Feeding device for a cover strip of a easy open end

Abstract

The application provides a feeding device for a cover strip of an easy-open cover, comprising a rack, a buffer mechanism and a cover feeding mechanism arranged on the rack; through the cooperation of the buffer mechanism and the cover feeding mechanism, the feeding process of the cover strip is automated, and the cooperation of various limiting members and execution assemblies realizes accurate clamping and fixing of the cover strip, ensures that the easy-open cover is correctly placed, fixed and accurately transferred during the feeding process, can accelerate the speed of the production line, reduces the time required for manual operation, improves the overall production efficiency, the cover strip is accurately placed and fixed, avoids production line stagnation or product defects caused by inaccurate operation, realizes higher consistency and reliability, reduces problems caused by skill differences of operators and automatic grabbing and transferring of mechanical hands, therefore not only improves the production efficiency, but also ensures the product quality and the stability of the production line, brings many significant effects to the production feeding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of easy-open lid feeding technology, and more specifically, to a feeding device for the lid strip of an easy-open lid. Background Technology

[0002] The main technical challenges in the production of easy-open lids are concentrated in the transfer stage. Current production processes are numerous, but the coordination between equipment is insufficient, necessitating the movement of easy-open lids between processes via transfer mechanisms. Existing technology involves stacking the lids on pallets and then using robotic arms for transfer. However, this process suffers from problems such as lid scratches and tipping, directly impacting production speed and product quality.

[0003] Therefore, improving the design of the transfer mechanism is crucial. Current considerations include adopting a stable robotic gripping method or designing a new type of easy-open lid transport clamp to reduce friction between the easy-open lid and the mechanical equipment.

[0004] Modern technologies, such as machine vision and smart sensors, can be used to improve the handling process of easy-open lids. By installing a vision recognition system to monitor the position and status of the easy-open lid in real time, the accuracy of the robotic arm's gripping and placement can be ensured, thereby avoiding scratches or lid tipping.

[0005] Furthermore, conducting systematic testing is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the improved solution. By simulating different transfer conditions and using different robotic arm movements, the optimal operating method can be evaluated. This requires analyzing every possible factor to determine the most optimized easy-open lid transfer solution.

[0006] Therefore, establishing a framework for continuous improvement is crucial to ensuring the continuous optimization of the production process. This means working closely with operators to collect and analyze data and feedback from actual operations. Based on this information, processes can be adjusted and improved in a timely manner to enhance overall efficiency and quality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the challenges faced in the production of easy-open lids through concrete improvement measures, thereby increasing production efficiency and optimizing product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a feeding device for a cover strip for an easy-open cover, so as to solve the above problems.

[0008] The present invention adopts the following solution:

[0009] This application provides a feeding device for a cap strip of an easy-open lid, including a frame, a buffer mechanism and a cap feeding mechanism disposed on the frame; the buffer mechanism includes a flap assembly suitable for placing the cap strip, a fork assembly for pressing the cap strip against the flap assembly, and a drive assembly connected to the flap assembly; the cap feeding mechanism includes a cap pushing groove, a first push execution assembly and a second push execution assembly, the cap pushing groove being disposed directly below the flap assembly for receiving and accommodating the cap strip after the drive assembly rotates the flap assembly; the first push execution assembly is provided with a mounting frame, a power component for controlling the reciprocating movement of the mounting frame along the cap pushing direction, and a first limit member and a second limit member disposed on the mounting frame. The first limiting member is driven independently to move relatively up and down and left and right. When moving up and down, it corresponds to the second limiting member to define a clamping space for the cover strip. When moving left and right, it corresponds to the second limiting member to clamp the cover strip laterally. The second pushing execution component has a moving member and a toggle block disposed on the moving member. The toggle block is limited on the cover pushing path and has a pressing state that is elastically pressed onto the cover strip and a reset state that avoids the cover strip. The cover strip is moved from one end of the cover pushing groove to the other end along the cover pushing direction, so that the toggle block switches to the pressing state when it contacts the cover strip. After the cover is pushed into place, the toggle block avoids the cover strip to return to the reset state, thereby completing one feeding and transportation cycle.

[0010] As a further improvement, the flip-top assembly is constructed as multiple spaced storage cover plates, each storage cover plate correspondingly receiving a cover strip composed of multiple easy-open covers. The fork assembly is provided with a V-shaped fork belonging to each storage cover plate, and the V-shaped fork can freely extend and retract in the left and right directions, correspondingly limiting the length threshold of the cover strip, and correspondingly retracting to release the cover strip after the flip-top operation.

[0011] As a further improvement, the drive assembly includes a push rod, a rotating shaft linked to the push rod, the storage cover plate being disposed on the rotating shaft, and each storage cover plate being disposed of its own push rod.

[0012] As a further improvement, the push-cover groove is formed by two spaced-apart opposing long strips, and the distance between them is less than the diameter of the cover strip; the mounting frame is provided with a transverse cylinder and a longitudinal cylinder that moves with the transverse cylinder, and the first limiting member has a first stop fork disposed on the longitudinal cylinder and extending between the two long strips.

[0013] As a further improvement, the second limiting member is disposed on the end of the mounting bracket and is opposite to the first limiting member at the left and right ends. The second limiting member includes a second stop fork disposed on the mounting bracket and extending between the two long strips, and a transverse spring is provided on the back of the second stop fork. The second stop fork moves accordingly to compress the transverse spring after being forced by the first stop fork and the cover strip.

[0014] As a further improvement, the mounting frame is equipped with a first sensor for monitoring the cover strip on the push-cover groove; a second sensor for detecting the pressure of the second stop fork on the lateral spring; a third sensor for receiving feedback from the cover strip at the front end of the first stop fork to the lateral cylinder for deceleration; a fourth sensor for triggering the longitudinal cylinder to retract the first stop fork after the material is pushed into place, and controlling the mounting frame to reset and move to the initial position; and a fifth sensor for detecting the extension and retraction position of the first stop fork.

[0015] As a further improvement, the push block is configured above the push cover groove via a mounting plate, and is arranged to avoid contact with the flip plate assembly.

[0016] As a further improvement, the pusher is configured as a movable pusher, which is obliquely placed below the mounting plate, and the movable pusher is inclined in the direction of pushing the cover to facilitate the smooth entry of the cover strip.

[0017] As a further improvement, a spring is disposed at the rear of the movable lever, which is adapted to spring the movable lever to the front; and the mounting plate is provided with a sixth sensor and a seventh sensor, the sixth sensor being used to detect the state of the lever and the seventh sensor being used to detect the pressure of the lever on the spring.

[0018] As a further improvement, the mounting bracket is configured on a linear slide rail, and the power component is used to drive the linear slide rail to move the mounting bracket back and forth in the left and right directions; the moving component is configured on another linear slide rail, which correspondingly drives the toggle block to move back and forth in the left and right directions.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0020] The feeding device for easy-open lid strips disclosed in this application automates the feeding process by cooperating with a buffer mechanism and a lid feeding mechanism. The coordinated action of various limiting components and actuators ensures precise clamping and fixation of the lid strips, guaranteeing correct placement and fixation of the easy-open lids during feeding. This accelerates production line speed, reduces manual operation time, and improves overall production efficiency. The accurate placement, fixation, and precise transfer of the lid strips prevent production line stalls or product defects caused by inaccurate operation, achieving higher consistency and reliability. Unlike manual operation, this device addresses potential variations and errors, improving product quality and reliability. Operation is relatively simple, and maintenance and adjustment are also relatively easy, reducing problems caused by differences in operator skills and the automatic gripping and transfer by robotic arms. Therefore, it not only improves production efficiency but also ensures product quality and production line stability, bringing numerous significant benefits to the production feeding process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeding device for a lid strip for an easy-open lid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the caching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the caching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cap-feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive execution component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second drive execution component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and transporting of a feeding device for easy-open lid strips according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] icon:

[0029] 1-Frame; 2-Buffer mechanism; 21-Flip plate assembly; 22-Fork stop assembly; 23-Drive assembly; 231-Push rod; 232-Rotating shaft; 3-Cover feeding mechanism; 31-Cover push groove; 32-First push execution assembly; 321-Mounting bracket; 322-Power component; 3231-Transverse cylinder; 3232-Longitudinal cylinder; 3233-First fork stop; 3241-Second fork stop; 3242-Transverse spring; 325-First sensor; 326-Second sensor; 327-Third sensor; 328-Fourth sensor; 329-Fifth sensor; 33-Second push execution assembly; 331-Moving component; 332-Pulling block component; 333-Mounting plate; 334-Spring component; 335-Sixth sensor; 336-Seventh sensor; A-Cover strip. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to represent selected embodiments of the invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Example

[0032] Combination Figures 1 to 7 This embodiment provides a feeding device for easy-open lid strips, including a frame 1, a buffer mechanism 2 and a lid feeding mechanism 3 configured on the frame 1.

[0033] The buffer mechanism 2 includes a flap assembly 21 suitable for placing the cover strip A, a fork assembly 22 for pressing the cover strip A against the flap assembly 21, and a drive assembly 23 connected to the flap assembly 21.

[0034] The cover delivery mechanism 3 includes a cover pusher groove 31, a first pusher actuation component 32, and a second pusher actuation component 33. The cover pusher groove 31 is located directly below the flip plate component 21 and is used to receive and accommodate the cover strip A after the drive component 23 drives the flip plate component 21 to rotate.

[0035] Specifically, the first push-actuator 32 includes a mounting bracket 321, a power component 322 for controlling the reciprocating movement of the mounting bracket 321 along the push-cover direction, and a first limiting member and a second limiting member disposed on the mounting bracket 321. The first limiting member is driven independently to move relatively up and down and left and right. When moving up and down, it corresponds to the second limiting member to define a clamping space for the cover strip A. When moving left and right, it corresponds to the second limiting member to clamp the cover strip A laterally. The second push-actuator 33 includes a moving member 331 and a lever member 332 disposed on the moving member 331. The lever member 332 is defined on the push-cover path and has a pressing state that is elastically pressed onto the cover strip A and a reset state that avoids the cover strip A. Along the push-cover direction, the cover strip A is moved from one end of the push-cover groove 31 to the other end, so that the push block 332 switches to the pressing state when it contacts the cover strip A. After the cover is pushed into place, the push block 332 avoids the cover strip A to return to the reset state, thereby completing one feeding and transportation cycle.

[0036] The buffer mechanism 2 is used to prepare the easy-open lid strip A. The lid strip A is formed by stacking multiple easy-open lids in a specified quantity. Alternatively, multiple easy-open lids can be regularly grouped together to form a single lid strip A for easy overall transport.

[0037] The cover feeding mechanism 3 delivers the prepared cover strip A to the designated position. The first push execution component 32 is used for positioning and clamping the cover strip A. The second push execution component 33 presses the cover strip A moving along the cover pushing direction on one hand, and on the other hand, through its own state switching, it can accurately obtain the pushing position of the cover strip A in order to prepare for the next feeding and transportation.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the flip-plate assembly 21 is constructed as a plurality of spaced storage cover plates, each storage cover plate correspondingly receiving a cover strip A composed of a plurality of easy-open covers. The fork assembly 22 is provided with a V-shaped fork belonging to each storage cover plate, and the V-shaped fork can freely extend and retract in the left and right directions, correspondingly limiting the length threshold of the cover strip A, and correspondingly retracting to release the cover strip A after the flip-plate operation.

[0039] Therefore, the flip-plate assembly 21 allows multiple easy-open caps combined with cap strips A to be processed simultaneously. This arrangement increases the device's processing capacity and improves feeding efficiency, enabling more cap strips A to be processed at the same time. Furthermore, the V-shaped fork in the fork assembly 22 can flexibly extend and retract in the left and right directions, limiting the length threshold of cap strip A and ensuring that the length of cap strip A meets requirements, making it suitable for products or containers. This is very useful for easy-open caps of different specifications or sizes, adapting to different needs and increasing flexibility and applicability. In addition, through the design of the fork, the device can retract to release cap strip A after the flip-open operation, ensuring that cap strip A remains stable during operation and can be easily released when needed, making the entire feeding process smoother and more accurate. The simultaneous processing of multiple cap strips A, flexible length control, and stable operation work together to improve the overall transportation efficiency of the device on the production line, enabling it to quickly and accurately process easy-open caps, ensuring they meet product requirements and are fed at the right time.

[0040] Furthermore, the drive assembly 23 includes a push rod 231 and a rotating shaft 232 linked to the push rod 231. The storage cover is disposed on the rotating shaft 232, and each storage cover is equipped with its own push rod 231. Clearly, each storage cover is individually controlled, enabling independent and efficient opening and feeding. The linkage between the push rod 231 and the rotating shaft 232 is a conventional rotation drive method, and therefore will not be elaborated upon here.

[0041] like Figures 4 to 6In this embodiment, the push-cover groove 31 is formed by two spaced-apart, opposing elongated plates, with the distance between them being less than the diameter of the cover strip A. The mounting frame 321 is equipped with a transverse cylinder 3231 and a longitudinal cylinder 3232 that moves with the transverse cylinder 3231. The first limiting member has a first stop fork 3233 disposed on the longitudinal cylinder 3232 and extending between the two elongated plates. Therefore, the first stop fork 3233 of the first limiting member has a more flexible movement mode in both the left-right and up-down directions relative to the mounting frame 321, greatly improving the operability of the entire push-actuating component. This facilitates clamping the cover strip A during material pushing and releasing the clamp after material pushing, preparing for the next feeding and transport.

[0042] The second limiting member is disposed on the end of the mounting bracket 321, opposite to the first limiting member at the left and right ends. The second limiting member includes a second stop fork 3241 disposed on the mounting bracket 321 and extending between the two long strips. A transverse spring 3242 is provided on the back of the second stop fork 3241. When the second stop fork 3241 is forced by the first stop fork 3233 and the cover strip A, it moves accordingly to compress the transverse spring 3242. On one hand, the second stop fork 3241 cooperates with the first stop fork 3233 to precisely limit the cover strip A to the push-cover groove 31 at a preset length. On the other hand, the second stop fork 3241 is relatively fixed on the mounting bracket 321, and the second stop fork 3241 has the spring force provided by the transverse spring 3242 to unload most of the pressure on the cover strip A clamped between them, preventing the easy-open cover from being crushed or damaged.

[0043] It should be noted that the mounting frame 321 is equipped with a first sensor 325 for monitoring the cover strip A on the cover pusher groove 31. The mounting frame 321 is equipped with a second sensor 326 for detecting the pressure of the second stop fork 3241 on the transverse spring 3242. The mounting frame 321 is equipped with a third sensor 327 for transmitting feedback to the transverse cylinder 3231 for deceleration after detecting the cover strip A at the front end of the first stop fork 3233. The mounting frame 321 is equipped with a fourth sensor 328 for triggering the longitudinal cylinder 3232 to retract the first stop fork 3233 after the material is pushed into position, and controlling the mounting frame 321 to reset and move back to its initial position. The mounting frame 321 is equipped with a fifth sensor 329 for detecting the extension / retraction position of the first stop fork 3233.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 6In this embodiment, the push block 332 is positioned directly above the cover-pushing groove 31 via a mounting plate 333, and is arranged to avoid contact with the flip-up assembly 21. The push block 332 is configured as a movable push block, positioned obliquely below the mounting plate 333, and tilted in the direction of the cover push to facilitate the smooth entry of the cover strip A. Thus, on one hand, the push block 332 further presses and confines the cover strip A onto the cover-pushing groove 31 as it passes through; on the other hand, by monitoring the reset and pressing states of the push block 332, the position of the cover strip A on the transport path can be obtained.

[0045] Furthermore, a spring 334 is disposed behind the movable lever, adapted to spring-load the movable lever forward. The spring 334 provides spring force to the lever to prevent damage during transmission by the cover strip A, and further enhances the effectiveness of the easy-open cover protection.

[0046] It should be noted that the mounting plate 333 is equipped with a sixth sensor 335 and a seventh sensor 336. The sixth sensor 335 is used to detect the state of the toggle block 332, and the seventh sensor 336 is used to detect the pressure of the toggle block 332 on the spring 334.

[0047] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 321 is disposed on a linear slide rail, and the power component 322 drives the linear slide rail to move the mounting bracket 321 reciprocally in the left-right direction. The moving component 331 is disposed on another linear slide rail, correspondingly driving the toggle block 332 to move reciprocally in the left-right direction. The two linear slide rails are vertically opposite each other and do not interfere with each other, respectively used to control the position of the mounting bracket 321 after reciprocating movement, and to control the required placement detection position of the toggle block 332.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions that fall within the scope of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding device for easy-open lid strips, comprising a frame, and a buffer mechanism and a lid feeding mechanism disposed on the frame; characterized in that, The buffer mechanism includes a flap assembly suitable for placing a cover strip, a fork assembly for pressing the cover strip against the flap assembly, and a drive assembly connected to the flap assembly. The cap feeding mechanism includes a cap pushing groove, a first pushing actuation component, and a second pushing actuation component. The cap pushing groove is positioned directly below the flip-plate assembly and is used to receive and accommodate the cap strip after the drive component rotates the flip-plate assembly. The first push execution component is provided with a mounting frame, a power component for controlling the mounting frame to reciprocate along the push cover direction, and a first limiting component and a second limiting component disposed on the mounting frame. The first limiting component is driven separately to move relatively up and down and left and right. When moving up and down, it cooperates with the second limiting component to define a clamping space for the cover strip. When moving left and right, it cooperates with the second limiting component to clamp the cover strip laterally. The second push-actuating component includes a movable member and a lever member disposed on the movable member. The lever member is defined in the push-cover path and has a pressed state that is elastically pressed against the cover strip and a reset state that avoids the cover strip. The lever member is correspondingly disposed above the push-cover groove via a mounting plate and is disposed in a way that avoids the flap assembly. The lever member is configured as a movable lever, obliquely positioned below the mounting plate, and the movable lever is tilted in the push-cover direction to facilitate smooth entry of the cover strip. A spring member is disposed behind the movable lever to elastically press the movable lever member forward. The cover strip is moved from one end of the cover groove to the other end along the cover pushing direction, so that the pusher switch to the pressing state when it contacts the cover strip. After the cover is pushed into place, the pusher avoids the cover strip to return to the reset state, thus completing one feeding and transportation cycle.

2. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flip-top assembly is constructed as multiple spaced storage cover plates, each of which receives a cover strip composed of multiple easy-open covers. The fork assembly is equipped with a V-shaped fork belonging to each storage cover plate, and the V-shaped fork can freely extend and retract in the left and right directions, correspondingly limiting the length threshold of the cover strip, and retracting after the flip-top operation to release the cover strip.

3. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a push rod and a rotating shaft that is linked to the push rod. The storage cover is disposed on the rotating shaft, and each storage cover is disposed with its own push rod.

4. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-cover groove is formed by two spaced-apart long strips, and the distance between them is less than the diameter of the cover strip; the mounting frame is provided with a transverse cylinder and a longitudinal cylinder that moves with the transverse cylinder, and the first limiting member has a first stop fork disposed on the longitudinal cylinder and extending between the two long strips.

5. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting member is disposed on the end of the mounting bracket and is opposite to the first limiting member at the left and right ends. The second limiting member includes a second stop fork disposed on the mounting bracket and extending between the two long strips. A transverse spring is provided on the back of the second stop fork. The second stop fork moves accordingly to compress the transverse spring after being forced by the first stop fork and the cover strip.

6. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting frame is equipped with a first sensor for monitoring the cover strip on the cover pusher groove; a second sensor for detecting the pressure of the second stop fork on the lateral spring; a third sensor for receiving feedback from the lateral cylinder to decelerate after detecting the cover strip at the front end of the first stop fork; a fourth sensor for triggering the longitudinal cylinder to retract the first stop fork and control the mounting frame to reset and move to the initial position after the material is pushed into place; and a fifth sensor for detecting the extension and retraction position of the first stop fork.

7. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting plate is equipped with a sixth sensor and a seventh sensor. The sixth sensor is used to detect the state of the push block, and the seventh sensor is used to detect the pressure of the push block on the spring.

8. The feeding device for the cap strip of an easy-open cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket is configured on a linear slide rail, and the power component is used to drive the linear slide rail to move the mounting bracket back and forth in the left and right directions; the moving component is configured on another linear slide rail, and correspondingly drives the toggle block to move back and forth in the left and right directions.

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