A packing mechanism in-place detection device, a control method thereof and an intelligent cat litter box

Abstract

The application discloses a packaging mechanism in-place detection device, a control method thereof and an intelligent cat litter box. The packaging mechanism in-place detection device comprises a base, a clamping assembly, a driving device, a detection device and a control device. The base is provided with a sliding rail extending in the transverse direction, and the base is provided with a packaging station. The clamping assembly comprises at least two clamping blocks which are arranged on both sides of the packaging station in the transverse direction at intervals. The two clamping blocks are movably installed on the sliding rail and can be moved to the packaging station in the movable stroke. The driving device is installed on the base and is used to drive the two clamping blocks to slide in the transverse direction along the sliding rail. The detection device comprises a clamping detection device which is used to detect whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when the two clamping blocks are located at the packaging station. The control device is electrically connected with the driving device and the clamping detection device respectively. The clamping detection device is arranged to detect whether the two clamping blocks are clamped, so that the probability of packaging failure is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cat litter box technology, and in particular to a packaging mechanism positioning detection device and an intelligent cat litter box. Background Technology

[0002] With rapid economic development and improved living standards, more and more people are keeping pets such as cats and dogs. To maintain a hygienic indoor environment, various types of litter boxes for pets have appeared on the market. For example, there are cat litter boxes, which contain cat litter to bury cat feces and urine. The litter has good absorbency and clumps together when wet, making it easy to collect.

[0003] Currently, most smart litter boxes on the market can achieve short-term maintenance-free operation. However, upright roller-type smart litter boxes suffer from limited internal space, making it easy for excrement to contaminate the entire inner wall. Horizontal open litter boxes require manual cleaning of cat excrement, which is time-consuming and laborious, making it difficult to achieve short-term maintenance-free operation, and human contact with litter clumps poses hygiene concerns. Both of these common types of litter boxes have their limitations and struggle to eliminate the odor of cat excrement, resulting in a poor consumer experience. Therefore, how to isolate odors within a limited space while achieving a period of maintenance-free operation has become a pressing issue for the industry. Some existing smart litter boxes also have an automatic packaging function, automatically sealing the litter clumps into a packaging bag to isolate odors. However, existing packaging devices are prone to missing parts, resulting in incomplete sealing of the packaging bag. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to propose a packing mechanism positioning detection device and its control method, as well as an intelligent cat litter box, in order to solve the technical problem that existing automatic packing mechanisms are prone to missing parts, resulting in incomplete sealing of the packing bags.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a packing mechanism positioning detection device, comprising:

[0006] A base, on which a slide rail extends laterally, and a packaging station is provided;

[0007] The clamping assembly includes at least two clamping blocks arranged laterally at intervals on both sides of the packing station, the two clamping blocks being movably mounted on the slide rail, and the two clamping blocks being movable to the packing station during their travel.

[0008] A drive unit, mounted on the base, is used to drive the two clamping blocks to slide laterally along the slide rail;

[0009] The detection device includes a clamping detection device for detecting whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when they are located at the packaging station; and...

[0010] The control device is electrically connected to both the drive device and the clamping detection device.

[0011] Optionally, the two clamping blocks correspond to a first clamping block and a second clamping block, and the clamping detection device includes:

[0012] A mating part is provided on a first side opposite to the first clamping block and the second clamping block. The mating part is laterally telescopic and has an extended position and a compressed position during its telescopic stroke.

[0013] A sensing element is disposed on the first side of the first clamping block. When the mating part is in the extended position, the sensing element is spaced apart from the mating part. When the mating part is in the compressed position, the sensing element cooperates with the mating part to emit a sensing signal. The sensing element is electrically connected to the control device.

[0014] Optionally, a mating plate is provided on the side opposite to the sensing part of the mating part. The sensing part is a sensing groove provided on the first side of the first clamping block. An optocoupler switch is provided in the sensing groove. When the mating part is in the compressed position, the mating plate extends into the sensing groove, and the optocoupler switch is electrically connected to the control device.

[0015] Optionally, the packaging station is located in the middle of the horizontal direction of the base, and the detection device further includes a position detection device. The position detection device includes an intermediate position sensor disposed at the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor is used to detect whether the clamping block moves to the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor is electrically connected to the control device.

[0016] Optionally, the intermediate position sensor includes a trigger switch, and at least one of the two clamping blocks has a protrusion on the side near the intermediate position sensor. When the clamping block with the protrusion is in the intermediate position, the protrusion is used to trigger the trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor.

[0017] The trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor is electrically connected to the control device.

[0018] Optionally, the intermediate position sensor further includes a trigger part, which is movably mounted on the base and is elastically extendable along the longitudinal direction. The trigger part has a pop-out position and a trigger position during its elastic extension stroke. When the clamping block with the protrusion is in the intermediate position, the protrusion abuts against the trigger part, so that the trigger part moves to the trigger position. When the trigger part is in the trigger position, the trigger part abuts against the trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor.

[0019] Optionally, the two clamping blocks have a first limit position and a second limit position at both ends of their travel in the lateral direction. The position detection device includes two limit position sensors distributed on both sides of the base in the lateral direction, which are used to detect whether the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors are electrically connected to the control device.

[0020] Optionally, each of the two limit position sensors includes a trigger switch. When the two clamping blocks are in the first limit position, the clamping block abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch of one of the two limit position sensors. When the two clamping blocks are in the second limit position, the clamping block abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch of the other of the two limit position sensors.

[0021] Optionally, the slide rail includes a rack extending laterally, the rack being disposed on one side of the clamping block in the longitudinal direction, and the clamping block having a gear rotatably mounted on its side corresponding to the rack in the longitudinal direction, the gear meshing with the rack, and the driving device including two drive motors respectively disposed on the two clamping blocks, the drive motors being used to drive the gears on the clamping blocks to rotate, and the two drive motors being electrically connected to the control device respectively.

[0022] The present invention also proposes a control method based on the above-mentioned packing mechanism positioning detection device, wherein the packing mechanism positioning detection device includes:

[0023] A base, on which a slide rail extends laterally, and a packaging station is provided;

[0024] The clamping assembly includes two clamping blocks arranged laterally at intervals on both sides of the packaging station. The two clamping blocks are movably mounted on the slide rail and are movable to the packaging station during their travel.

[0025] A drive unit, mounted on the base, is used to drive the two clamping blocks to slide laterally along the slide rail;

[0026] The detection device includes a clamping detection device for detecting whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when they are located at the packaging station; and...

[0027] The control device is electrically connected to both the drive device and the clamping detection device.

[0028] The packaging station is located in the middle of the base laterally. The detection device includes a position detection device, which includes a central position sensor disposed at the packaging station. The central position sensor is used to detect whether the clamping block has moved to the packaging station. The central position sensor is electrically connected to the control device. The control method of the packaging mechanism positioning detection device includes the following steps:

[0029] The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the packaging station;

[0030] When the intermediate position sensor detects that one of the two clamping blocks has moved to the packaging station, it controls one of the two clamping blocks to stop moving, and controls the other of the two clamping blocks to continue moving toward the packaging station;

[0031] The clamping detection device detects whether the two clamping blocks are in a clamped state.

[0032] If so, then control one of the two clamping blocks to stop moving;

[0033] If not, then control one of the two clamping blocks to remain in motion until the clamping detection device determines that both clamping blocks are in the clamping state.

[0034] Optionally, the two clamping blocks have a first limit position and a second limit position located at opposite ends of their travel stroke. The position detection device includes two limit position sensors distributed on both sides of the base in the lateral direction, used to detect whether the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors are electrically connected to the control device. After the step of determining that the two clamping blocks are in a clamped state by the clamping detection device, the following step is further included:

[0035] The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the first extreme position;

[0036] When the limit position sensor detects that the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks to stop moving;

[0037] The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the second extreme position;

[0038] When the limit position sensor detects that the two clamping blocks have moved to the second limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks to stop moving.

[0039] Optionally, after the step of controlling the two clamping blocks to stop moving after the limit position sensor senses that the two clamping blocks have moved to the second limit position, the method further includes the following steps:

[0040] Control the two clamping blocks to move to the preset release position;

[0041] Control the two clamping blocks to release the clamping state;

[0042] Control the two clamping blocks to move to both sides of the packaging station;

[0043] The preset release station includes the first extreme position, the second extreme position, and the packaging station.

[0044] The present invention also proposes a smart litter box, which includes the components described above, comprising:

[0045] A base, on which a slide rail extends laterally, and a packaging station is provided in the middle of the base;

[0046] The packaging mechanism includes two clamping blocks arranged laterally at intervals, the two clamping blocks being movably mounted on the slide rail, and the two clamping blocks being movable to the packaging station position during their active stroke;

[0047] A drive unit, mounted on the base, is used to drive the two clamping blocks to slide laterally along the slide rail;

[0048] The detection device includes a position detection device and a clamping detection device. The position detection device is disposed on the base and is used to detect whether the two clamping blocks have moved to the packaging station. The clamping detection device is used to detect whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when they are located at the packaging station.

[0049] The control device is electrically connected to both the drive device and the clamping detection device.

[0050] In the technical solution of the present invention, the clamping detection device is set to detect whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when they are located at the packaging station, so as to determine whether the two clamping blocks of the clamping assembly can successfully complete the packaging. When the two clamping blocks move towards each other to clamp, if the clamping detection device determines that they are not clamped, the two clamping blocks continue to move towards each other until the clamping detection device determines that they are clamped before proceeding to the next step, so as to avoid the situation of missing packaging. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the intelligent cat litter box provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the packaging device;

[0054] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Explosion-proof diagram of the packaging device;

[0055] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the position detection device for the clamping assembly;

[0056] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the mid-position sensor;

[0057] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure in which the first clamping block and the second clamping block are spaced apart;

[0058] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure in which the first clamping block and the second clamping block are clamped.

[0059] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0060] label name label name 1000 Smart cat litter box 22 Second clamping block 100 Packaging device 221 convex part 1 base 23 Clamping part 11 slide rail 3 Position detection device 2 Clamping assembly 31 intermediate position sensor 20 Clamping block 311 Triggering part 21 First clamping block 312 Trigger switch 211 Coordination Department 32 Extreme position sensor 2111 mating plate 4 Bag Box 212 Induction unit 41 Annular cavity

[0061] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0063] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0064] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0065] Currently, most smart litter boxes on the market can achieve short-term maintenance-free operation. However, upright roller-type smart litter boxes suffer from limited internal space, making it easy for excrement to contaminate the entire inner wall. Horizontal open litter boxes require manual cleaning of cat excrement, which is time-consuming and laborious, making it difficult to achieve short-term maintenance-free operation, and human contact with litter clumps poses hygiene concerns. Both of these common types of litter boxes have their limitations and struggle to eliminate the odor of cat excrement, resulting in a poor consumer experience. Therefore, how to isolate odors within a limited space while achieving a period of maintenance-free operation has become a pressing issue for the industry. Some existing smart litter boxes also have an automatic packaging function, automatically sealing the litter clumps into a packaging bag to isolate odors. However, existing packaging devices are prone to missing parts, resulting in incomplete sealing of the packaging bag.

[0066] In view of this, the present invention proposes a packing mechanism positioning detection device, which aims to solve the technical problem that existing automatic packing mechanisms are prone to missing parts, resulting in incomplete sealing of the packing bags.

[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 7This invention provides an embodiment of a packaging mechanism positioning detection device. In this embodiment, the packaging mechanism positioning detection device includes a base 1, a clamping assembly 2, a driving device, a detection device, and a control device. The base 1 is provided with a slide rail 11 extending laterally, and a packaging station is located on the base 1. The clamping assembly 2 includes at least two clamping blocks 20 spaced laterally on both sides of the packaging station. The two clamping blocks 20 are movably mounted on the slide rail 11, and can move to the packaging station position during their travel. The driving device is mounted on the base 1 to drive the two clamping blocks 20 to slide laterally along the slide rail 11. The detection device includes a clamping detection device to detect whether the two clamping blocks 20 are clamped when they are located at the packaging station. The control device is electrically connected to both the driving device and the clamping detection device.

[0068] In this invention, a packing mechanism positioning detection device is installed within the packing device 100. The packing device 100 also includes a bag box 4 containing a packing bag. Before packing, two clamping blocks 20 are positioned on either side of the packing bag. When the cat litter clump enters the packing bag, the two clamping blocks 20 are controlled to move towards each other to clamp and pack the portion of the packing bag containing the cat litter clump. It should be noted that the packing station refers to the working position where the two clamping blocks 20 move towards each other to clamp the packing bag. To ensure the packing effect, the packing bag must be clamped tightly to complete the packing. If the packing bag is not fully clamped, packing failure or poor packing effect may occur. Therefore, after the two clamping blocks 20 are clamped, a clamping detection device is used to detect whether the clamping force of the two clamping blocks 20 reaches a preset level to determine if clamping is complete. If the clamping force is insufficient, the drive device is controlled to continue driving the two clamping blocks 20 to move towards each other to increase the clamping force, thereby avoiding the technical problem of incomplete packing due to missed clamping.

[0069] Furthermore, the two clamping blocks 20 correspond to the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22. The clamping detection device includes a mating part 211 and a sensing part 212. The mating part 211 is located on the first side opposite to the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22. The mating part 211 is laterally telescopic and has an extended position and a compressed position during its telescopic stroke. The sensing part 212 is located on the first side of the first clamping block 21. When the mating part 211 is in the extended position, the sensing part 212 is spaced apart from the mating part 211. When the mating part 211 is in the compressed position, the sensing part 212 cooperates with the mating part 211 to emit a sensing signal. The sensing part 212 is electrically connected to the control device.

[0070] In this embodiment, a spring is provided between the mating part 211 and the first clamping block 21. When the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 are not clamped, the mating part 211 is subjected to the elastic preload of the spring, causing the other first clamping blocks 21 to be spaced out, i.e., extended. When the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 move toward each other, the second clamping block 22 abuts against the mating part 211 and pushes the mating part 211, so that the mating part 211 overcomes the elastic force and moves toward the first clamping block 21. When the mating part 211 is compressed to a preset position, i.e., a compressed position, the sensing part 212 cooperates with the mating part 211 to emit a sensing signal, and then the sensing part 212 transmits the sensing signal to the control device to determine that the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 are in a clamping state.

[0071] It should be noted that the mating part 211 and the first clamping block 21 are not limited to a spring. They can also be other structures that can apply a repulsive force between the mating part 211 and the first clamping block 21, such as a pneumatic piston, or two magnets with magnetic repulsion can be provided between the mating part 211 and the first clamping block 21. The specific form is not limited here.

[0072] Furthermore, a mating plate 2111 is provided on the opposite side of the mating part 211 and the sensing part 212. The sensing part 212 is a sensing groove provided on the first side of the first clamping block 21. An optocoupler switch is provided in the sensing groove. When the mating part 211 is in the compressed position, the mating plate 2111 extends into the sensing groove, and the optocoupler switch is electrically connected to the control device.

[0073] In this embodiment, as the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 clamp together, the mating part 211 drives the mating plate 2111 to move toward the first clamping block 21. When the mating part 211 moves to the compression position, the mating plate 2111 extends into the sensing groove and triggers the optocoupler switch in the sensing groove. The optocoupler switch sends an electrical signal to the control device to determine whether the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 are clamped together.

[0074] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the two clamping blocks 20 for packaging. They can be secured with tape or aluminum nails, or cut with a blade, as long as they can achieve both sealing and dividing of the packaging bag. In this embodiment, a heat-pressing component is provided on each of the two clamping blocks 20 facing each other. The heat-pressing component is used to heat-seal the packaging bag. This design is simple, requires no additional tape or aluminum nails, and simultaneously achieves sealing and dividing without the need for a separate blade for cutting, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the packaging station is located in the middle of the horizontal direction of the base 1. The detection device also includes a position detection device 3. The position detection device 3 includes an intermediate position sensor 31 disposed at the packaging station, which is used to detect whether the clamping block 20 moves to the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor 31 is electrically connected to the control device.

[0076] Furthermore, the intermediate position sensor 31 includes a trigger switch 312, and at least one of the two clamping blocks 20 has a protrusion 221 on the side near the intermediate position sensor 31. When the clamping block 20 with the protrusion 221 is in the intermediate position, the protrusion 221 is used to trigger the trigger switch 312 of the intermediate position sensor 31. The trigger switch 312 of the intermediate position sensor 31 is electrically connected to the control device.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second clamping block 22 is provided with a protrusion 221. When the protrusion 221 on the second clamping block 22 triggers the intermediate position sensor 31, the intermediate position sensor 31 sends an electrical signal to the control device. The control device controls the second clamping block 22 to stop moving, and then controls the first clamping block 21 to continue moving towards each other until the clamping detection device senses that the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 are clamped, and controls the first clamping block 21 to stop moving.

[0078] Furthermore, the intermediate position sensor 31 also includes a trigger part 311, which is movably mounted on the base 1 and is elastically telescopically arranged along the longitudinal direction. The trigger part 311 has a pop-out position and a trigger position during its elastic telescopic stroke. When the clamping block 20 with the protrusion 221 is in the intermediate position, the protrusion 221 abuts against the trigger part 311 so that the trigger part 311 moves to the trigger position. When the trigger part 311 is in the trigger position, the trigger part 311 abuts against the trigger switch 312 of the intermediate position sensor 31. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate triggering the trigger switch 312, a trigger part 311 is provided that can be elastically extended and retracted along the longitudinal direction. The end of the trigger part 311 facing the clamping block 20 is arranged in an arc shape to facilitate contact with the protrusion 221. When the trigger part 311 is in the pop-out position, the position of the trigger part 311 coincides with the lateral movement trajectory of the protrusion 221. When the protrusion 221 moves to the packaging station, the protrusion 221 abuts against the trigger part 311, overcomes the elastic force of the trigger part 311, moves away from the clamping block 20 along the longitudinal direction, and contacts the trigger switch 312 to send an electrical signal to the control device.

[0079] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the specific form of the intermediate position sensor 31 is not limited. The intermediate position sensor 31 can be a mechanical trigger switch 312. In other embodiments, the intermediate position sensor 31 can also be an infrared sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, etc.

[0080] In the technical solution of the present invention, the bag box 4 is provided with an annular cavity 41. The packaging bag is folded into a cylindrical shape and placed in the annular cavity. After the first clamping block 21 and the second clamping block 22 move to the packaging station to clamp the packaging bag, it needs to move laterally back and forth on the slide rail 11 to pull out the packaging bag for subsequent packaging materials.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the two clamping blocks 20 have a first limit position and a second limit position located at both ends of their travel in the lateral direction. The position detection device 3 includes two limit position sensors 32 distributed on both sides of the base 1 in the lateral direction, which are used to detect whether the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors 32 are electrically connected to the control device. After the two clamping blocks 20 are clamped, they move laterally to the first limit position. When the limit position sensor 32 of the first limit position senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have reached the first limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving. Then, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to move laterally to the second limit position. When the limit position sensor 32 of the second limit position senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have reached the second limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving. Then, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to move to the packaging station. When the intermediate position sensor 31 senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the packaging station, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to separate laterally.

[0082] It should be noted that each of the two clamping blocks 20 has a clamping part 23 on one side facing each other. The clamping part 23 is located on the upper side of the hot pressing assembly to clamp the packaging bag. This arrangement facilitates clamping and lateral pulling of the packaging bag to achieve bag loading, and also benefits the hot pressing of the hot pressing assembly located below the clamping part 23.

[0083] Furthermore, each of the two limit position sensors 32 includes a trigger switch 312. When the two clamping blocks 20 are in the first limit position, the clamping block 20 abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch 312 of one of the two limit position sensors 32. When the two clamping blocks 20 are in the second limit position, the clamping block 20 abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch 312 of the other of the two limit position sensors 32.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, the form of the two extreme position sensors 32 is not limited to mechanical trigger switch 312. In other embodiments, they can also be infrared sensors, electromagnetic sensors, etc.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, the slide rail 11 includes a rack extending laterally. The rack is disposed on one side of the clamping block 20 in the longitudinal direction. The clamping block 20 has a gear rotatably mounted along a longitudinally extending axis on one side of its longitudinal direction corresponding to the rack. The gear meshes with the rack. The driving device includes two drive motors respectively disposed on the two clamping blocks 20. The drive motors are used to drive the gears on the clamping blocks 20 to rotate. The two drive motors are electrically connected to the control device. The clamping blocks 20 are controlled to move by controlling the drive motors on the two clamping blocks 20. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the slide rail 11 includes two racks, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the clamping block 20 in the longitudinal direction. The clamping block 20 has gears on both sides of its longitudinal direction to drive the clamping block 20 to move. In another embodiment, the slide rail includes one rack. The clamping block 20 has a gear rotatably mounted along a longitudinally extending axis on one side of its longitudinal direction corresponding to the rack, and a pulley on the other side. The slide rail 11 has a slide rail on the side corresponding to the pulley, and the pulley rolls in the slide rail to provide guidance.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the two clamping blocks 20 move to the packaging station to clamp the packaging bag, the clamping status can be determined by whether the drive motor is stalled. Since both limit position sensors 32 are mechanically triggered sensors, they also serve a limiting function. If the limit position sensors 32 fail, when the two clamping blocks 20 move laterally to the first or second limit position, the determination of whether the preset position has been reached can also be made by whether the drive motor is stalled.

[0087] It should be noted that in this embodiment, after the two clamping blocks 20 have clamped and packaged the bag, the two clamping blocks 20 can also be controlled to separate at different positions so that the packaged bag falls at different positions. This can avoid local accumulation caused by single-point delivery, insufficient space utilization, and extended maintenance interval time.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a control method for a packaging mechanism positioning detection device. This control method is based on the packaging mechanism positioning detection device described above. The packaging station is located in the middle of the base laterally. The detection device includes a position detection device 3, which includes an intermediate position sensor 31 disposed at the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor 31 is used to detect whether the clamping block 20 has moved to the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor 31 is electrically connected to a control device. The control method for the packaging mechanism positioning detection device includes the following steps:

[0089] S10, The control drive device drives the two clamping blocks 20 to move toward the packaging station;

[0090] S20. When the intermediate position sensor 31 senses that one of the two clamping blocks 20 has moved to the packaging station, it controls one of the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving and controls the other of the two clamping blocks 20 to continue moving toward the packaging station.

[0091] S30. The clamping detection device detects whether the two clamping blocks 20 are in a clamping state.

[0092] S31. If so, then control one of the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving;

[0093] S32. If not, control one of the two clamping blocks 20 to keep moving until the clamping detection device determines that the two clamping blocks 20 are in a clamping state.

[0094] It should be noted that the intermediate position sensor 31 is only used to sense whether one of the two clamping blocks 20 has reached the preset packaging station. When either one reaches the packaging station first, it controls it to stop moving and controls the other clamping block 20 to continue moving so that the two clamping blocks 20 can clamp the packaging bag.

[0095] Furthermore, the two clamping blocks 20 have a first limit position and a second limit position located at both ends of their lateral travel. The position detection device 3 includes two limit position sensors 32 distributed on both sides of the base laterally, which are used to detect whether the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors 32 are electrically connected to the control device. After the clamping detection device determines that the two clamping blocks 20 are in a clamped state, the following steps are also included:

[0096] S40, The control drive device drives the two clamping blocks 20 to move toward the first extreme position;

[0097] S50. When the limit position sensor 32 senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the first limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving.

[0098] S60, the control drive device drives the two clamping blocks 20 to move to the second limit position;

[0099] S70. When the limit position sensor 32 senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the second limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving.

[0100] It should be noted that after the two clamping blocks 20 clamp the packaging bag and complete the packaging, it needs to move laterally to both ends to pull out the sides of the packaging bag for the next collection. Therefore, while keeping the two clamping blocks 20 in a clamped state, it is necessary to move laterally to the first extreme position and then to the second extreme position to pull out the packaging bag.

[0101] It is understandable that there is no restriction on which end the first and second extreme positions are located in the lateral direction.

[0102] Furthermore, after the step of controlling the two clamping blocks 20 to stop moving after the limit position sensor 32 senses that the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the second limit position, the following steps are also included:

[0103] S80, control the two clamping blocks 20 to move to the preset release position;

[0104] S90, Control the two clamping blocks 20 to release the clamping state;

[0105] S100, control the two clamping blocks 20 to move to both sides of the packaging station respectively;

[0106] The preset release station includes the first limit position, the second limit position, and the packaging station.

[0107] It should be noted that after the two clamping blocks 20 clamp and pull out the packaging bag, the bag can be sealed and divided. After division, the two clamping blocks 20 can be released from their clamping state, that is, the two clamping blocks 20 can be separated. At this time, the already packaged bag on the lower side will fall into the collection device. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the bags from piling up and resulting in low space utilization in the collection device, the two clamping blocks 20 can be separated at different positions to evenly distribute the bags and improve the utilization rate of the collection device. Alternatively, the two clamping blocks 20 can be randomly distributed. After the two clamping blocks 20 pull out the packaging bag, the bags can be distributed at any position during subsequent movements, which can also avoid the bags piling up in one place and wasting utilization.

[0108] It is understandable that in step S100, in order to effectively determine whether the two clamping blocks 20 have moved to the two sides of the packaging station, in this embodiment, the two clamping blocks 20 need to be controlled to move to the first limit position and the second limit position respectively, so that the position detection device can determine whether the two clamping blocks 20 have moved into place.

[0109] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a smart cat litter box 1000, which includes the packing mechanism positioning detection device of the above-mentioned technical solution. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the packing mechanism positioning detection device in the smart cat litter box 1000 can be referred to the embodiments of the packing mechanism positioning detection device described above, and will not be repeated here. Since the above-mentioned packing mechanism positioning detection device is used in the smart cat litter box 1000 of the present invention, the embodiments of the smart cat litter box 1000 of the present invention include all the technical solutions of all embodiments of the packing mechanism positioning detection device described above, and the achieved technical effects are also completely the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the positioning of a packaging mechanism, characterized in that, include: A base, on which a slide rail extends laterally, and a packaging station is provided; The clamping assembly includes at least two clamping blocks arranged laterally at intervals on both sides of the packing station, the two clamping blocks being movably mounted on the slide rail, and the two clamping blocks being movable to the packing station during their travel. A drive device, mounted on the base, is used to drive the two clamping blocks to slide laterally along the slide rail; The detection device includes a clamping detection device for detecting whether the two clamping blocks are clamped when they are located at the packaging station; and... The control device is electrically connected to both the drive device and the clamping detection device. The detection device also includes a position detection device; The two clamping blocks have a first limit position and a second limit position at both ends of their moving stroke. The position detection device includes two limit position sensors distributed on both sides of the base in the lateral direction, which are used to detect whether the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors are electrically connected to the control device. Each of the two limit position sensors includes a trigger switch. When the two clamping blocks are in the first limit position, the clamping block abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch of one of the two limit position sensors. When the two clamping blocks are in the second limit position, the clamping block abuts against and is limited by the trigger switch of the other of the two limit position sensors.

2. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two clamping blocks correspond to a first clamping block and a second clamping block, and the clamping detection device includes: A mating part is provided on a first side opposite to the first clamping block and the second clamping block. The mating part is laterally telescopic and has an extended position and a compressed position during its telescopic stroke. A sensing element is disposed on the first side of the first clamping block. When the mating part is in the extended position, the sensing element is spaced apart from the mating part. When the mating part is in the compressed position, the sensing element cooperates with the mating part to emit a sensing signal. The sensing element is electrically connected to the control device.

3. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mating part is provided with a mating plate on the side opposite to the sensing part. The sensing part is a sensing groove provided on the first side of the first clamping block. An optocoupler switch is provided in the sensing groove. When the mating part is in the compressed position, the mating plate extends into the sensing groove. The optocoupler switch is electrically connected to the control device.

4. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The packaging station is located in the middle of the horizontal direction of the base. The position detection device includes an intermediate position sensor disposed at the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor is used to detect whether the clamping block has moved to the packaging station. The intermediate position sensor is electrically connected to the control device.

5. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The intermediate position sensor includes a trigger switch, and at least one of the two clamping blocks has a protrusion on the side near the intermediate position sensor. When the clamping block with the protrusion is in the intermediate position, the protrusion is used to trigger the trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor. The trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor is electrically connected to the control device.

6. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The intermediate position sensor also includes a trigger part, which is movably mounted on the base and is elastically extendable along the longitudinal direction. The trigger part has a pop-out position and a trigger position during its elastic extension stroke. When the clamping block with the protrusion is in the intermediate position, the protrusion abuts against the trigger part, so that the trigger part moves to the trigger position. When the trigger part is in the trigger position, the trigger part abuts against the trigger switch of the intermediate position sensor.

7. The packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The slide rail includes a rack extending laterally, the rack being disposed on one side of the clamping block in the longitudinal direction, and the clamping block having a gear rotatably mounted on its side in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the rack, the gear meshing with the rack; the driving device includes two drive motors respectively disposed on the two clamping blocks, the drive motors being used to drive the gears on the clamping blocks to rotate, and the two drive motors being electrically connected to the control device.

8. A control method for a packaging mechanism positioning detection device based on any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The packaging station is located in the middle of the base laterally. The detection device includes a position detection device, which includes a central position sensor disposed at the packaging station. The central position sensor is used to detect whether the clamping block has moved to the packaging station. The central position sensor is electrically connected to the control device. The control method of the packaging mechanism positioning detection device includes the following steps: The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the packaging station; When the intermediate position sensor detects that one of the two clamping blocks has moved to the packaging station, it controls one of the two clamping blocks to stop moving, and controls the other of the two clamping blocks to continue moving toward the packaging station; The clamping detection device detects whether the two clamping blocks are in a clamped state. If so, then control one of the two clamping blocks to stop moving; If not, then control one of the two clamping blocks to remain in motion until the clamping detection device determines that both clamping blocks are in the clamping state.

9. The control method for the packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The two clamping blocks have a first limit position and a second limit position located at opposite ends of their travel. The position detection device includes two limit position sensors distributed on both sides of the base in the lateral direction, used to detect whether the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position or the second limit position, respectively. The two limit position sensors are electrically connected to the control device. After the clamping detection device determines that the two clamping blocks are in a clamped state, the device further includes the following steps: The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the first extreme position; When the limit position sensor detects that the two clamping blocks have moved to the first limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks to stop moving; The drive device is controlled to drive the two clamping blocks to move toward the second extreme position; When the limit position sensor detects that the two clamping blocks have moved to the second limit position, it controls the two clamping blocks to stop moving.

10. The control method for the packaging mechanism positioning detection device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the two clamping blocks to stop moving after the limit position sensor senses that the two clamping blocks have moved to the second limit position, the following steps are also included: Control the two clamping blocks to move to the preset release position; Control the two clamping blocks to release the clamping state; Control the two clamping blocks to move to both sides of the packaging station; The preset release station includes the first extreme position, the second extreme position, and the packaging station.

11. A smart cat litter box, characterized in that, Includes a packing mechanism positioning detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images