Automatic mask feeding machine and feeding method

Abstract

A kind of automatic mask feeding machine and feeding method, including mask rotary lifting hopper, mask rotary lifting hopper is equipped with mask material taking device, mask material taking device is used to take away mask in mask rotary lifting hopper, mask material taking device is used to place mask in opening channel, mobile clamp is equipped on opening channel, mobile clamp is used to transfer mask to push device, the push device pushes mask to the positioning flap of turnover device, positioning flap is equipped with mask feeding mechanism above, mask feeding mechanism includes the feeding clamp of taking away mask from positioning flap.The present application can save the step of manually putting mask on mask fixing seat, improve feeding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mask production technology, and specifically relates to an automatic mask feeding machine and feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] Our previous patented technology disclosed a "three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips, and adjustment buckles" (application number: 2022230200806). The solution involves placing the mask onto a mask holder, making the mask stand upright, facilitating the simultaneous installation of the ear loops and adjustment rings on both sides of the mask. Currently, the loading of this equipment is done manually, i.e., the mask is manually placed onto the mask holder, which is a relatively inefficient loading method.

[0003] A search revealed the closest existing technology to be an automatic mask pad printing machine based on a rotary conveyor, disclosed in Chinese patent document CN214821792U. This patent discloses a mask lifting and feeding rack on which multiple stacks of masks are placed. A negative pressure transfer clamp (or other clamp) is used to remove the masks and transfer them to a conveyor line. However, this patent only discloses the clamping and feeding process and cannot be applied to the existing "three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips, and adjusting buckles." Therefore, a machine feeding device needs to be designed to replace the current manual feeding method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the technical problems existing in the background art, the automatic mask feeding machine and feeding method provided by the present invention can eliminate the step of manually putting the mask on the face mask fixing seat, thereby improving the feeding efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic mask feeding machine includes a mask lifting and feeding rack, a mask picking device next to a rotating and lifting mask hopper, the mask picking device being used to pick up masks from the rotating and lifting mask hopper, the mask picking device being used to place the masks in a slit channel, a movable clamp being provided on the slit channel, the movable clamp being used to transfer the masks to a pushing device, the pushing device pushing the masks onto a positioning flip plate of a flipping device, a mask feeding mechanism being provided above the positioning flip plate, the mask feeding mechanism including a feeding clamp that picks up the masks from the positioning flip plate.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the movable clamp includes a pressing plate, which is driven to move up and down by a pressing plate driving cylinder. The pressing plate is used to press the mask onto the worktable. The pressing plate driving cylinder is driven to reciprocate by a pressing plate lateral pushing device. The pressing plate driving cylinder is used to move the mask to the pushing device.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the number of tablets is multiple, and the multiple tablets are arranged linearly along the worktable.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the pushing device includes a push plate, which is driven to move by a push plate driving cylinder.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the flipping device further includes a rotary motor for driving the positioning flip plate to flip; the positioning flip plate includes a mask-shaped base, which is a cone-shaped structure that mimics the shape of a mask, and is used to open the mask; the mask-shaped base is hinged to two folding wing plates, and a folding push cylinder is provided below the folding wing plates, which is used to drive the wing plate push plate to move, and the wing plate push plate is used to drive the folding wing plates to flip.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary motor drives the folding push cylinder and the positioning flip plate to rotate synchronously.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the movable clamp is provided with a slitting mechanism above it. The slitting mechanism includes a lower pressure plate and a paddle. The lower pressure plate is driven to move up and down by a lower pressure plate driving cylinder, and the paddle is driven by a paddle cylinder. The paddle is used to separate the two layers of fabric of the mask.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the mask feeding mechanism includes a feeding clamp, which is driven to move by a transverse module.

[0014] The feeding method of the automatic mask feeding machine includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: The mask feeding device is activated to remove the masks from the rotating and lifting material bin and transfer them to the opening channel; the masks in the rotating and lifting material bin are in a folded state.

[0016] Step 2: The lower pressure plate drive cylinder of the opening mechanism is activated, and the lower pressure plate drive cylinder drives the lower pressure plate to move downward and press down on the middle of the mask.

[0017] Step 3: The paddle cylinder is activated and drives the paddle to move to one side of the mask. The paddle is used to open the folded mask.

[0018] Step 4: The pressing cylinder in the moving fixture is activated, and the pressing cylinder drives the pressing sheet to move downward, pressing the fold line of the mask.

[0019] Step 5: The compression and horizontal pushing device is activated and the mask is moved to the pushing device;

[0020] Step 6: The push plate drive cylinder of the pusher device starts and drives the push plate to move. The push plate is located on one side of the fold line of the mask. The push plate pushes the mask onto the positioning flip plate and the mask is put on the positioning flip plate.

[0021] Step 7: The rotary motor starts and drives the positioning flip plate to flip up. The positioning flip plate is used to flip the flat mask into an upright position, with the fold line of the mask facing upwards.

[0022] Step 8: The folding push cylinder is activated and drives the wing plate pusher to move upward. The wing plate pusher pushes the folding wing plate to rotate, and the folding wing plate rotates and the edge of the mask is flipped open. At the same time as the folding wing plate flips, the mask feeding mechanism is activated to take out the mask from the positioning flip plate. Then the mask is transferred to the equipment at the end of the process to complete the feeding operation.

[0023] This patent can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0024] This invention combines a mask lifting and feeding rack, a mask picking device, a worktable, a moving clamp, a pushing device, a flipping device, and a mask feeding mechanism. It can transfer masks (masks without ear loops, external nose bridge strips, and adjustment buckles) from the mask lifting and feeding rack to a three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips, and adjustment buckles. This eliminates the need for manual placement of the masks on the mask fixing base and improves feeding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic mask feeding machine of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the pushing device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view of the automatic mask feeding machine of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a front view of the automatic mask feeding machine of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side view of the automatic mask feeding machine of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the mask transferred from the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the moving clamp, pushing device, and slitting mechanism of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the arrangement of the moving clamp, pushing device, and slitting mechanism of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the flipping device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the flipping device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the flipping device of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the flipping device of the present invention. Figure 4 .

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Mask rotating lifting hopper; 2. Mask material handling device; 3. Opening channel; 4. Moving fixture; 401. Pressing plate; 402. Pressing plate driving cylinder; 403. Pressing plate lateral pushing device; 5. Pushing device; 501. Pushing plate driving cylinder; 502. Flipping device; 6. Positioning flipping plate; 601. Rotary motor; 602. Mask contouring seat; 601.1. Folding wing plate; 601.2. Mask feeding mechanism; 7. Feeding fixture; 701. Lateral movement module; 702. Folding pushing cylinder; 8. Opening mechanism; 9. Lower pressing plate; 901. Paddle; 902. Lower pressing plate driving cylinder; 903. Paddle cylinder; 904. Mask; 10. Folding line; 11. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] The mask in this embodiment is an N95 mask or a KN95 mask. This automatic mask feeding machine is used to provide masks for the "three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips and adjustment buckles" (patent application number: 2022230200806). The existing "three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips and adjustment buckles" uses manual feeding, that is, the mask is manually put on the mask fixing seat. The mask mentioned is a mask without ear loops, external nose bridge strips and adjustment buckles.

[0042] Preferred solutions include Figures 1 to 13 As shown, an automatic mask feeding machine includes a mask lifting and feeding rack 1, a mask picking device 2 next to the mask rotating and lifting hopper 1, the mask picking device 2 is used to pick up the masks in the mask rotating and lifting hopper 1, the mask picking device 2 is used to place the masks in the opening channel 3, the opening channel 3 is provided with a moving clamp 4, the moving clamp 4 is used to transfer the masks to the pushing device 5, the pushing device 5 pushes the masks to the positioning flip plate 601 of the flipping device 6, the positioning flip plate 601 is provided with a mask feeding mechanism 7 above the positioning flip plate 601, the mask feeding mechanism 7 includes a feeding clamp 701 that picks up the masks from the positioning flip plate 601.

[0043] The rotating lifting hopper 1 and the mask picking device 2 are existing equipment. The rotating lifting hopper 1 is used to store masks. When a mask is taken away, the lifting mechanism of the rotating lifting hopper 1 will activate. The mask picking device 2 is a suction cup-type robotic arm used to pick up the masks from the rotating lifting hopper 1 and transfer the masks. The specific structure of the rotating lifting hopper 1 and the mask picking device 2 is disclosed in Chinese patent document CN214821792U, which discloses an automatic pad printing machine for masks based on a rotary conveyor.

[0044] Furthermore, the movable clamp 4 includes a pressing plate 401, which is driven to move up and down by a pressing plate driving cylinder 402. The pressing plate 401 is used to press the mask onto the workbench 3. The pressing plate driving cylinder 402 is driven to reciprocate and translate by a pressing plate lateral pushing device 403. The pressing plate driving cylinder 402 is used to move the mask to the pushing device 5.

[0045] In this embodiment, all driving mechanisms can be cylinders. These cylinders can be replaced by electric push rods, hydraulic cylinders, etc. For example, the pressing plate driving cylinder 402 and the pressing plate lateral pushing device 403 in the moving clamp 4 are both cylinders, and the push plate driving cylinder 502 in the pushing device 5 is also a cylinder. The pressing plate 401 is used to press the mask onto the opening channel 3, and the pressing plate lateral pushing device 403 transfers the mask to the pushing device 5.

[0046] Furthermore, there are multiple tablet presses 401, which are arranged linearly along the worktable 3.

[0047] The main purpose of designing multiple pressure plates 401 is to coordinate with the opening mechanism 9 for cross-operation. The opening mechanism 9 operates during the resetting process of the pressure plates 401. The opening mechanism 9 is a preferred device. The opening mechanism 9 slightly peels the mask apart, facilitating the pushing device 5 to push the mask onto the positioning flip plate 601.

[0048] Furthermore, the pushing device 5 includes a push plate 501, which is driven to move by a push plate driving cylinder 502.

[0049] The push plate 501 is a folding plate, and its shape is determined according to the fold line of the mask, such as... Figure 7 The image shows a flat view of an N95 mask. The N95 mask in the image is not unfolded; it is folded and laid flat.

[0050] Furthermore, the flipping device 6 also includes a rotary motor 602, which drives the positioning flip plate 601 to flip. The positioning flip plate 601 includes a mask-shaped base 601.1, which is a cone-shaped structure that mimics the shape of a mask. The mask-shaped base 601.1 is used to open the mask. The mask-shaped base 601.1 is hinged to two folding wing plates 601.2. A folding push cylinder 8 is provided below the folding wing plates 601.2. The folding push cylinder 8 is used to drive the wing plate pusher to move, and the wing plate pusher is used to drive the folding wing plates 601.2 to flip. Preferably, the folding wing plates 601.2 are connected to the mask shaping plate 601.1 through a torsion spring and a rotating shaft.

[0051] The flipping device 6 has two functions: First, it flips the mask on the positioning flip plate 601 by 90 degrees. Second, after the flipping folding plate 601.2 is flipped, the edges of the mask are flipped, so that the fabric on both sides of the mask will be flipped.

[0052] Furthermore, the rotary motor 602 drives the folding push cylinder 8 and the positioning flap 601 to rotate synchronously. The rotary motor 602 can be replaced by a rotary cylinder; the rotary motor 602 is used to drive the positioning flap 601 to rotate 90 degrees, and its working principle is as follows... Figure 10-13 As shown.

[0053] Furthermore, a slitting mechanism 9 is provided above the moving clamp 4. The slitting mechanism 9 includes a lower pressure plate 901 and a paddle 902. The lower pressure plate 901 is driven to move up and down by a lower pressure plate driving cylinder 903, and the paddle 902 is driven by a paddle cylinder 904. The paddle 902 is used to separate the two layers of fabric of the mask.

[0054] The slitting mechanism 9 is the preferred equipment and can be installed as an option. Since the mask is folded and laid flat, and is squeezed inside the mask lifting and feeding rack 1, the two layers of fabric of the mask are peeled off using the pry bar 902, so that the pushing device 5 can push the mask onto the positioning flip plate 601.

[0055] Furthermore, the mask feeding mechanism 7 includes a feeding fixture 701, which is driven to move by a transverse module 702.

[0056] The feeding clamp 701 is preferably a pneumatic clamp, and the transverse module 702 is a cylinder or an electric push rod. The feeding clamp 701 is used to grip the mask, and the transverse module 702 is used to transfer the mask to the "three-in-one machine for installing ear loops, external nose bridge strips, and adjustment buckles". The mask feeding mechanism 7 can adopt a transfer robot in an automatic surgical towel sewing production line disclosed in Chinese Patent Document 202220189147X. The robot disclosed in this patent document is the patented technology of our company.

[0057] Furthermore, the feeding method of the automatic mask feeding machine includes the following steps:

[0058] Step 1: The mask feeding device 2 is activated to remove the masks from the rotating and lifting material bin 1 and transfer them to the opening channel 3; the masks in the rotating and lifting material bin 1 are in a folded state.

[0059] Step 2: The lower pressure plate drive cylinder 903 of the opening mechanism 9 is activated, and the lower pressure plate drive cylinder 903 drives the lower pressure plate 901 to move downward and press down on the middle of the mask.

[0060] Step 3: The pry cylinder 904 is activated and drives the pry bar 902 to move to one side of the mask. The pry bar 902 is used to open the folded mask.

[0061] Step 4: The pressing cylinder 402 in the moving fixture 4 is activated, and the pressing cylinder 402 drives the pressing plate 401 to move downward, and the pressing plate 401 presses down the fold line of the mask.

[0062] Step 5: The compression and horizontal pushing device 403 is activated and the mask is moved to the pushing device 5;

[0063] During the operation of the transverse pressing device 403, the lower pressing plate 901 rises to its highest point. After the transverse pressing device 403 resets, the lower pressing plate 901 descends and presses down on the mask. Then, the peeling tool 902 is used to peel off the mask.

[0064] The peeler 902 can be peeled off from the end of the mask or from the middle of the upper fabric of the mask. The peeler 902 can be equipped with a downward-driven cylinder, which can be combined with the peeler cylinder 904 to peel off the mask.

[0065] Step 6: The push plate drive cylinder 502 of the push device 5 starts and drives the push plate 501 to move. The push plate 501 is located on one side of the fold line of the mask. The push plate 501 pushes the mask onto the positioning flip plate 601 and the mask is put on the positioning flip plate 601.

[0066] Step 7: The rotary motor 602 starts and drives the positioning flip plate 601 to flip. The positioning flip plate 601 is used to flip the flat mask into an upright state, with the fold line of the mask facing upward.

[0067] Step 8: The folding push cylinder 8 is activated, driving the wing plate pusher to move upward. The wing plate pusher pushes the folding wing plate 601.2 to rotate, causing the edge of the mask to fold open. Simultaneously with the folding wing plate 601.2 flipping, the mask feeding mechanism 7 is activated to remove the mask from the positioning flip plate 601, and then transfers the mask to the equipment at the end of the process, completing the feeding operation. During the flipping process of the folding wing plate 601.2, the gripper or feeding clamp 701 of the mask feeding mechanism 7 holds the mask, preventing it from moving.

[0068] The above embodiments are merely preferred technical solutions of the present invention and should not be considered as limitations on the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be limited to the technical solutions described in the claims, including equivalent substitutions of the technical features described in the claims. That is, equivalent substitutions and improvements within this scope are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic mask feeding machine, comprising a mask rotating and lifting hopper (1), and a mask picking device (2) provided beside the mask rotating and lifting hopper (1), the mask picking device (2) being used to pick up masks from the mask rotating and lifting hopper (1), characterized in that: The mask feeding device (2) is used to place the mask in the opening channel (3). The opening channel (3) is provided with a moving clamp (4). The moving clamp (4) is used to transfer the mask to the pushing device (5). The pushing device (5) pushes the mask to the positioning flip plate (601) of the flipping device (6). The positioning flip plate (601) is used to open the mask. The mask feeding mechanism (7) is provided above the positioning flip plate (601). The mask feeding mechanism (7) includes a feeding clamp (701) that takes the mask off from the positioning flip plate (601). The moving fixture (4) includes a pressing plate (401), which is driven up and down by a pressing plate driving cylinder (402). The pressing plate (401) is used to press the mask into the opening channel (3). The pressing plate driving cylinder (402) is driven to reciprocate by a pressing plate lateral pushing device (403). The pressing plate driving cylinder (402) is used to move the mask to the pushing device (5). There are multiple tablets (401), and the multiple tablets (401) are arranged linearly along the opening channel (3); The pushing device (5) includes a push plate (501), which is driven to move by a push plate driving cylinder (502).

2. The automatic mask feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flipping device (6) also includes a rotary motor (602), which is used to drive the positioning flip plate (601) to flip; the positioning flip plate (601) includes a mask-shaped seat (601.1), which is a cone-shaped structure that imitates the shape of a mask, and is used to open the mask; the mask-shaped seat (601.1) is hinged to two folding wing plates (601.2), and a folding push cylinder (8) is provided below the folding wing plate (601.2), which is used to drive the wing plate push plate to move, and the wing plate push plate is used to drive the folding wing plate (601.2) to flip.

3. The automatic mask feeding machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotary motor (602) drives the folding push cylinder (8) and the positioning flip plate (601) to flip synchronously.

4. The automatic mask feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving clamp (4) is provided with a film-opening mechanism (9). The film-opening mechanism (9) includes a lower pressure plate (901) and a paddle (902). The lower pressure plate (901) is driven to move up and down by the lower pressure plate driving cylinder (903). The paddle (902) is driven by the paddle cylinder (904). The paddle (902) is used to separate the two layers of fabric of the mask.

5. The automatic mask feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mask feeding mechanism (7) includes a feeding fixture (701), which is driven to move by a transverse module (702).

6. The feeding method of the automatic mask feeding machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1, the mask picking device (2) is started to take out the masks from the mask lifting and loading rack and transfer them to the workbench; the masks on the mask lifting and loading rack are in a folded state; Step 2, the lower pressure plate drive cylinder (903) of the opening mechanism (9) is started, and the lower pressure plate drive cylinder (903) drives the lower pressure plate (901) to move downward and press down on the middle of the mask; Step 3: The paddle cylinder (904) is activated and drives the paddle (902) to move to one side of the mask. The paddle (902) is used to open the folded mask. Step 4, the pressing cylinder (402) in the moving fixture (4) is started, the pressing cylinder (402) drives the pressing plate (401) to move downward, and the pressing plate (401) presses down the fold line of the mask; Step 5: The compression and horizontal pushing device (403) is activated and the mask is moved to the pushing device (5); Step 6, the push plate drive cylinder (502) of the push device (5) is started and drives the push plate (501) to move. The push plate (501) is located on one side of the fold line of the mask. The push plate (501) pushes the mask onto the positioning flip plate (601) and the mask is put on the positioning flip plate (601). Step 7: The rotary motor (602) starts and drives the positioning flip plate (601) to flip. The positioning flip plate (601) is used to flip the flat mask into an upright state, with the fold line of the mask facing upward. Step 8: The folding push cylinder (8) is started and drives the wing plate pusher to move upward. The wing plate pusher pushes the folding wing plate (601.2) to rotate. The folding wing plate (601.2) rotates and the edge of the mask is flipped open. At the same time as the folding wing plate (601.2) flips, the mask feeding mechanism (7) is started to take out the mask on the positioning flip plate (601). Then the mask is transferred to the equipment at the end of the process to complete the feeding operation.

Images