 3, and multiple cover supporting components 11 retract and embed in the cover supporting ring 1 to output the cover body 5.

[0063] The automatic cap separator provided in the first aspect of this application achieves rapid, efficient, and high-quality automatic cap separation of stacked caps 5 through the cooperation of a cap-supporting ring 1, a rotating ring 2, and a clamping ring 3. The rotating ring 2 rotates relative to the cap-supporting ring 1 and the clamping ring 3. The automatic cap separator switches between a reset state and a feeding state, enabling continuous and uninterrupted automatic cap separation of stacked caps 5. The automatic cap separator provided in the first aspect of this application has high cap separation quality. In the reset state, the clamping component 31 of the clamping ring 3 is embedded in the clamping ring 3, while multiple cap-supporting components 11 arranged circumferentially around the cap-supporting ring 1 support the caps 5 and, in conjunction with gravity, correct the posture of the caps 5 that are about to fall after contacting the cap-supporting components 11. In the unloading state, the clamping component 31 of the clamping ring 3 extends radially into the ring of the clamping ring 3, clamping at least one cover 5 stacked on top of the cover 5 to be separated, so that only the cover 5 to be separated falls, while the remaining cover 5 stacked on top of the cover 5 to be separated are fixed in the automatic cover separator, thus achieving cover separation. The clamping component 31 also has a squeezing effect on at least one cover 5 on top of the cover 5 to be separated, which helps the cover 5 to be separated to be separated to be separated more quickly from the stacked cover 5. In the unloading state, multiple cover-supporting components 11 retract and embed in the cover-supporting ring 1, quickly opening a falling channel for the cover 5 to be separated, so that the cover 5 to be separated falls quickly under its own weight and the squeezing effect of the clamping component 31, thus achieving cover output.

[0064] The automatic cap dispenser provided in the first aspect of this application has an ingenious structure, primarily characterized by its high compatibility with caps of different shapes and structures, and its strong versatility and applicability. The automatic cap dispenser provided in the first aspect of this application has a simple structure, strong modularity, and is easy to mass-produce.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the rotating ring 2 is provided with multiple sets of channels at intervals along its circumference, each set of channels including a first channel 21 and a second channel 22. The first channel 21 is used to drive the cover member 11 to extend and retract radially along the cover ring 1 when the rotating ring 2 rotates, and the second channel 22 is used to drive the clamping member 31 to extend and retract radially along the clamping ring 3 when the rotating ring rotates.

[0066] In some examples of these embodiments, the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 do not penetrate the rotating ring 2 in the thickness direction of the rotating ring 2. In other examples of these embodiments, at least one of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 penetrates the rotating ring 2 in the thickness direction of the rotating ring 2.

[0067] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the rotating ring 2 is provided with multiple sets of channels at intervals along its circumference, and the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 in each set of channels penetrate the rotating ring 2 in the thickness direction of the rotating ring 2.

[0068] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first cross section of the first channel 21 has a first center line, the tangent of the first center line intersects the radial direction of the rotating ring 2 at an acute angle, wherein the first cross section is parallel to the rotation surface of the rotating ring 2.

[0069] In these embodiments, the tangent of the first center line intersects the radial direction of the rotating ring 2 at an acute angle, which facilitates the first channel 21 to quickly drive the cover member 11 to extend and retract radially along the cover ring 1 when the rotating ring 2 rotates.

[0070] In some examples of these embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the first centerline of the first cross-section of the first channel 21 is straight and intersects the radial direction of the rotating ring 2 at an acute angle. In these examples, the straight-line configuration of the first channel 21 facilitates the rapid and efficient extension and retraction of the cover support component 11 along the radial direction of the cover support ring 1. The rapid extension of the cover support component 11 along the radial direction of the cover support ring 1 into the cover support ring 1 ensures support for the stack of cover bodies 5 that have been separated and are falling. The rapid retraction of the cover support component 11 along the radial direction of the cover support ring 1 into the cover support ring 1 opens the falling channel, ensuring that the cover body 5 to be separated is efficiently and quickly separated from the stack of cover bodies 5 and falls off.

[0071] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the second channel 22 includes a first channel 221 and a second channel 222.

[0072] The second cross section of the first channel 221 has a second center line, and the third cross section of the second channel 222 has a third center line. The tangents of the second center line and the third center line intersect at an obtuse angle. The distances from each point on the second center line to the center of the rotating ring 2 are the same. The second and third cross sections are parallel to the rotation surface of the rotating ring 2. When the rotating ring 2 rotates, the first channel 221 keeps the clamping member 31 extended into the ring of the clamping ring 3. When the rotating ring 2 rotates, the second channel 222 causes the clamping member 31 to gradually extend or retract radially along the clamping ring 3.

[0073] In these embodiments, the second channel 222 enables the automatic cap separator to quickly clamp the stack of caps 5 (excluding the caps to be separated) during the transition from the reset state to the unloading state. This facilitates individual cap separation and prevents non-target caps 5 from falling and affecting the separation process. The second channel also allows the stack of separated caps 5 to fall quickly and be supported by the cap-supporting component 11 extending from the cap-supporting ring 1 during the transition from the unloading state to the reset state.

[0074] The first channel 221 is positioned to provide a sustained squeezing effect on the separated caps 5 during the transition from the reset state to the unloading state, helping them fall quickly and achieve unloading and cap separation. During the transition from the unloading state to the reset state, when the cap support component 11 has not fully extended into the ring of the cap support ring 1 to provide reliable support, the first channel 221 provides a continuous clamping effect on the stack of separated caps 5, preventing the stack of caps 5 from falling directly.

[0075] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, each set of channels further includes a third channel 23, which provides a rotational track for rotational positioning when the rotating ring 2 rotates relative to the cover ring 1 and the clamping ring 3.

[0076] In some embodiments, the third channel 23 is an arc-shaped channel.

[0077] In some embodiments, in each set of channels, the third channel 23 is located between the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 in the circumferential direction of the rotating ring 2. In these embodiments, the positional arrangement of the third channel 23 with respect to the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 is more conducive to improving the stability of the rotation of the rotating ring 2, ensuring the life and practicality of the automatic cap separator, and also increasing the misalignment interval between the cap-supporting component 11 and the clamping component 31 in the discharge direction of the automatic cap separator, ensuring the structural balance of the automatic cap separator, and improving the practicality and service life of the automatic cap separator.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cover ring 1 has a plurality of slots 13 on the side facing the rotating ring 2, and the clamping ring 3 has a plurality of guide posts 33 that are adapted to the shape of the slots along its circumference on the side facing the rotating ring 2. In the discharge direction of the automatic cover dispenser, the guide posts 33 are inserted into the corresponding slots 13 via the third channel 23 that passes through the rotating ring to form a rotation positioning structure.

[0079] In these embodiments, the cover-supporting ring 1, rotating ring 2, and clamping ring 3 in the automatic cover dispenser are assembled into one unit via the aforementioned rotational positioning structure. The structure is simple, easy to manufacture and assemble, and conducive to low-cost large-scale production.

[0080] The third channel 23 provides a rotation track for rotational positioning when the rotating ring 2 rotates relative to the cover ring 1 and the clamping ring 3. The third channel 23 prevents the rotating ring 2 from detaching from the cover ring 1 and the clamping ring 3 during rotation, thus ensuring the stability of the rotation of the rotating ring 2.

[0081] In the embodiments of the first aspect of this application, different channels, such as the first channel 21, the second channel 22 and the third channel 23, are cleverly arranged in each group of channels of the rotating ring 2 to achieve stable rotation of the rotating ring 2 while realizing fast and high-quality cap splitting of the automatic cap splitter.

[0082] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the cover ring 1 has a plurality of first slots 12 corresponding to the cover component 11 on the side facing the rotating ring 2. The cover component 11 includes a feeding plate 111 and a first guide post 112.

[0083] The feeding tray 111 is shaped to match the corresponding first slot 12. The first guide post 112 is disposed on the side of the feeding tray 111 facing the rotating ring 2. The first guide post 112 is inserted into the first slot 21 and is used to drive the feeding tray 111 to extend and retract linearly along the radial direction of the cover ring 1 in the corresponding first slot 12 when the rotating ring 2 rotates.

[0084] In these embodiments, the first guide post 112 in the cover component 11 is inserted into the first channel 21. During the rotation of the rotating ring 2, the first channel 21 serves as a moving track, driving the unloading tray 111 to extend and retract radially in the corresponding first slot 12 along the cover ring 1.

[0085] In some examples of these embodiments, the first slot 12 is arc-shaped in the circumferential direction of the cover ring 1 and has openings at both ends in the radial direction of the cover ring 1. The feeding plate 111 is adapted to the shape of the first slot 12 and is also arc-shaped. In some specific examples, the feeding plate 111 and the first guide post 112 are integrally formed to constitute the cover component 11.

[0086] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the clamping ring 3 has a plurality of second slots 32 corresponding to the cover component 11 on the side facing the rotating ring 2. The cover component 11 includes an upper clamping piece 311 and a second guide post 312.

[0087] The upper clamping piece 311 is shaped to match the corresponding second slot 32. The second guide post 312 is disposed on the side of the upper clamping piece 311 facing the rotating ring 2. The first guide post 112 is inserted into the second slot 22 and is used to drive the upper clamping piece 311 to extend and retract linearly along the radial direction of the clamping ring 3 in the corresponding second slot 32 when the rotating ring 2 rotates.

[0088] In these embodiments, the second guide post 312 in the clamping member 31 is inserted into the second channel 22, and during the rotation of the rotating ring 2, the second channel 22 serves as a moving track to drive the upper clamping piece 311 to extend and retract linearly along the radial direction of the clamping ring 3 in the corresponding second slot 32.

[0089] In some examples of these embodiments, the second slot 32 is arc-shaped in the circumferential direction of the cover ring 1 and has openings at both ends in the radial direction of the cover ring 1. The upper clamping piece 311 is adapted to the shape of the second slot 32 and is also arc-shaped. In some specific examples, the upper clamping piece 311 and the second guide post 312 are integrally formed to constitute the clamping member 31.

[0090] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect of this application, a plurality of cap storage rods 4 are arranged circumferentially around the side of the clamping ring 3 facing away from the rotating ring 2, and the axial direction of the cap storage rods 4 is parallel to the discharge direction of the automatic cap dispenser. In these embodiments, the discharge direction of the automatic cap dispenser is also parallel to the axial direction of the cap storage rods 4.

[0091] In these embodiments, multiple cap-storing rods 4 in the automatic cap dispenser enclose a stacking area for forming stacks of caps 5, facilitating the storage of stacks of caps 5.

[0092] The automatic cap-separating process of a cap-separator provided in the first aspect of this application will be described in detail below to further demonstrate that the cap-separator provided in the first aspect of this application can achieve efficient and high-quality automatic cap separation.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, when the cap separator is in the reset state, the upper clamping piece 311 of the clamping component 31 is fully retracted into the clamping ring 3, that is, the clamping component 31 retracts into the clamping ring 3. Figure 9 As shown, the feeding piece 111 in the cover component 11 of the cover ring 1 is fully extended, that is, the cover component 11 extends into the ring of the cover ring 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stacked covers 5 are confined within a fixed area formed by the cover storage rod 4 and the stacked and coaxially assembled cover support ring 1, rotating ring 2, and clamping ring 3, and are supported by the feeding tray 111 in the cover support component 11. Under the influence of gravity and the support of the feeding tray 111, the covers 5 in the stack that are to be separated downwards are arranged into a fixed placement posture.

[0094] The rotating ring 2 rotates clockwise, switching the automatic cap dispenser from the reset state to the feeding state. This switching process can be divided into two stages: a first stage and a second stage.

[0095] In the first stage, the rotating ring 2 rotates clockwise by a first angle, causing the second segment of the second channel 222 to move relative to the second guide post 312. The second guide post 312 drives the upper clamping piece 311 to gradually extend radially out of the clamping ring 3 in the corresponding second slot 32. Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the second guide post 312 is located at the bend of the second channel 22, i.e., at the junction of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, the upper clamping piece 311 in the clamping member 31 fully extends out of the clamping ring 3, and the clamping member 31 is in a state of extending into the ring of the clamping ring 3. At the same time, in the first stage, the first channel 21 moves a portion of its path relative to the first guide post 112, so that the unloading piece 111 in the cover support member 11 changes from being fully extended out of the cover support ring 1 in the above-mentioned reset state to being partially extended out of the cover support ring 1, with the other part still in the cover support ring 1. At this time, the unloading piece 111 of the cover support member 11 still maintains the state of supporting the stack of cover bodies 5 including the cover body 5 to be separated. The upper clamping piece 311 in the clamping member 31 provides a clamping and fixing effect on the cover body 5 that is close to the cover body 5 to be separated, so that the stack of cover bodies 5 above the cover body 5 to be separated can be fixed. The clamping action of the upper clamping plate 311 on the cover 5 that is close to the cover 5 to be separated causes the cover 5 that is close to the cover 5 to be separated to be squeezed and deformed, generating a force on the cover 5 to be separated in the discharge direction of the automatic cover separator.

[0096] In the second stage, the rotating ring 2 continues to rotate forward by a second angle based on the first forward rotation angle, so that the first section of the channel 221 in the second channel 22 moves relative to the second guide post 312. The second guide post 312 ensures that the upper clamping piece 311 remains fully extended out of the clamping ring 3, that is, the clamping component 31 remains extended into the ring of the clamping ring 3. Simultaneously, in the second stage, the first channel 21 continues to move the remaining path relative to the first guide post 112, so that the unloading piece 111 in the cover component 11 changes from partially extending out of the cover ring 1 in the first stage to being completely retracted into the cover ring 1, that is, the cover component 11 retracts and embeds itself in the cover ring 1. Please refer to [further details to be added]. Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 13After the second stage, when the automatic cap separator is in the unloading state, the upper clamping piece 311 in the clamping component 31 still provides clamping and fixing function for the caps 5 that are close to the caps 5 to be separated, so that the stack of caps 5 other than the caps 5 to be separated can be fixed. The clamping action of the upper clamping piece 311 on the caps 5 that are close to the caps 5 to be separated causes the caps 5 that are close to the caps 5 to be separated to be compressed and deformed, generating a downward force in the same direction as the discharge direction of the automatic cap separator. Since the unloading support piece 111 is completely retracted into the cap support ring 1, the caps 5 to be separated lose their supporting function. Under the dual action of their own weight and the downward force in the same direction as the discharge direction of the automatic cap separator, the caps 5 to be separated quickly detach from the stack of caps 5 and fall downward, realizing the automatic separation of the caps 5.

[0097] The rotating ring 2 is rotated counterclockwise, switching it from the feeding state to the reset state. This switching process can include two stages: a third stage and a fourth stage.

[0098] In the third stage, the rotating ring 2 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to the aforementioned second angle, so that the first segment of the channel 221 in the second channel 22 moves relative to the second guide post 312 until the second guide post 312 is located at the bend of the second channel 22, that is, at the junction of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22. The first segment of the channel 221 ensures that the upper clamping piece 311 remains fully extended from the clamping ring 3, that is, the clamping member 31 remains extended into the ring of the clamping ring 3. At the same time, in the third stage, the first channel 21 moves a portion of its path relative to the first guide post 112, so that the unloading piece 111 in the cover member 11 changes from being fully extended from the cover ring 1 in the above unloading state to being partially extended from the cover ring 1, with the other part retracting into the cover ring 1. The upper clamping piece 311 in the clamping component 31 provides clamping and fixing action on the cover 5 that is close to the cover 5 to be separated (at this time the cover 5 to be separated has been separated from the automatic cover separator), so as to fix the stack of covers 5.

[0099] In the fourth stage, the rotating ring 2 continues to rotate in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to the aforementioned first angle, so that the second segment of the second channel 222 moves relative to the second guide post 312 until the end of the second segment of the channel 222. The second segment of the channel 222 causes the upper clamping piece 311 to gradually retract, eventually causing the upper clamping piece 311 to fully retract into the clamping ring 3, that is, the clamping component 31 retracts and embeds into the clamping ring 3. At the same time, in the fourth stage, the first channel 21 continues to move the remaining path relative to the first guide post 112, so that the unloading piece 111 in the cover component 11 changes from partially extending out of the cover ring 1 in the third stage to fully extending into the cover ring 1, that is, the cover component 11 extends into the ring of the cover ring 1. The stack of caps 5, including the caps 5 adjacent to the caps to be separated, falls from the clamping ring 3 to the cap-supporting ring 1 and is supported by the cap-supporting component 11 at the cap-supporting ring 1. During the falling process, the caps 5 adjacent to the caps to be separated are arranged into a fixed posture, which facilitates subsequent cap separation and unloading. At this point, the automatic cap separator completes one cap separation and unloading process and returns to the reset state.

[0100] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides an automatic cap separator in which the rotating ring 2 can rotate relative to the cap-supporting ring 1 and the clamping ring 3, so that the automatic cap separator can switch between a reset state and a feeding state, thereby achieving fast, efficient and high-quality cap separation of stacked caps 5.

[0101] The second aspect of this application provides a lid-closing device for closing a cup lid onto the mouth of the cup body. The lid-closing device includes the automatic lid-opening device provided in the first aspect of this application.

[0102] The lid-closing device provided in the second aspect of this application has high lid-closing efficiency, thereby improving the efficiency of lid-closing and packaging beverage cups and enhancing the user experience.

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic cap dispenser, characterized in that, It includes a cover ring, a rotating ring, and a clamping ring that are stacked sequentially and coaxially assembled as a single unit, wherein, The rotating ring can rotate relative to the cover support ring and the clamping ring, so that the automatic cover dispenser switches between a reset state and a feeding state. In the reset state, a plurality of cover support components arranged circumferentially along the cover ring extend radially into the cover ring, and a plurality of clamping components arranged circumferentially along the clamping ring retract and are embedded in the clamping ring to support the cover body. In the feeding state, the plurality of clamping components extend radially along the clamping ring into the ring of the clamping ring, and the plurality of cover supporting components retract and embed in the cover supporting ring to output the cover body; The rotating ring is provided with multiple sets of channels at intervals along its circumference, and each set of channels includes: A first channel is used to drive the cover member to extend and retract radially along the cover ring when the rotating ring rotates. The first cross section of the first channel has a first center line, and the tangent of the first center line intersects the radial direction of the rotating ring at an acute angle. The first cross section is parallel to the rotation surface of the rotating ring. The second channel is used to drive the clamping member to extend and retract radially along the clamping ring when the rotating ring rotates; The third channel provides a rotational track for rotational positioning when the rotating ring rotates relative to the cover ring and the clamping ring; The cover ring has multiple slots on the side facing the rotating ring, and the clamping ring has multiple guide posts along its circumference on the side facing the rotating ring, the shape of which matches the slots. In the discharge direction of the automatic cap separator, the guide post is connected to the corresponding slot via the third channel that passes through the rotating ring to form a rotational positioning structure.

2. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second channel includes: a first channel section and a second channel section. The second cross-section of the first channel has a second centerline, and the third cross-section of the second channel has a third centerline. The tangents to the second and third centerlines intersect at an obtuse angle. All points on the second centerline are equidistant from the center of the rotating ring. Both the second and third cross-sections are parallel to the rotation surface of the rotating ring. The first channel, when the rotating ring rotates, keeps the clamping component extended into the ring. The second channel causes the clamping component to gradually extend or retract radially along the clamping ring as the rotating ring rotates.

3. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third channel is an arc-shaped channel.

4. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, In each group of channels, the third channel is located between the first channel and the second channel in the circumferential direction of the rotating ring.

5. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover ring has multiple first slots corresponding to the cover component on one side facing the rotating ring, and the cover component includes: The material tray is adapted to the shape of the corresponding first slot. A first guide post is disposed on the side of the feeding tray facing the rotating ring. The first guide post is inserted into the first groove and is used to drive the feeding tray to extend and retract radially along the cover ring in the corresponding first groove when the rotating ring rotates.

6. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping ring has multiple second slots corresponding to the clamping component on one side facing the rotating ring, and the clamping component includes: The upper clip is adapted to the shape of the corresponding second slot. The second guide post is disposed on the side of the upper clamping piece facing the rotating ring. The second guide post is inserted into the second groove and is used to drive the upper clamping piece to extend and retract radially along the clamping ring in the corresponding second groove when the rotating ring rotates.

7. The automatic cap dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, On the side of the clamping ring opposite to the rotating ring, multiple cap storage rods are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the clamping ring, and the axial direction of the cap storage rods is parallel to the discharge direction of the automatic cap dispenser.

8. A lid-closing device, characterized in that, The lid-closing device is used to close the lid onto the mouth of the cup body. The lid-closing device includes: The automatic cap opener as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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