A spherical fruit and vegetable preservative film packaging machine

Abstract

This invention proposes a spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine, including a frame and a preservation film conveying and cutting mechanism, a mechanical aperture mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a twisting and flipping mechanism, a gripper system lifting mechanism, a preservation film venting mechanism, and a discharge conveying mechanism, as well as a controller to control the operation of the above mechanisms. This invention uses the preservation film conveying and cutting mechanism to lay and cut the preservation film, then uses spherical fruits and vegetables to press the preservation film into the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism and place it on the gripper mechanism. After the photoelectric detection switch detects the placement action, the controller controls the gripper mechanism to close and grasp the spherical fruits and vegetables. Then, the mechanical aperture mechanism closes, closing the preservation film and wrapping the spherical fruits and vegetables. Simultaneously, the twisting and flipping mechanism rotates the gripper mechanism, causing the upper end of the preservation film to rotate and knot. While knotting, the preservation film venting mechanism works synchronously to assist in venting, achieving the effect of preservation film adhering to the packaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of packaging equipment, and in particular to a spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] Plastic wrap is a highly effective plastic packaging film for extending the shelf life of food and fresh fruits and vegetables. After packaging, it isolates the contents from oxygen, prevents moisture loss, and inhibits bacterial invasion, thus extending shelf life while preserving the freshness and original flavor of the food and produce. The preservation effect of plastic wrap is significantly superior to other packaging films. However, because plastic wrap is too thin and soft, it is not effective when heat-sealed using traditional packaging methods. Problems such as weak heat seals, holes appearing in the heat-sealed area due to direct melting, or looseness between the plastic wrap and the packaged goods after packaging can affect packaging quality.

[0003] Nearly spherical fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, purple cabbage, broccoli, and pumpkin, are prone to rolling off when packaged naked on traditional plastic wrap packaging machines (a packaging method that does not require additional trays, which improves the appearance of the packaging while greatly saving packaging costs). Furthermore, the fruits and vegetables do not come into contact with the plastic wrap immediately but are passed around on a circulating tray, which can easily lead to cross-contamination.

[0004] For the preservation packaging of fruits and vegetables, the best time to package them is right after they are picked, followed by cold storage after centralized harvesting. This involves outdoor packaging and also requires a high packaging speed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes a spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine, which provides a packaging method and packaging device that can solve these problems. It can quickly package spherical fruits and vegetables with preservation film, and the packaging is firm and does not loosen.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: a spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine, which includes a frame and a preservation film conveying and cutting mechanism, a mechanical aperture mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a twisting and flipping mechanism, a gripper system lifting mechanism, a preservation film exhaust mechanism and a material discharge conveying mechanism provided on it, and also includes a controller for controlling the operation of the above mechanisms, and a photoelectric detection switch for sensing the operation action.

[0007] The plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism is located above the frame and is used for the installation, unwinding, traction, laying and cutting of the plastic wrap.

[0008] The mechanical aperture mechanism is an aperture-type fruit and vegetable loading valve, located in the middle position below the plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism of the frame, used to gather the plastic wrap after the spherical fruits and vegetables are loaded.

[0009] The gripper mechanism consists of two grippers arranged symmetrically, one above the other, located directly below the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism. It comprises several finger-shaped gripper bodies and components that drive them to open and close.

[0010] The twisting and flipping mechanism includes a twisting component that rotates the grippers on a horizontal plane and a flipping component that flips and interchanges the two gripper mechanisms in a vertical plane. The twisting component is disposed between the two gripper mechanisms and is driven to twist by a motor. The twisting component and the gripper mechanisms are disposed at the output end of the flipping component, and the flipping component flips the twisting component and the gripper mechanisms together.

[0011] The lifting mechanism of the gripper system is installed at the bottom of the frame, and its output end is connected to the torsion and flipping mechanism and the gripper mechanism, driving the two mechanisms to move up and down synchronously.

[0012] The plastic wrap exhaust mechanism is used to exhaust the air inside the plastic wrap while the twisting and flipping mechanism is working.

[0013] The discharge conveying mechanism is a belt conveyor assembly located below the gripper mechanism, used to convey the packaged fruits and vegetables released by the gripper mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the mechanical aperture mechanism includes a driving component, a mounting component, and several blades that are evenly arranged on it and can move on a horizontal plane. Each blade has a small triangle at its end that serves to limit and hold the plastic wrap. The mechanical aperture mechanism is also provided with a zero-position detection component for detecting the position of the blades. The zero-position detection component includes a zero-position switch and a zero-position signal plate. The zero-position switch is set on the mounting component, and the zero-position signal plate is set at the edge of the blade.

[0015] Preferably, the driving component includes a drive motor and a drive gear mounted on it; the mounting component includes a turntable base driven to rotate by the drive gear and a mechanical aperture base plate, as well as a fixedly mounted mechanical aperture top plate; the mechanical aperture top plate and the mechanical aperture base plate have overlapping circular holes in their middle, and several blades are clamped between the mechanical aperture top plate and the mechanical aperture base plate, and each blade is driven to rotate synchronously into the circular hole by a sliding groove and a slider; the turntable base is a ring coaxially arranged and fixedly connected to the mechanical aperture base plate, and the outer edge of the ring is provided with a gear ring that meshes with the drive gear.

[0016] Preferably, the mechanical aperture top plate is fixedly mounted on the frame, and six upper sliding grooves are evenly opened on its plate surface. Each upper sliding groove corresponds to a blade. Each blade has an upper sliding block that matches the upper sliding groove on its upper surface and a lower sliding block on its lower surface. Six lower sliding grooves that match the lower sliding block are evenly opened on the mechanical aperture bottom plate.

[0017] The lower slider is a bearing structure. Two bearings form a set of lower sliders and are installed side by side in a lower groove. The diameter of the bearing matches the width of the lower groove. The rotating shaft at the center of the lower slider is connected to the blade. The small triangle is integrally formed with the blade.

[0018] Preferably, the plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism is located at the top of the frame and includes a plastic wrap carrying device for mounting the plastic wrap roll, a roller assembly for releasing the plastic wrap, a film clamping assembly for unfolding the film, a film clamping drive device for pulling the film clamping assembly, a guide plate for pulling the plastic wrap up and down, and a film cutting device for cutting the plastic wrap.

[0019] The roller assembly includes a film feeding roller, a transition roller, a unidirectional damping roller, and a damping adjuster. The film clamping assembly includes a first film clamping assembly and a second film clamping assembly arranged in parallel. Each of the two film clamping assemblies includes two parallel elongated mounting bases, as well as a magnetic clamping element and a reset elastic element between them.

[0020] Preferably, the gripper mechanism includes several evenly distributed gripper bodies. The lower end of each gripper body is connected to a fixed base, a mounting plate, a swing ear device, a gripper limiting plate, and a spring limiting plate, as well as an electromagnetic lifting plate that pushes the spring. An electromagnet that drives the movement of the electromagnetic lifting plate is connected below it. Two gripper mechanisms are connected by a gripper linkage shaft. The lower end of each gripper body is mounted on the swing ear device, which is mounted on the mounting plate via a fixed base and a compression spring. The spring limiting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The edge of the mounting plate meshes with a transmission gear.

[0021] Preferably, the torsion and flipping mechanism includes a torsion component and a flipping component. The torsion component includes a torsion drive motor and a transmission gear connected to it, which drives the gripper mechanism to rotate. The flipping component includes a flipping motor and a flipping shaft connected to it, with the output end of the flipping shaft driving the entire gripper mechanism to flip.

[0022] Preferably, the lifting mechanism of the gripper system includes a lifting motor and a lifting base plate driven by it. A torsion and flipping mechanism is installed in the middle of the lifting base plate. Linear bearings and lifting guide shafts are provided on both sides of the lifting base plate. The linear bearings are sleeved on the lifting guide shafts, and the lifting guide shafts are installed on the frame. A lifting zero-position switch and a lifting zero-position signal plate are provided in the lower middle position of the lifting guide shafts.

[0023] Preferably, the plastic wrap exhaust mechanism is a set of vacuum suction pipes, which are installed above the middle of the mechanical aperture mechanism and are equipped with a displacement mechanism for moving them up and down.

[0024] Preferably, the plastic wrap venting mechanism is a punching mechanism for piercing the plastic wrap. The punching mechanism includes a punching tool and a telescopic component connected to it, as well as a punching position adjustment knob for adjusting the position of the push-pull component. The telescopic component is a push-pull electromagnet or a cylinder.

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The cling film is laid and cut using a cling film conveying and cutting mechanism. Then, spherical fruits and vegetables are used to press the cling film into the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism and place it on the gripper mechanism. After the photoelectric detection switch detects the placement action, the controller controls the gripper mechanism to close and grasp the spherical fruits and vegetables. Then, the mechanical aperture mechanism closes, closing the cling film and wrapping the spherical fruits and vegetables. Simultaneously, the twisting and flipping mechanism rotates the gripper mechanism, causing the upper end of the cling film to rotate and knot. While knotting, the cling film venting mechanism works synchronously to assist in venting, achieving the desired effect of cling film adhesion and packaging. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical aperture mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a top view of the mechanical aperture mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Sectional view along line AA;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the gripper mechanism and the torsion and flipping mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper mechanism and the torsion and flipping mechanism of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism of the gripper system of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the food preservation film exhaust mechanism of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the food preservation film exhaust mechanism of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of embodiment 3 of the food preservation film exhaust mechanism of the present invention.

[0038] In the diagram: 1. Plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism; 2. Mechanical aperture mechanism; 3. Gripper mechanism; 4. Torsion and flipping mechanism; 5. Gripper system lifting mechanism; 6. Plastic wrap exhaust mechanism; 7. Discharge conveying mechanism; 8. Frame; 9. Photoelectric detection switch;

[0039] 11. Roller assembly; 12. First film clamping assembly; 13. Second film clamping assembly; 14. Film clamping drive device; 15. Film cutting device; 16. Guide plate; 17. Synchronous motor; 18. Synchronous belt; 19. Support rod;

[0040] 21. Drive motor; 22. Drive gear; 23. Turntable base; 24. Mechanical aperture top plate; 241. Upper slide groove; 25. Mechanical aperture base plate; 251. Lower slide groove; 26. Blade; 261. Small triangle; 262. Lower slider; 263. Upper slider; 28. Zero position signal board; 29. ​​Zero position switch;

[0041] 31. Gripper body; 32. Swinging lug device; 321. Compression spring; 33. Gripper limiting plate; 34. Spring limiting plate; 35. Electromagnetic lifting plate; 36. Electromagnet; 37. Gripper linkage shaft; 38. Return spring; 39. Mounting plate;

[0042] 41. Torsion motor; 42. Transmission gear; 43. Tilting motor; 44. Tilting shaft;

[0043] 51. Lifting motor; 52. Lifting base plate; 53. Linear bearing; 54. Lifting guide shaft; 55. Lifting zero position switch;

[0044] 61. Drilling tool; 62. Push-pull electromagnet; 63. Adjustment knob; 64. Upper connecting plate; 65. Lower connecting plate; 66. Drilling motor; 67. Vacuum extraction pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0045] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Example: See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine includes a frame and a preservation film conveying and cutting mechanism 1, a mechanical aperture mechanism 2, a gripper mechanism 3, a twisting and flipping mechanism 4, a gripper system lifting mechanism 5, a preservation film venting mechanism 6, and a discharge conveying mechanism 7. It also includes a controller to control the operation of the above mechanisms and a photoelectric detection switch 9 to sense operational actions. The preservation film is laid and cut by the preservation film conveying and cutting mechanism 1. Spherical fruits and vegetables are then pressed into the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 and placed on the gripper mechanism 3. After the photoelectric detection switch 9 detects the placement action, the controller controls the gripper mechanism 3 to close and grasp the spherical fruits and vegetables. Then, the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 closes, closing the preservation film and wrapping the spherical fruits and vegetables. Simultaneously, the twisting and flipping mechanism 4 rotates the gripper mechanism 3, causing the upper end of the preservation film to rotate and knot. While knotting, the preservation film venting mechanism 6 works synchronously to assist in venting, achieving the effect of preservation film adhering to the packaging.

[0049] Once the nearly spherical package is placed in, it immediately comes into direct contact with the cling film, without directly contacting other parts of the packaging device. During automatic packaging, instead of the traditional method of lifting and then using a pusher plate to cross-move the cling film around the package, the package is placed from above into the already unfolded cling film. The package pulls the cling film downwards into the gripper mechanism 3. After the gripper mechanism 3 closes, a mechanical aperture device gathers and clamps the cling film at the top of the package. Subsequently, the torsion and flipping mechanism 4, where the gripper mechanism 3 is located, drives the gripper mechanism 3 to rotate multiple times, causing the cling film to continuously twist and completely adhere to the package. Then, the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 opens, the torsion and flipping mechanism 4 rotates 180 degrees, the gripper mechanism 3 opens, and the packaged package falls downwards onto the discharge conveyor mechanism 7 under the influence of gravity for discharge.

[0050] Once a spherical fruit or vegetable is packaged, the flipping motor 43 of the twisting and turning mechanism 4 rotates and swaps the two gripper mechanisms 3, then releases the gripper body 31, releasing the spherical fruit or vegetable to the discharge conveyor 7 below, completing the conveying process. The gripper system lifting mechanism 5 raises and lowers the entire twisting and turning mechanism 4 and gripper mechanism 3, raising it to a higher position before placing the spherical fruit or vegetable for easy placement; after placement, it lowers it to a lower position for easy rotation and wrapping.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism 1 is located above the frame, that is, at the very top of the entire packaging machine, and is used for the installation, unwinding, traction, laying, and cutting of the plastic wrap. The plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism 1, located at the very top of the frame, includes a plastic wrap carrying device for mounting the plastic wrap roll, a roller assembly 11 for unwinding the plastic wrap, a film clamping assembly for unfolding the film, a film clamping drive device 14 for traction of the film clamping assembly, a guide plate 16 for vertical traction of the plastic wrap, and a cutting device 15 for cutting the plastic wrap. The roller assembly 11 includes an unwinding roller, a transition roller, and... The device includes a unidirectional damping roller and a damping adjuster. The film clamping assembly includes a first film clamping assembly 12 and a second film clamping assembly 13 arranged in parallel. Each film clamping assembly includes two parallel elongated mounting seats, a magnetic clamping element and a reset elastic element between them. The film clamping drive device 14 includes a synchronous motor 17 and two sets of synchronous belts 18 driven by it, which are connected to both ends of the film clamping assembly. The device also includes support rods 19 that support the two first film clamping assemblies 12 and the second film clamping assembly 13. The two support rods 19 are adjacent to and parallel to the two sets of synchronous belts 18, respectively.

[0052] The plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism 1 is used for the installation, unwinding, traction, laying and cutting of plastic wrap. The roller assembly 11 fixes the plastic wrap on the frame and unwinds it by adjusting the tension of each roller. The first film clamping assembly 12 and the second film clamping assembly 13 clamp the beginning and end of the plastic wrap section respectively and traction the plastic wrap. The film clamping drive device 14 is an electromagnetic clamping component that can clamp the plastic wrap and keep it flat with tension at the front and back. The film cutting device 15 is located at the outlet end of the roller assembly 11 and works with the guide plate 16 and the film clamping drive device 14 to cut the plastic wrap.

[0053] This mechanism is prior art and has been patented. For details, please refer to: film loading mechanism CN210913085U and a film packaging device and film packaging method CN111422396A. It will not be described in detail here.

[0054] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 includes a driving component, a mounting component, and several blades 26 that are evenly arranged on it and can move on a horizontal plane. Each blade 26 has a small triangle 261 at its end that serves to limit and hold the plastic wrap. The mechanical aperture mechanism 2 is also provided with a zero-position detection component for detecting the position of the blades 26. The zero-position detection component includes a zero-position switch 29 and a zero-position signal plate 28. The zero-position switch 29 is disposed on the mounting component, and the zero-position signal plate 28 is disposed at the edge of the blades 26.

[0055] The mechanical aperture mechanism of this device operates on the same principle as a camera aperture, using a rotating slider to move the blades 26, ultimately allowing the combination of the blades 26 to close or open the circular aperture. In this application, a small protruding triangle 261 is added to the end of each blade 26. The small triangle 261 prevents the blades 26 from overshooting when closing, acting as a limit; furthermore, when plastic wrap is loaded, the sharp corners of the small triangle 261 face inwards, pressing against the wrapped plastic wrap and making it less prone to displacement during twisting.

[0056] The mechanical aperture base plate 25 is connected to the turntable base 23. The turntable base 23 can rotate freely under the action of the drive motor 21 and the drive gear 22. When the mechanical aperture base plate 25 rotates under the drive of the drive gear 22, each blade 26 will synchronously close or open until the slider reaches the limit position of the slide groove. The closing or opening position can be controlled by controlling the number of rotations of the drive motor 21. When the slider reaches the limit position of the slide groove, the zero position signal plate 28 on the blade 26 just contacts the zero position switch 29 set on the mechanical aperture base plate 25, thereby triggering the zero position switch 29. The zero position switch 29 transmits the signal to the controller, thereby realizing the further action of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2.

[0057] The driving component includes a drive motor 21 and a drive gear 22 mounted on it; the mounting component includes a turntable base 23 driven to rotate by the drive gear 22 and a mechanical aperture base plate 25, as well as a fixedly mounted mechanical aperture top plate 24; the mechanical aperture top plate 24 and the mechanical aperture base plate 25 have overlapping circular holes in the middle, and several blades 26 are clamped between the mechanical aperture top plate 24 and the mechanical aperture base plate 25, and each blade 26 is driven to rotate synchronously into the circular hole by a sliding groove and a slider; the turntable base 23 is a ring coaxially arranged and fixedly connected to the mechanical aperture base plate 25, and the outer edge of the ring is provided with a toothed ring that meshes with the drive gear 22.

[0058] The mechanical aperture top plate 24 is fixedly mounted on the frame. Six upper sliding grooves 241 are evenly opened on its surface. Each upper sliding groove 241 corresponds to a blade 26. Each blade 26 has an upper sliding block 263 that matches the upper sliding groove 241 on its upper surface and a lower sliding block 262 on its lower surface. Six lower sliding grooves 251 that match the lower sliding block 262 are evenly opened on the mechanical aperture bottom plate 25.

[0059] The lower slider 262 is a bearing structure, with two bearings forming a set of lower sliders 262 and installed side by side in a lower sliding groove 251. The diameter of the bearing matches the width of the lower sliding groove 251. The central shaft of the lower slider 262 is connected to the blade 26, and the small triangle 261 is integrally formed with the blade 26. Both the upper slider 263 and the lower slider 262 adopt a bearing structure, so that there is rolling friction between the bearing and the upper sliding groove 241 and the lower sliding groove 251, which reduces resistance and makes the sliding smoother.

[0060] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, there are two gripper mechanisms 3 arranged symmetrically, located directly below the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2. They consist of several finger-shaped gripper bodies 31 and components that drive them to open and close. The twisting and flipping mechanism 4 includes a twisting component that rotates the grippers on a horizontal plane and a flipping component that flips and swaps the two gripper mechanisms 3 in a vertical plane. The twisting component is located between the two gripper mechanisms 3 and is driven to twist by a motor. The twisting component and the gripper mechanisms 3 are located at the output end of the flipping component, and the flipping component flips the twisting component and the gripper mechanisms 3 together. The gripper system lifting mechanism 5 is installed at the bottom of the frame, and its output end is connected to the twisting and flipping mechanism 4 and the gripper mechanisms 3, driving the two mechanisms to move up and down synchronously.

[0061] The gripper mechanism 3 includes several evenly distributed gripper bodies 31. The lower ends of each gripper body 31 are connected to a fixed base, a mounting plate 39, a swing ear device 32, a gripper limiting plate 33, and a spring limiting plate 34, as well as an electromagnetic lifting plate 35 that pushes the spring. An electromagnet 36 is connected below the electromagnetic lifting plate 35 to drive its movement. Two gripper mechanisms 3 are connected by a gripper linkage shaft 37. The lower ends of the gripper bodies 31 are mounted on the swing ear device 32, which is mounted on the mounting plate 39 via a fixed base and a compression spring 321. The spring limiting plate 34 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 39. The edge of the mounting plate 39 meshes with a transmission gear 42. The gripper limiting plate 33 and the electromagnetic lifting plate 35 are fixedly connected by several connecting shafts and move synchronously up and down. Each connecting shaft is fitted with a return spring 38, and the mounting plate 39 has passage holes for the return springs 38 to pass through. The spring limiting plate 34 has a hole for the connecting shaft to pass through. The diameter of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the return spring 38, so the return spring 38 is limited.

[0062] The upper side of the return spring 38 is a fixed spring limiting plate 34, and the lower side is an electromagnetic lifting plate 35 that can move up and down. When stationary, the electromagnet is not energized, and the electromagnetic lifting plate 35 is not subject to the force of the electromagnet, but is in the lower position due to the force of the return spring 38. The gripper limiting plate 33, which is fixedly connected to it, is also in the pressed position. The lower edge of the gripper limiting plate 33 limits the swing ear device 32, but the compression spring 321 on the swing ear device 32 supports it, so that the swing ear device 32 and the gripper limiting plate 33 are in contact. The pressure of the compression spring 321 is less than the pressure of the return spring 38, so it can only support the swing ear device 32 and cannot push the gripper limiting plate 33. Therefore, the gripper body 31 is in a closed state under the action of the return spring 38, the spring limiting plate 34, the electromagnetic lifting plate 35, the gripper limiting plate 33, and the swing ear device 32.

[0063] The gripper mechanism 3 is located directly below the central circular hole of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2. After the operator places the spherical fruits and vegetables into the mechanical aperture mechanism 2, the fruits and vegetables, due to gravity, press the plastic wrap into the gripper body 31. During the pressing of the plastic wrap, the photoelectric detection switch 9 is triggered. After the photoelectric detection switch 9 detects the placement action, it sends a signal to the controller. The controller controls the electromagnet 36 to be energized. The electromagnet 36 works to push the spring limiting plate 34 upward through the push rod. The tension of the return spring 38 is less than the pushing force of the electromagnet 36 and is compressed. The gripper limiting plate 33 moves upward with the electromagnetic lifting plate 35. During the movement, the pressure of the edge of the gripper limiting plate 33 on the swing ear device 32 decreases. The compression spring 321 on the side of the swing ear device 32 near the gripper limiting plate 33 continues to push it upward. Under the lever action of the fixed seat, the position of the gripper body 31 on the other side of the swing ear device 32 decreases, and the entire gripper mechanism 3 opens, allowing the fruits and vegetables to be placed in.

[0064] After placement, the photoelectric detection switch 9 senses the signal and sends it to the controller. The controller then de-energizes the electromagnet, and the gripper mechanism 3 clamps the packaged fruits and vegetables under the action of the return spring 38.

[0065] Each gripper body 31 is also equipped with a gripper protective sleeve; the gripper protective sleeve is made of flexible material, which can not only prevent the metal parts from scratching the fruits and vegetables, but also increase the friction between the gripper body 31 and the plastic wrap and fruits and vegetables, so that the fruits and vegetables are not easily displaced when they are quickly twisted.

[0066] The controller controls the gripper mechanism 3 to close and grasp spherical fruits and vegetables. During the retraction of the electromagnetic lifting plate 35, the gripper limiting plate 33 is pulled inward. The gripper limiting plate 33 and the gripper body 31 are fixedly mounted on the swing ear device 32, causing the gripper body 31 connected to the gripper limiting plate 33 to retract inward due to the lever principle, thereby grasping the spherical fruits and vegetables. The spring limiting plate 34 limits the movement between the electromagnetic lifting plate 35 and the compression spring, which in turn restores the gripper body 31 to its open state. A gripper protective sleeve, made of soft rubber, is fitted onto the gripper body 31 to effectively prevent damage to the spherical fruits and vegetables.

[0067] The gripper mechanism 3 includes two sets of gripper bodies 31 with the same structure, a swing ear device 32, a gripper limiting plate 33, a spring limiting plate 34, an electromagnetic lifting plate 35, and a mounting plate. They share a common set of electromagnets 36 and gripper linkage shafts 37. When the electromagnets 36 are working, the electromagnetic lifting plates 35 on the upper and lower sides work synchronously, driving the two gripper bodies 31 to retract synchronously.

[0068] The torsion and flipping mechanism 4 includes a torsion component and a flipping component. The torsion component includes a torsion motor 41 and a transmission gear 42 connected to it. The transmission gear 42 drives the gripper mechanism 3 to rotate. The flipping component includes a flipping motor 43 and a flipping shaft 44 connected to it. The output end of the flipping shaft 44 drives the entire gripper mechanism 3 to flip.

[0069] The two mounting plates of the gripper mechanism 3 are circular and coaxial, and are connected by a gripper linkage shaft 37. The gripper limiting plate 33, the electromagnetic lifting plate 35, and the gripper body 31 are all mounted on the mounting plates. One of the mounting plates has a transmission gear 42 on its edge. The torsion motor 41 on the side of the gripper mechanism 3 drives the mounting plate to rotate through the transmission gear 42. The middle gripper linkage shaft 37 drives the other mounting plate to rotate synchronously, so that the two gripper bodies 31 rotate synchronously.

[0070] After the upper gripper body 31 has finished wrapping the spherical fruits and vegetables with cling film, the flipping motor 43 operates, causing the connected flipping shaft 44 to rotate, and the positions of the two gripper bodies 31 on the gripper mechanism 3 are reversed. The gripper body 31 that was originally gripping the spherical fruits and vegetables rotates to the lower position. After the electromagnet 36 is re-energized, the gripper body 31 opens, releasing the wrapped spherical fruits and vegetables, which fall onto the lower discharge conveyor mechanism 7 and are then conveyed to the rear. The previously idle gripper body 31 rotates to the upper position, aligning with the central circular hole of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2, awaiting the next wrapping operation. The two gripper bodies 31 work alternately, eliminating waiting time and improving the efficiency of the equipment.

[0071] When the photoelectric detection switch 9 detects fruits and vegetables about to be placed in the package, the electromagnet 36 is energized, the return spring 38 is compressed, and the gripper mechanism 3 opens. After placement, the electromagnet 36 is de-energized, and the gripper mechanism 3 clamps the packaged fruits and vegetables under the action of the return spring 38. The electromagnet does not need to operate during the clamping state, effectively avoiding the severe overheating and reduced lifespan caused by the electromagnet 36 being in operation for extended periods.

[0072] The gripper system lifting mechanism 5 includes a lifting motor 51 and a lifting base plate 52 driven by it. A torsion and flipping mechanism 4 is installed in the middle of the lifting base plate 52. Linear bearings 53 and lifting guide shafts 54 are provided on both sides of the lifting base plate 52. The linear bearings 53 are sleeved on the lifting guide shafts 54, and the lifting guide shafts 54 are installed on the frame. A lifting zero position switch 55 and a lifting zero position signal plate 28 are provided in the lower middle position of the lifting guide shafts 54.

[0073] The lifting mechanism 5 of the gripper system can drive the entire gripper mechanism 3 and the torsion and flipping mechanism 4 to move up and down synchronously. When the gripper mechanism 3 grabs the film, it moves up, so that the upper gripper body 31 is closer to the mechanical aperture mechanism 2, which is convenient for the operator to operate. After flipping, it moves down, so that the lower gripper body 31 is closer to the discharge conveying mechanism 7, which prevents the gripper body 31 from hitting the spherical fruits and vegetables when it is released.

[0074] The discharge conveying mechanism 7 is a belt conveyor assembly located below the gripper mechanism 3, used to convey the packaged fruits and vegetables released by the gripper mechanism 3.

[0075] When plastic wrap is twisted, it creates a sealed space. As the number of twists increases, the remaining space decreases. If the gas inside the plastic wrap is not released in advance or cannot be released during twisting, the internal air pressure of the plastic wrap will increase as the remaining space decreases. When it exceeds the external atmospheric pressure, bulging or rupture will occur after packaging.

[0076] The plastic wrap venting mechanism 6 in this application is used to expel air from the plastic wrap while the twisting and turning mechanism 4 is working. After the plastic wrap is twisted, due to the adhesiveness of the plastic wrap itself, the twisted head of the plastic wrap can be easily attached to the surface of the packaged item without loosening. At this time, it can be directly packed into boxes or frames for transportation. Alternatively, heating devices such as heating plates or hot air blowers can be used to heat the twisted head or heat it in the air to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and more secure result.

[0077] Example 1, see Figure 10 The plastic wrap exhaust mechanism 6 is a set of vacuum extraction pipes 67. The vacuum extraction pipes 67 are installed above the middle of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2, and a displacement mechanism for moving them up and down is provided on them.

[0078] After the packaged item is placed inside, the opening of a vacuum extraction tube 67 is moved above the packaged item, with the tube end extending below the position of the blade 26 of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2. The mechanical aperture mechanism 2 then clamps the vacuum extraction tube 67 as it closes. At this point, there is cling film between the mechanical aperture blade 26 and the vacuum extraction tube 67, providing a certain degree of sealing. The outer ring of the clamped portion of the vacuum extraction tube 67 can be fitted with or covered with a soft, wear-resistant plastic layer to further enhance the seal during clamping. After the vacuum extraction tube 67 is clamped, the vacuum system is activated, rapidly extracting air from between the cling film and the packaged item through the vacuum extraction tube 67. Once the set vacuum level is reached, the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 opens a partial distance, and the vacuum extraction tube 67 is then quickly pulled upwards. After the vacuum extraction tube 67 is pulled out, the blade 26 of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 quickly closes to its final position, and then the twisting mechanism is activated to complete the subsequent packaging process. It should be noted that the vacuum tube 67 continues to create a vacuum as it begins to remove the contents, until the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 is fully closed, so as to maintain a low air pressure between the packaging and the plastic wrap.

[0079] This implementation scheme will not damage the cling film. The cling film provides good sealing after packaging, resulting in better preservation. After packaging, the cling film adheres more tightly to the packaged item, resulting in a better appearance. The adhesion between the cling film and the packaged item can be adjusted by changing the vacuum extraction time. Different vacuum extraction times can be set for different packaged items to achieve the best appearance. When vacuum extraction is not performed, it can achieve the effect of air-filled packaging.

[0080] Example 2, see Figure 11 The plastic wrap venting mechanism 6 is a perforation mechanism for piercing the plastic wrap. The perforation mechanism is located above the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2. The perforation mechanism includes a perforating cutter 61 and a connected push-pull electromagnet 62, as well as a perforation position adjustment knob 63 for adjusting the position of the push-pull electromagnet 62. When the gripper mechanism 3 holds the fruits and vegetables and rotates, the perforation motor 66 drives the push-pull component 62 to push the perforating cutter 61 downwards, perforating the plastic wrap. The telescopic component is the push-pull electromagnet 62, which can also be replaced by a cylinder, allowing the air compressed inside the plastic wrap to be quickly expelled during rotation, and the perforating cutter 61 to be quickly retracted before the blades 26 of the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 close.

[0081] Example 3, see Figure 12The plastic wrap venting mechanism 6 is a perforation mechanism for piercing the plastic wrap. The perforation mechanism is located below the mechanical aperture mechanism 2 and includes a perforation tool 61, an upper connecting plate 64, a lower connecting plate 65, and a perforation motor 66. The perforation motor 66 drives the upper connecting plate 64 and the lower connecting plate 65. Each of the upper connecting plate 64 and the lower connecting plate 65 drives a perforation tool 61. The two perforation tools 61 are located on both sides below the circular hole of the aperture mechanism 2. When the twisting and flipping mechanism 4 drives the gripper mechanism 3 to hold the covered fruits and vegetables and rotate, perforations are quickly made on both sides of the plastic wrap, so that the air inside the plastic wrap can be discharged through the small holes.

[0082] The plastic wrap degassing mechanism 6 operates before the plastic wrap is twisted. Vacuum degassing reduces the internal air pressure of the plastic wrap, ensuring that even when the plastic wrap is twisted to its minimum size, the internal air pressure remains slightly lower than the external atmospheric pressure, achieving a proper seal. Perforation degassing involves making small holes at appropriate locations in the plastic wrap. As the plastic wrap is twisted, the increased internal air pressure forces gas out through these holes, ultimately bringing the internal air pressure of the plastic wrap into line with the external atmospheric pressure.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spherical fruit and vegetable preservative film packaging machine characterized by: It includes a frame and a plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism, a mechanical aperture mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a twisting and flipping mechanism, a gripper system lifting mechanism, a plastic wrap exhaust mechanism, and a material discharge conveying mechanism installed on it. It also includes a controller for controlling the operation of the above mechanisms, and a photoelectric detection switch for sensing the operation. The plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism is located above the frame and is used for the installation, unwinding, traction, laying and cutting of the plastic wrap. The mechanical aperture mechanism is an aperture-type fruit and vegetable loading valve, located in the middle position below the plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism of the frame, used to gather the plastic wrap after the spherical fruits and vegetables are loaded. The gripper mechanism consists of two grippers arranged symmetrically, one above the other, located directly below the center of the mechanical aperture mechanism. It comprises several finger-shaped gripper bodies and components that drive them to open and close. The twisting and flipping mechanism includes a twisting component that rotates the grippers on a horizontal plane and a flipping component that flips and interchanges the two gripper mechanisms in a vertical plane. The twisting component is disposed between the two gripper mechanisms and is driven to twist by a motor. The twisting component and the gripper mechanisms are disposed at the output end of the flipping component, and the flipping component flips the twisting component and the gripper mechanisms together. The lifting mechanism of the gripper system is installed at the bottom of the frame, and its output end is connected to the torsion and flipping mechanism and the gripper mechanism, driving the two mechanisms to move up and down synchronously. The plastic wrap exhaust mechanism is used to exhaust the air inside the plastic wrap while the twisting and flipping mechanism is working. The discharge conveying mechanism is a belt conveyor assembly located below the gripper mechanism, used to convey the packaged fruits and vegetables released by the gripper mechanism. The mechanical aperture mechanism includes a driving component, a mounting component, and several blades that are evenly arranged on it and can move on a horizontal plane. Each blade has a small triangle at its end that serves to limit and hold the plastic wrap. The mechanical aperture mechanism is also equipped with a zero-position detection component for detecting the position of the blades. The zero-position detection component includes a zero-position switch and a zero-position signal plate. The zero-position switch is set on the mounting component, and the zero-position signal plate is set at the edge of the blade. The driving component includes a drive motor and a drive gear mounted on it; the mounting component includes a turntable base and a mechanical aperture base plate driven to rotate by the drive gear, and a fixed mechanical aperture top plate; the mechanical aperture top plate and the mechanical aperture base plate have overlapping circular holes in the middle, and several blades are clamped between the mechanical aperture top plate and the mechanical aperture base plate, and each blade is driven to rotate synchronously into the circular hole through a sliding groove and a slider; the turntable base is a ring coaxially arranged and fixedly connected to the mechanical aperture base plate, and the outer edge of the ring is provided with a toothed ring that meshes with the drive gear; The gripper mechanism includes several evenly distributed gripper bodies. The lower ends of each gripper body are connected to a fixed base, a mounting plate, a swing lug device, a gripper limiting plate, and a spring limiting plate, as well as an electromagnetic lifting plate that pushes the spring. An electromagnet driving the movement of the electromagnetic lifting plate is connected below it. Two gripper mechanisms are connected via a gripper linkage shaft. The lower ends of the gripper bodies are mounted on the swing lug device, which is mounted on the mounting plate via a fixed base and a compression spring. The spring limiting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The edge of the mounting plate meshes with a transmission gear.

2. The spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical aperture top plate is fixedly mounted on the frame. Six upper sliding grooves are evenly opened on its plate surface. Each upper sliding groove corresponds to a blade. Each blade has an upper sliding block that matches the upper sliding groove on its upper surface and a lower sliding block on its lower surface. Six lower sliding grooves that match the lower sliding block are evenly opened on the mechanical aperture bottom plate. The lower slider is a bearing structure. Two bearings form a set of lower sliders and are installed side by side in a lower groove. The diameter of the bearing matches the width of the lower groove. The rotating shaft at the center of the lower slider is connected to the blade. The small triangle is integrally formed with the blade.

3. The spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic wrap conveying and cutting mechanism is located at the top of the frame. It includes a plastic wrap carrying device for mounting the plastic wrap roll, a roller assembly for releasing the plastic wrap, a plastic wrap clamping assembly for unfolding the film, a film clamping drive device for pulling the film clamping assembly, a guide plate for pulling the plastic wrap up and down, and a film cutting device for cutting the plastic wrap. The roller assembly includes a film feeding roller, a transition roller, a unidirectional damping roller, and a damping adjuster. The film clamping assembly includes a first film clamping assembly and a second film clamping assembly arranged in parallel. Each of the two film clamping assemblies includes two parallel elongated mounting bases, as well as a magnetic clamping element and a reset elastic element between them.

4. The spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torsion and flipping mechanism includes a torsion component and a flipping component. The torsion component includes a torsion drive motor and a transmission gear connected to it, which drives the gripper mechanism to rotate. The flipping component includes a flipping motor and a flipping shaft connected to it, with the output end of the flipping shaft driving the entire gripper mechanism to flip.

5. A spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gripper system lifting mechanism includes a lifting motor and a lifting base plate driven by it. A torsion and flipping mechanism is installed in the middle of the lifting base plate. Linear bearings and lifting guide shafts are provided on both sides of the lifting base plate. The linear bearings are sleeved on the lifting guide shafts, and the lifting guide shafts are installed on the frame. A lifting zero position switch and a lifting zero position signal plate are provided in the lower middle position of the lifting guide shafts.

6. A spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The plastic wrap exhaust mechanism is a set of vacuum suction pipes, which are installed above the middle of the mechanical aperture mechanism and are equipped with a displacement mechanism for moving them up and down.

7. A spherical fruit and vegetable preservation film packaging machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The plastic wrap venting mechanism is a punching mechanism for piercing the plastic wrap. The punching mechanism includes a punching tool and a telescopic component connected to it, as well as a punching position adjustment knob for adjusting the position of the telescopic component. The telescopic component is a push-pull electromagnet or a cylinder.

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