Boxing system and boxing method

Abstract

The application provides a boxing system and a boxing method, which comprise an unboxing system, a circulating multi-station workbench system and a boxing system; the unboxing system is further provided with a first transfer system and a second transfer system; the first transfer system is located between the unboxing system and the circulating multi-station workbench system, and the second transfer system is also located before the circulating multi-station workbench system. The application can realize mechanized unboxing and boxing, provides a production line device for automatic packaging, and is flexible in the arrangement of the whole machine production line and can be adapted to vertical and horizontal packaging boxes. The circulating multi-station workbench system of the application can perform integrated boxing and bottling steps, has high working efficiency, and can add new stations as needed, is compact in annular structure and small in floor area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of packaging machinery, and more particularly to a cartoning system and cartoning method. Background Technology

[0002] In the liquor industry, when packaging gift-boxed liquor, the liquor needs to be transferred into customized packaging boxes. The specifications and styles of these boxes vary, and ordinary boxing machines cannot meet the needs of various sizes. Generally, manual boxing or semi-automated production packaging relying on a combination of manual and mechanical methods is used. It is difficult to achieve integrated fully automatic packaging, and it requires a lot of labor costs and is not very efficient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cartoning system that can adapt to different packaging box specifications and styles, providing production line equipment for automated packaging. To this end, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] The cartoning system is characterized by including a carton unloading system, a circulating multi-station workbench system, and a carton packing system; the carton unloading system is further provided with a first transfer system and a second transfer system; the first transfer system is located between the carton unloading system and the circulating multi-station workbench system, and the second transfer system is also located before the circulating multi-station workbench system.

[0005] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention may also employ the following further technical solutions, or combine these further technical solutions:

[0006] The boxing system also includes a cartoning system and a third transfer system, which is located between the cyclic multi-station workbench system and the cartoning system.

[0007] The first transfer system includes: a box transfer conveyor platform located between the box unloading system and the circulating multi-station workbench system; a box unloading mechanism is installed before the box transfer conveyor platform in the box unloading system for unloading packaging boxes onto the box transfer conveyor platform; the box unloading mechanism can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism is installed between the box transfer conveyor platform and the circulating multi-station workbench system for transferring packaging boxes to the box placement station of the circulating multi-station workbench system; the transfer conveyor mechanism can also be a robot.

[0008] The second transfer system includes: a bottle transfer conveyor platform located before the circulating multi-station workbench system; a transfer conveyor mechanism between the bottle transfer conveyor platform and the circulating multi-station workbench system for loading bottles into packaging boxes at the boxing station of the circulating multi-station workbench system; this transfer conveyor mechanism can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism also located before the bottle transfer conveyor platform for placing filled and capped bottles onto the bottle transfer conveyor platform; this transfer conveyor mechanism can also be a robot.

[0009] The third transfer system includes: a transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes located between the circulating multi-station workbench system and the boxing system; a transfer conveyor mechanism is installed between the circulating multi-station workbench system and the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes, used to transfer bottled boxes from the output station of the circulating multi-station workbench system to the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes; this transfer conveyor mechanism can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism is also installed between the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes and the boxing system, used to deliver bottled boxes from the transfer conveyor platform to the boxing system; this transfer conveyor mechanism can be a robot.

[0010] The circulating multi-station workbench system includes a circulating system, along which different workstations and corresponding workstation devices are set up. The different workstations include a box placement workstation, a box packing workstation, and an output workstation.

[0011] The circulating multi-station workbench system includes a circulating system and multiple workstation devices. The workstation devices are installed on the circulating system and are arranged along a circulating route determined by the circulating system. The circulating system includes a rotating ring, and the multiple workstation devices are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating ring. The rotating ring is rotatably mounted on a frame, and a gear is arranged along its circumference, which is driven by a drive motor to rotate intermittently.

[0012] Control boxes for each workstation are set within the central hole area of ​​the rotating ring. The control boxes are mounted on the rotating ring and rotate together with it.

[0013] The workstation device is arranged in an array of multiple box slots, which are arranged in rows. Each box slot includes a bottom positioning hole and a box body clamping mechanism, which includes a clamping jaw and a clamping drive mechanism.

[0014] The workstation device is equipped with a liftable mounting structure and its lifting drive mechanism, and the box clamping mechanism is mounted on the liftable mounting structure.

[0015] The workstation device includes a support system, which includes a workstation support plate, a tray, and a lifting and mounting structure. The positioning holes are set on the bottom tray, and the tray is mounted on the workstation support plate. The rotating ring is provided with mounting brackets for each workstation device, and the workstation support plate is mounted on the mounting brackets through the workstation base plate.

[0016] The lifting and mounting structure includes a top plate with holes for corresponding box slots. The height between the top plate and the bottom of the tray corresponds to the height of the box, allowing the opening and closing mechanism mounted on the top plate to connect to the box lid from the top. The mechanism matches the top of the box lid to achieve the opening and closing action.

[0017] The number of box slots in each row is adapted to the number of boxes in each row or column of the box stack.

[0018] The box clamping mechanism includes a first side clamping plate and a second side clamping plate, a first end guide rail and a second end guide rail. Both ends of the guide rails are connected to mounting plates. The length of each clamping plate is such that one slot is provided to accommodate the size of a single box, or multiple slots corresponding to each row of boxes are provided along the length of the clamping plate to accommodate the width of multiple rows of boxes. Along the length of each row, the first side clamping plates of each box clamping mechanism are connected in a frame structure via a first connecting plate at the end, and are driven by a single drive mechanism. The second side clamping plates of each box clamping mechanism are connected in a frame structure via a second connecting plate at the end, and are driven by another drive mechanism. Two positioning cylinders are connected to the mounting plate on their respective sides.

[0019] The liftable mounting structure uses a top plate, and the mounting plate of the box clamping mechanism is connected to the top plate and located below the top plate. The top plate is provided with through holes corresponding to the box slots.

[0020] The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive mechanism mounting plate and a drive power mechanism. The lifting drive mechanism mounting plate is connected to the workstation support plate, and a guide structure is provided between the liftable mounting structure and the lifting drive mechanism mounting plate.

[0021] The workstation device can be equipped with an opening and closing lid mechanism for each box slot; the opening and closing lid mechanism is set along the length direction of the row of box slots to form a row of opening and closing lid structures.

[0022] The workstation device is equipped with a liftable mounting structure and its lifting drive mechanism; the opening and closing cover mechanism can be installed on the liftable mounting structure.

[0023] The opening and closing mechanism is equipped with a rotating frame, on which a row of opening and closing cover structures are mounted. The rotating frame is driven to rotate by a drive motor according to a program, and the rotating frame is rotatably mounted on a support; suction cups are provided on the rotating frame corresponding to each box slot.

[0024] The opening and closing mechanism may also be provided with a folding tongue mechanism; the opening and closing mechanism is provided with a rotating frame, and the folding tongue mechanism is provided for each box slot on the rotating frame. The folding tongue mechanism includes a folding tongue component corresponding to the tongue and its driving power. The folding tongue component has an inward protrusion at the bottom end, and the driving power drives the folding tongue component to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating frame.

[0025] The lower end of the flap component corresponds to the middle part of the lid latch in the height direction.

[0026] The opening and closing mechanism is equipped with a rotating frame, and each box slot is provided with a protruding plate on the side of the rotating frame. The suction cup and folding tongue mechanism are provided on the protruding plate.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a boxing method is provided, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0028] A boxing method is characterized by multiple station devices moving in a cyclic motion sequentially passing through different stations. At the box placement station, the station device receives rows of boxes. At the boxing station, the rows of items are placed into the boxes in the station device. At the output station, the boxed and closed boxes are removed.

[0029] In addition to the multiple station devices in a cyclical motion, different transfer systems corresponding to the box placement station, box packing station, and output station are used to place packaging boxes into the station devices, place items into boxes in the station devices, and remove boxes from the station devices.

[0030] Furthermore, between the boxing station and the output station, the station device passes through one or more stations in sequence.

[0031] Furthermore, during the movement of the workstation after the boxing station, the cap-closing action is performed.

[0032] The above boxing method can be implemented using the aforementioned boxing system.

[0033] By employing the technical solution of this invention, mechanized box placement and packing can be achieved, providing production line equipment for automated packaging. Furthermore, the entire production line layout is flexible and adaptable to both vertical and horizontal packaging boxes. The circulating multi-station workbench system of this invention can perform integrated boxing and bottling steps with high efficiency. New workstations can be added later as needed, and the compact circular structure occupies a small area. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cartoning system of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second implementation of a cyclic multi-station workbench.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third implementation method of the cyclic multi-station workbench.

[0037] Figure 4-1 , 4-2 These are schematic diagrams showing the closed and open states of a packaging box of a certain size and style.

[0038] Figure 5-1 , 5-2Figures 5 and 5-3 show the second type of packaging box in closed and open states, as well as a top view of the open state.

[0039] Figure 6-1 , 6-2 Figures 6 and 6-3 show the third type of packaging box in closed and open states, as well as a top view of the open state.

[0040] Figure 7-1 , 7-2 Figures 7 and 7-3 show the fourth type of packaging box in closed and open states, as well as a top view of the open state.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the circulating multi-station workbench and the transfer conveying mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the cyclic multi-station workbench and the transfer conveying mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a cyclic multi-station workbench in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation device with half of the box-body clamping mechanism hidden in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the box clamping mechanism and the lid opening and closing mechanism in the workstation device of this invention.

[0047] Figure 14 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the workstation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] See attached document Figure 1 The cartoning system of the present invention includes an unloading system, a circulating multi-station workbench system, and a boxing system. The unloading system further includes a first transfer system, a second transfer system, and a third transfer system. The first transfer system is located between the unloading system 400 and the circulating multi-station workbench system 500; the second transfer system is also located before the circulating multi-station workbench system 500; and the third transfer system 300 is located between the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 and the boxing system 600.

[0049] First transfer system: A box transfer conveyor platform 101 is located between the box unloading system 400 and the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. The box unloading system has a box unloading mechanism 102 installed before the box transfer conveyor platform 101 to unload packaging boxes onto the box transfer conveyor platform 101; the box unloading mechanism 102 can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism 103 is installed between the box transfer conveyor platform 101 and the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 to transfer packaging boxes to the box placement station G1 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500; the transfer conveyor mechanism 103 can also be a robot.

[0050] The second transfer system: A bottle transfer conveyor platform 201 is also located before the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. A transfer conveyor mechanism 202 is set between the bottle transfer conveyor platform 201 and the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 to load bottles into packaging boxes at the boxing station G2 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. This transfer conveyor mechanism 202 can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism 203 is also set before the bottle transfer conveyor platform 201 to place the filled and capped bottles onto the bottle transfer conveyor platform 201. This transfer conveyor mechanism 203 can be a robot.

[0051] The third transfer system: The transfer conveyor platform 301 for bottled boxes is located between the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 and the boxing system 600. A transfer conveyor mechanism 302 is provided between the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 and the transfer conveyor platform 301 for bottled boxes to be transferred from the output station G3 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 to the transfer conveyor platform 301. This transfer conveyor mechanism 302 can be a robot. A transfer conveyor mechanism 303 is provided between the transfer conveyor platform 301 and the boxing system 600 for bottled boxes to be delivered from the transfer conveyor platform 301 to the boxing system. This transfer conveyor mechanism 303 can be a robot.

[0052] In the first, second, and third transfer systems, transfer platforms may or may not be set up, depending on the circumstances.

[0053] In this embodiment, all transfer robots (manipulators) are rotatable mechanisms. Each process that requires grasping and placing is within the working range of the transfer robot (manipulator), ensuring the smooth connection of each process action. Its robotic arm can tilt and rotate to adjust the height and angle of the actuator.

[0054] The 500 cyclic multi-station workbench system achieves continuous cyclic movement of all required actions, featuring a simple structure and modular design. The system includes a circulation system with different workstations and corresponding workstation devices arranged along its circulation route. For example... Figure 2As shown, the different workstations include a box-laying workstation G1, a box-packing workstation G2, and an output workstation G3, evenly arranged along the circumference. More workstations can also be provided as reserved workstations, which can perform other different functions. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the circulating multi-station workbench system can also be supplemented with another workbench to form a four-station circulating workbench system, or, as... Figure 3 As shown, the circulating multi-station workbench system can be a circulating workbench system with more stations. For example, before and after the boxing station, as long as the box lid is open, a station for placing certificates of conformity and a station for placing accessories can be set up as needed. After boxing is completed but before the box lid is closed, a bottle-box association station can be set up as needed. The QR codes of the bottle and box are read by scanning or association mechanisms, and the system completes the association, facilitating subsequent traceability. After the box lid is closed, for example after the boxing station, a labeling station and a coding station can be set up as needed. Labeling can be applying sealing labels, and coding can be printing the box date code on the box. After the box lid is closed, a nailing station can also be set up to make the box packaging more secure. These stations can be arranged in a circumferential direction or along a path such as... Figure 3 The loop route shown can be arranged in any other shape according to the design.

[0055] During the process from box placement station G1 to boxing station G2, a box opening mechanism can be set up. For example, the box opening mechanism can be used to open the box opening mechanism. Alternatively, the box opening mechanism can be set up at the box placement station or after the box placement station, before the boxing station, or at the boxing station to open the box opening mechanism before the boxing action, ensuring smooth boxing.

[0056] During the process from the boxing station G2 to the output station G3, a box-closing mechanism can be installed. This can be achieved by using a guide mechanism to close the box lid, or by installing a mechanism at or after the boxing station, or before or at the output station, to close the box lid before output and ensure smooth output to the next process. In this embodiment, the next process is the cartoning process.

[0057] The working scope of the first, second, and third transfer systems all includes the corresponding workstations in the cyclic multi-station workbench system.

[0058] like Figure 1 The box unloading system shown includes a box unloading mechanism and a plate unloading mechanism.

[0059] The box stack 401 is fed into the unloading system via conveyor line 402 or forklift. The boxes in the box stack can be stacked upright or lying down; in this embodiment, it is a stack of boxes stacked upright.

[0060] After the box stack 401 is conveyed into the unloading system, it is transported by the conveyor line to the unloading position 405, where the unloading mechanism 102 unloads the boxes one by one into the box transfer conveyor platform 101.

[0061] The top layer of the box stack 401 has a top plate. When unloading boxes, the unloading mechanism 403 collects the top plate and places it into the designated area 404 before unloading the top layer of boxes. After unloading one layer of boxes, there are also partitions between each layer of boxes. The unloading mechanism collects the partitions and places them into the designated area 404 before unloading the next layer of boxes.

[0062] The unloading mechanism 403 can be a robot unloading mechanism or other mechanical structures to achieve the unloading action. In this embodiment, a robot unloading mechanism is used.

[0063] The unloading mechanism 102 picks up several boxes and places them into the first transfer system, through which the boxes are transferred to the next process. In this embodiment, the next process is the cyclic multi-station workbench system 500.

[0064] The unloading mechanism 102 can be an unloading robot (manipulator) or other mechanisms to achieve the unpacking function.

[0065] For the first transfer system, when the boxing action requires the boxes to be in an upright state, such as when the box stack 401 is in an upright state and enters the unloading system for unstacking, the unloading mechanism 102 only needs to transport the boxes upright through the first transfer system to the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. If the box stack is in a flat state and enters the unloading system 400 for unstacking, the unloading mechanism 102 grabs the boxes and rotates them to the position when they were placed, then transports them upright through the first transfer system to the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. Alternatively, the unloading mechanism 102 grabs the boxes and places them into the first transfer system, where the transfer conveyor 103 rotates the boxes to the position when they were placed and sends them into the circulating multi-station workbench system 500.

[0066] When the boxing action requires the boxes to be in a horizontal position, such as when box stack 401 is in an upright position and enters the unloading system for unstacking, the unloading mechanism 102 grabs the boxes and rotates them to the position they were placed in, then transports them horizontally through the first transfer system to the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. Alternatively, the unloading mechanism 102 grabs the boxes and places them into the first transfer system, where the transfer conveyor 103 rotates the boxes to the position they were placed in and sends them into the circulating multi-station workbench system 500. If box stack 401 is in a horizontal position and enters the unloading system for unstacking, the unloading mechanism 102 only needs to transport the boxes horizontally through the first transfer system to the circulating multi-station workbench system 500.

[0067] For the second transfer system, the bottles after filling and capping are placed either flat or upright into the second transfer system. The second transfer system will then place the bottles into the boxes at the boxing station G2 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 as needed to complete the boxing action.

[0068] If the bottles are upright during the cartoning process, the second transfer system directly removes the filled and capped bottles from the filling and capping system and transports them to the box at cartoning station G2 to complete the cartoning. If the bottles are lying flat during the cartoning process, the second transfer system removes the filled and capped bottles from the filling and capping system, rotates them to the required angle, and then transports them to the box at cartoning station G2 to complete the cartoning.

[0069] In this embodiment, the boxing process involves the bottles lying flat. The second transfer system in the figure includes a transfer robot (manipulator) 203, a transfer conveyor platform 201, and a transfer robot (manipulator) 202. The transfer robot (manipulator) 203 picks up several bottles from the filling and capping system, rotates them 90 degrees, and places them into the transfer conveyor platform 201. The transfer robot (manipulator) 202 picks up the bottles that are already lying flat in the transfer conveyor platform 201 and places them into the box at the boxing station G2 to complete the boxing action.

[0070] For the third transfer system, the boxed products are sent to the packing system 600 through the third transfer system to complete the next packing action.

[0071] If the boxing action is upright boxing and the cartoning action is upright cartoning, the third transfer system takes the upright boxed products from the output station G3 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 and puts them into the cartoning system 600 for further cartoning.

[0072] If the boxing action is flat boxing and the cartoning action is upright cartoning, the third transfer system takes the flat boxed product from the output station G3 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500 and rotates it so that the boxed product is in a cartonable state before it is put into the cartoning system for further cartoning action.

[0073] Generally, boxes are packed upright. If boxes are packed flat, the same principle applies.

[0074] In this embodiment, the third transfer system 3 includes a transfer robot (manipulator) 302, a transfer conveyor platform 301, and a transfer robot (manipulator) 303. The boxing action is to box the product lying flat. The transfer robot (manipulator) 302 takes the boxed product from the output station G3 of the circulating multi-station workbench system 500, rotates the product 90 degrees, and puts it into the transfer conveyor platform 301. The transfer robot (manipulator) 303 takes the prepared product in a boxing state from the transfer conveyor platform 301 and puts it into the boxing system for the next boxing action.

[0075] Another significant technical advantage of the aforementioned transfer system is that the unloading system 400, the circulating multi-station workbench system 500, and the packing system 600 can be located in different independent spaces (e.g., different rooms). The box transfer platform 101, bottle transfer platform 201, and post-bottling box transfer platform 301 serve as connections between these independent spaces, enabling flexible equipment arrangement and effective use of space. The box transfer platform 101 can also have a buffering function.

[0076] In the aforementioned transfer systems, if there is no need for rotation angle movement, a transfer platform may not be required, and the transfer can be carried out directly by a robot (manipulator).

[0077] The packing system is equipped with an opening mechanism (omitted in the figure). The opening mechanism and the packing mechanism are connected by a conveyor line. The boxes are formed by the opening mechanism (omitted in the figure), and the formed boxes are conveyed into the packing mechanism by the conveyor line to complete the preparation work for packing.

[0078] After the products are boxed, they are transported to the packing system 600 via the third transfer system. The packing mechanism 601 then packs the boxed products into cartons as needed. After packing, the cartons are sealed, and then the next series of processes, such as palletizing, are carried out.

[0079] The following are examples of boxes used for packaging. Figure 4-1 , 4-2 In this box, B11 is the cover and B12 is the base. The box is placed upright. Before packing, the cover is removed, the bottle is placed in the base, and the cover is then replaced to complete the packing. A locking mechanism can also be added after the cover is closed. In this embodiment, the overall shape of the box is cubic. Figure 5-1 , 5-2 In section 5-3, B21 is the box body, B22 is the flip-top lid on the top of the box body, and B2 is the bottle to be packed in the box. This type of box is placed in an upright position. Before packing, the flip-top lid is opened, the bottle is placed in the box, and the flip-top lid is closed to complete the packing function. Figure 6-1 , 6-2In section 6-3, B31 is a horizontal box, B32 is a flip-top on the top of the horizontal box, and B3 is the bottle to be boxed. This type of box is placed in a flat position. Before boxing, the flip-top is opened (one side opens), the bottle is placed into the box, and the flip-top is closed to complete the boxing process. Figure 7-1 , 7-2 In 7-3, B41 is a horizontal box, B42 is a two-way flip-top on the top of the horizontal box, and B4 is the bottle to be boxed. The box is placed in a flat position. Before boxing, the flip-top is opened in a two-way manner. The bottle is placed into the box, and the flip-top is closed to complete the boxing function.

[0080] Reference Figure 8-14 The present invention also provides a preferred embodiment of a circulating multi-station workbench system, including a circulating system and multiple workstation devices 501. In this embodiment, six workstation devices are arranged along a circumferential direction. Of course, as... Figure 3 As shown, it can also be evenly arranged along other shaped loop routes.

[0081] The circulation system includes a rotating ring 1, with multiple workstation devices 501 evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating ring 1. A control box 502 for each workstation device 501 is positioned within the central hole of the rotating ring 1. A corresponding control box mounting bracket 13 is installed on the rotating ring, and the control box rotates along with the rotating ring. The rotating ring is rotatably mounted on a frame 2. A gear 11 is arranged around the circumference of the rotating ring. A drive motor drives the gear 11 to rotate intermittently via a drive gear 12 meshing with it, causing the rotating ring 1 and the workstation devices 501 and control boxes 502 to rotate intermittently as well. The gear 11 is a large gear, and its relationship with the drive gear 12 is a reduction gear. Below the rotating ring 1 is a rotary support (equivalent to a bearing). The outer ring of the rotary support is fixed to the rotating ring, and the inner ring is fixed to the frame 2.

[0082] The rotating ring 1 is also provided with mounting brackets 14 for each workstation device 501, and the workstation device 501 is mounted on the mounting brackets 14.

[0083] The following describes in detail one embodiment of a workstation device, taking a workstation device as an example.

[0084] As mentioned above, the workstation device is equipped with multiple box slots arranged in an array. The box slots are arranged in rows, and multiple rows can be set. The number of box slots in each row is adapted to the number of boxes in each row or column of the box stack, and can also be adapted to the number of boxes arranged in combination by the transfer conveyor mechanism. In this way, the transfer conveyor mechanism 103 can pick up and put down boxes in rows or layers corresponding to the box stack.

[0085] The transfer conveyor mechanism 103 is equipped with a gripper mechanism for each box. The gripper mechanism includes a clamping plate 1031, which is driven by a cylinder 1033. The gripper mechanism may also be equipped with a suction cup 1032, located at the top of the clamping space formed by the clamping plate. The robotic arm actuator used in the transfer conveyor mechanism 302 also employs the aforementioned grippers. The gripper mechanisms are arranged in rows, and the number of gripper mechanisms in each row is preferably equal to the number of box holders in each row of the workstation device. Furthermore, the number of rows is preferably equal to or half the number of rows of box holders.

[0086] The box clamping mechanism includes bottom positioning holes 20 and a box body clamping mechanism. The positioning holes 20 are set on the bottom tray 2, and their outline shape matches the outline shape of the bottom of the box. The bottom tray 2 is arranged in an array with a corresponding number of positioning holes 20. The tray 2 is mounted on the working device support plate 33. The box body clamping mechanism includes a first side clamping plate 21 and a second side clamping plate 22, a first end guide rail 23 and a second end guide rail 24. The guide rails 23 and 24 can be guide rods. The two ends of the guide rails are connected to the mounting plates 31 and 32. The first side clamping plate 21 and the second side clamping plate 22 are provided with sliding sleeves to slide and guide the guide rails. The length of the clamping plate can be only to meet the size of one box. When multiple rows of box clamping positions are set, the length of the clamping plate can meet the width of multiple rows of boxes. Multiple slots 29 corresponding to each row of boxes are set in the length direction of the clamping plate. The two sides of the slots 29 can be inclined edges 291. Along the length of the row, the first side clamping plates 21 of each box clamping mechanism can be connected into a frame structure via the first connecting plate 28 located at the end, and driven by a single driving mechanism (such as a positioning cylinder 26). The second side clamping plates 22 can be connected into a frame structure via the second connecting plate 27 located at the end, and driven by another driving mechanism (such as a positioning cylinder 25). This design can also accommodate boxes of different widths. The positioning cylinders 25 and 26 are respectively mounted on the mounting plates 31 and 32.

[0087] Furthermore, the workstation device is equipped with a height-adjustable mounting structure, and the box clamping mechanism is mounted on the height-adjustable mounting structure. This allows the height of the box clamping mechanism to be adjusted according to the different heights of the boxes. The mounting structure can be a top plate 30, with mounting plates 31 and 32 connected to and positioned below the top plate 30. The size of the top plate 30 matches the entire workstation device, and the top plate 30 has through holes 34 corresponding to the box slots. The workstation device is equipped with a lifting drive mechanism for the height-adjustable mounting structure. The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive mechanism mounting plate 35 and a drive power mechanism. The lifting drive mechanism mounting plate 35 is connected to the workstation support plate 33. The lifting power mechanism can be a cylinder 36 or a motor, etc. The height-adjustable mounting structure is equipped with a lifting guide rod 37, and the lifting drive mechanism mounting plate 35 is equipped with a guide sleeve that cooperates with the lifting guide rod.

[0088] A workstation base plate 38 is connected below the work device support plate 33, and the workstation base plate 38 is connected to the mounting frame 14.

[0089] The workstation device can be equipped with a lid opening and closing mechanism for each box slot. In this way, the lid can be opened simultaneously when the workstation device 501 moves from the box placement station G1 to the box packing station G2, and the lid can be closed simultaneously when it moves from the box packing station G2 to the output station G3, thereby improving efficiency.

[0090] The opening and closing mechanism can be mounted on a height-adjustable installation structure. This allows the height of the opening and closing mechanism to be adjusted simultaneously with the height of the box clamping mechanism. Consequently, the height between the top plate 30 and the bottom of the tray corresponds to the height of the box, enabling the opening and closing mechanism mounted on the top plate 30 to connect to the box lid from the top. (See attached figure 401 for reference.) Figure 8-14 In the embodiments, the box body is shown in the attached diagram, with reference numeral 402 being the box lid and reference numeral 403 being the latch of the box lid.

[0091] The opening and closing mechanism is set along the length direction of the row corresponding to the box slot, thus forming a row of opening and closing structure. Therefore, on the top plate 30, the number of opening and closing mechanisms corresponding to the number of rows of box slots is set.

[0092] The opening and closing mechanism is provided with a rotating frame 41, on which a row of opening and closing cover structures are arranged. The rotating frame 41 is driven to rotate by a drive motor 42 according to a program. The rotating frame 41 is rotatably mounted on a support 43 and has a certain height relative to the top plate 30. Suction cups 44 are provided on the rotating frame 41 corresponding to each box slot. For each box slot, a protruding plate 45 can be provided on the side of the rotating frame 41, and the suction cups 44 are provided on the protruding plate 45.

[0093] The opening and closing mechanism may also be equipped with a flap mechanism. The flap mechanism is provided on the rotating frame 41 corresponding to each box slot. The flap mechanism includes a flap component 46 corresponding to the insert 403 and its driving cylinder 47. The flap component 46 has a certain height and an inward protrusion 461 at its bottom. The driving cylinder 47 drives the flap component 46 to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating frame 41. When opening the lid, the suction cup 44 holds the top of the lid 402, and the lid 402 is rotated in a first direction to open it so that the bottle can be placed in the boxing station G2. After the bottle is placed, the lid 402 is closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. During the closing process, the movement of the driving cylinder 47 causes the flap component 46 to retract and flap, inserting it into the box.

[0094] The lower end of the folding tongue component 46 preferably corresponds to the middle part in the height direction of the insert tongue. This ensures the folding tongue effect and allows the folding tongue component 46 to move outward after the insert tongue 403 is inserted into the box.

[0095] The drive cylinder 47 can be mounted on the protruding plate 45.

[0096] For the suction cup 44, the drive cylinder 47 and other pneumatic mechanisms on the workstation device 501, their air path control mechanism 5 is set on the workstation base plate 38.

[0097] The following describes the working principle of the above-described embodiments of the cyclic multi-station workbench system of the present invention:

[0098] 1. The workbench comprises six identical multi-functional workstation units 501. Each workstation unit 501 is mounted on a mounting frame. Six identical electrical control cabinets 502 control the six workstation units respectively. A drive motor drives a drive gear 12 to rotate, which meshes with gear 11, thus rotating the workstation units and electrical control cabinets on the frame. A slip ring for electrical connection may be positioned at the center of gear 11.

[0099] 2. The box-laying robot (box-unloading mechanism 103) uses grippers to pick up boxes from the box transfer conveyor platform 101 in the first transfer system. The robotic arm rotates until it reaches the box-laying station G1, where it lowers the box onto the tray. Positioning cylinders 25 and 26 push the connecting plate, which in turn pushes clamping plates 21 and 22 to hold the box in place. Drive cylinder 47 pushes the flap 46 to extend, preventing it from pressing on the box lid. Driven by drive motor 42, rotating frame 41 rotates, causing the suction cup to contact and hold the box lid. Rotating frame 41 rotates in the opposite direction, opening the box lid. This process of opening the box lid 402 can be completed during the movement of the station device 501 from the box-laying station G1 to the box-packing station G2.

[0100] 3. The workbench rotates counterclockwise to the next station, the cartoning station G2. The bottle-laying robot picks up the bottle from the transfer conveyor in the second transfer system using the bottle gripper head 2021. The robotic arm rotates until it reaches the cartoning station G2, where it places the bottle into the carton.

[0101] 4. Continue rotating the workbench counterclockwise to the next workstation, such as the certificate placement workstation or the bottle / box scanning workstation, until the box lid needs to be closed.

[0102] 5. When it is necessary to close the lid, the drive cylinder 47 pushes the flap component 46 to retract, pressing down part of the tongue 403, preferably halfway in the height direction of the tongue. The rotating frame 41 rotates downward to close the lid and insert half of the tongue into the box. The drive cylinder 47 pushes the flap component to extend, and the rotating frame 41 continues to rotate until the tongue is fully inserted into the box. The suction cup is released, and the rotating frame 41 rotates upward to leave the lid.

[0103] 6. The workbench continues to rotate counterclockwise to the next workstation, such as the coding station, the buttoning or nailing station, etc., until it reaches the workstation where the box needs to be transported to the next mechanism (such as output station G3). Positioning cylinders 25 and 26 push the connecting plate, which in turn pushes the clamping plates 21 and 22 to release the box. The output robot uses the clamping plates and suction cups on its robotic arm to hold the box, and the robotic arm rotates to deliver the box to the transfer conveyor mechanism of the third transfer system.

[0104] 7. Rotate the worktable counterclockwise to the box placement station G1, and the cycle starts again.

[0105] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the structural features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

[0106] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "installed," "set," "equipped with," "connected," "connected," and "sleeve-in" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral construction; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0107] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "one end," "the other end," "outer side," "inner side," "horizontal," "end," "length," "outer end," "left," and "right," 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 invention and for 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 invention. The terms "first" and "second" are also used only for the sake of brevity in description and do not indicate or imply relative importance.

[0108] Furthermore, in practicing the claims of this invention, those skilled in the art can understand and influence variations to the disclosed embodiments through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Additionally, in the claims and description, words such as "comprising" and "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps, and non-plural nouns do not exclude their plural forms.

Claims

1. A cartoning system, characterized in that... It includes a box unloading system, a circulating multi-station workbench system, and a box packing system; the box unloading system is further equipped with a first transfer system and a second transfer system; the first transfer system is located between the box unloading system and the circulating multi-station workbench system, and the second transfer system is also located before the circulating multi-station workbench system; the box stacks are sent into the box unloading system by a conveyor line or forklift; The boxing system also includes a cartoning system and a third transfer system, with the third transfer system located between the circulating multi-station workbench system and the cartoning system; The first transfer system includes: a box transfer conveyor platform located between the box unloading system and the circulating multi-station workbench system; a box unloading mechanism is set up in front of the box transfer conveyor platform to unload the packaging boxes onto the box transfer conveyor platform; and a transfer conveyor mechanism is set up between the box transfer conveyor platform and the circulating multi-station workbench system to transfer the packaging boxes to the box placement station of the circulating multi-station workbench system. The third transfer system includes: a transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes located between the circulating multi-station workbench system and the boxing system; a transfer conveyor mechanism installed between the circulating multi-station workbench system and the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes, used to transfer bottled boxes from the output station of the circulating multi-station workbench system to the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes; and a transfer conveyor mechanism installed between the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes and the boxing system, used to send bottled boxes from the transfer conveyor platform for bottled boxes to the boxing system. The circulating multi-station workbench system includes a circulating system, along which different workstations and corresponding workstation devices are set up along the circulation route of the circulating system; the different workstations include a box placement workstation, a box packing workstation, and an output workstation. The circulating multi-station workbench system includes a circulating system and multiple workstation devices. The workstation devices are installed on the circulating system and are arranged along a circulating route determined by the circulating system. The circulating system includes a rotating ring, and the multiple workstation devices are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating ring. The rotating ring is rotatably mounted on a frame, and a gear is arranged along its circumference, which is driven by a drive motor to rotate intermittently. The workstation device is arranged in an array of multiple box slots, which are arranged in rows. Each box slot includes a positioning hole and a box body clamping mechanism, which includes a clamping jaw and a clamping drive mechanism. The workstation device is equipped with a liftable mounting structure and its lifting drive mechanism, and the box clamping mechanism is mounted on the liftable mounting structure. The workstation device includes a support system, which includes a workstation support plate, a tray, and a liftable mounting structure. The positioning holes are provided on the tray, and the tray is mounted on the workstation support plate. The rotating ring is provided with mounting frames for each workstation device, and the workstation support plate is mounted on the mounting frames via the workstation base plate.

2. The cartoning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second transfer system includes: a bottle transfer conveyor platform located before the circulating multi-station workbench system; a transfer conveyor mechanism set between the bottle transfer conveyor platform and the circulating multi-station workbench system for loading bottles into packaging boxes at the boxing station of the circulating multi-station workbench system; and a transfer conveyor mechanism also set before the bottle transfer conveyor platform for placing filled and capped bottles onto the bottle transfer conveyor platform.

3. The cartoning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Control boxes for each workstation are set within the central hole area of ​​the rotating ring. The control boxes are mounted on the rotating ring and rotate together with it.

4. The cartoning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liftable mounting structure includes a top plate with holes corresponding to the box slots. The height between the top plate and the bottom of the tray corresponds to the height of the box, so that the opening and closing mechanism mounted on the top plate can connect the box lid from the top.

5. The cartoning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box clamping mechanism includes a first side clamping plate and a second side clamping plate, a first end guide rail and a second end guide rail. The two ends of the first end guide rail and the second end guide rail are connected to the mounting plate. The length of the clamping plate is such that a single slot is provided to meet the size of a box, or multiple slots corresponding to each row of boxes are provided along the length of the clamping plate to meet the width size of multiple rows of boxes. Along the length of the row, the first side clamping plates of each box clamping mechanism are connected to form a frame structure through a first connecting plate located at the end and are driven by a single drive mechanism. The second side clamping plates of each box clamping mechanism are connected to form a frame structure through a second connecting plate located at the end and are driven by another drive mechanism. Two positioning cylinders are respectively connected to the mounting plate on their respective sides.

6. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The liftable mounting structure uses a top plate, and the mounting plate of the box clamping mechanism is connected to the top plate and located below the top plate. The top plate is provided with through holes corresponding to the box slots.

7. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive mechanism mounting plate and a drive power mechanism. The lifting drive mechanism mounting plate is connected to the workstation support plate, and a guide structure is provided between the liftable mounting structure and the lifting drive mechanism mounting plate.

8. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The workstation device is equipped with an opening and closing lid mechanism for each box slot; the opening and closing lid mechanism is set along the length direction of the row of box slots to form a row of opening and closing lid structures.

9. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The workstation device is equipped with a liftable mounting structure and its lifting drive mechanism; the opening and closing cover mechanism is mounted on the liftable mounting structure.

10. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism is equipped with a rotating frame, on which a row of opening and closing cover structures are mounted. The rotating frame is driven to rotate by a drive motor according to a program, and the rotating frame is rotatably mounted on a support; suction cups are provided on the rotating frame corresponding to each box slot.

11. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism is also provided with a folding tongue mechanism; the opening and closing mechanism is provided with a rotating frame, and the folding tongue mechanism is provided for each box slot on the rotating frame. The folding tongue mechanism includes a folding tongue component corresponding to the tongue and its driving power. The folding tongue component has an inward protrusion at the bottom end, and the driving power drives the folding tongue component to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating frame.

12. The cartoning system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The lower end of the flap component corresponds to the middle part of the lid latch in the height direction.

13. A boxing method, characterized in that, Applying the boxing system of claim 1, the boxing method involves multiple station devices moving in a cycle passing through different stations in sequence. At the box placement station, the station device receives rows of boxes. At the boxing station, the rows of items are placed into the boxes in the station device. At the output station, the boxed and closed boxes are removed. In addition to the multiple station devices in a cyclical motion, different transfer systems corresponding to the box placement station, box packing station, and output station are used to place packaging boxes into the station devices, place items into boxes in the station devices, and remove boxes from the station devices.

14. A boxing method as described in claim 13, characterized in that... Between the boxing station and the output station, the station device passes through one or more stations in sequence.

15. A boxing method as described in claim 13, characterized in that... The workstation device performs the cap-closing action during its movement after the boxing station.

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