An automatic folding device for a hopper

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic folding device for a material box, comprising two sets of folding components and a controller; the two sets of folding components are arranged opposite to each other; each folding component includes a connecting frame, a driving unit, an unlocking unit, a first pushing unit, and a second pushing unit; the unlocking unit is connected to the driving unit and is used to drive the unlocking unit to approach the material box to be folded and unlock it; the first pushing unit is mounted on the unlocking unit and is used to push down the front or rear panel of the material box to be folded when the unlocking unit approaches the material box; the second pushing unit is connected to the driving unit and is used to drive the second pushing unit to approach the material box to be folded and push down its side panel; the controller is communicatively connected to the driving unit and the first pushing unit and is used to control the driving unit to move the unlocking unit and the second pushing unit closer to or away from the material box to be folded, and to control the first pushing unit to rotate. The device of this application realizes automatic folding of the material box, which helps to save manpower and improve work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of material bins, and more specifically, to an automatic folding device for material bins. Background Technology

[0002] In automobile production, various types of automotive parts need to be stored in bins. As these parts are used, a large number of empty bins accumulate, occupying considerable space. Therefore, it is necessary to fold these empty bins. A typical bin includes a base plate, a front plate, a rear plate, and two side plates. The front plate, rear plate, and two side plates are located at the four edges of the base plate, and their bottom ends are hinged to these edges. Each of the two side plates has latches at both ends of its top, used to connect the side plate to the front plate and the side plate to the rear plate, respectively. Currently, empty bins are folded manually. Workers first push the four latches to disconnect adjacent side plates from the front and rear plates, and then push down the front, rear, and side plates to fold the bin. This method is inefficient. Furthermore, the large number of empty bins results in high workload and labor costs for workers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an automatic folding device for a material box, comprising two sets of folding assemblies and a controller; the two sets of folding assemblies are arranged opposite each other in the y-direction, and the distance between the two sets of folding assemblies is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the material box to be folded; each folding assembly includes a connecting frame, a driving unit, an unlocking unit, a first pushing unit, and a second pushing unit; the driving unit is mounted on the connecting frame; the unlocking unit includes a mounting rod and two pins; the mounting rod extends along the x-direction and is connected to the driving unit for driving the mounting rod to move closer to or away from the material box to be folded along the y-direction; the first end of each pin matches a mounting hole for a latch on the material box to be folded, and the second ends of the two pins are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting rod, the distance between the two pins being greater than the distance between the two side plates of the material box to be folded located on the same side plate. The distance between the latches is equal, so that when folding, the two pins are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes on the same side plate of the folding box to push the latches to unlock; the first push-down unit includes a driver and a push rod; the driver of one set of folding components is connected to the front end of the mounting rod of the folding component along the x direction, and the driver of the other set of folding components is connected to the rear end of the mounting rod of the folding component along the x direction; one end of the push rod is connected to the driver to drive the push rod to rotate, so that its other end abuts against the front or rear plate of the folding box when folding; the second push-down unit includes a push plate, which is connected to the driver unit to drive the push plate to move closer to or away from the folding box along the y direction, and abuts against the side plate of the folding box when it moves closer to the folding box; the controller is communicatively connected to both the driver unit and the driver.

[0004] The above technical solution involves transporting or placing the folding bin between two sets of folding components. The controller then controls the drive units of the two folding components to bring their mounting rods close to the bin. Two pins on the mounting rods are inserted into four mounting holes on the bin, unlocking the latches. The controller then controls the drivers of the two folding components to rotate their push rods, pushing down the front and rear panels of the bin. Finally, the controller controls the drive units of the two folding components to move their push plates towards the bin, pushing down the two side panels and completing the folding process. This device achieves automatic bin folding, helping to save manpower and improve work efficiency.

[0005] Preferably, it also includes a first position sensor, which is installed near the folding assembly to detect the position of the folding bin; the first position sensor is communicatively connected to the controller. By setting the first position sensor to detect the position of the folding bin, it is ensured that the folding bin is transported to or placed between the two sets of folding assemblies, thereby ensuring the folding effect. On the other hand, the first position sensor sends its detection signal to the controller, and the controller starts the operation of the folding assembly, which helps to improve the automation level of this application.

[0006] Preferably, it also includes a transport component for transporting the folded box between the two sets of folding components and for transporting the folded box out from between the two sets of folding components; the transport component is communicatively connected to the controller, disclosing a specific form for setting the folded box between the two sets of folding components, further improving the automation of the device of this application.

[0007] Preferably, the transport component includes two slide rails and two sets of limiting units. Both slide rails extend along the x-direction, and the distance between them is less than or equal to the distance between the two side panels of the folding box. The two slide rails are fixedly inclined downwards along the x-direction. Two sets of folding components are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two slide rails. The two sets of limiting units are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two slide rails, and are arranged opposite each other. The limiting units are located downstream of the slide rails along the x-direction and close to the folding components, thus blocking the folding box when it slides along the slide rails between the two folding components, but not blocking the folded box. A specific structure of the transport component is disclosed. By setting downward-inclined slide rails, the folding box slides downwards from the upstream of the slide rails along the extension direction of the slide rails until it is blocked by the limiting units. After the two sets of folding components are folded, it passes through the limiting units and continues to slide downwards along the slide rails.

[0008] Preferably, the limiting unit includes a connecting seat and a blocking block. The connecting seats of the two sets of limiting units are respectively fixedly connected to the outer sides of the two slide rails, and the distance between the connecting seats of the two sets of limiting units is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the box to be folded. The blocking block is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting seat near the slide rail, and the distance between the blocking blocks of the two sets of limiting units is less than the distance between the two side plates of the box to be folded. The vertical distance between the blocking block and the slide rail is less than the height of the box to be folded and greater than the height of the box after folding. A specific structure of the limiting unit is disclosed, which uses a blocking block with a height lower than the height of the box to be folded and higher than the height of the box after folding to block the box to be folded and allow the box after folding to pass through.

[0009] Preferably, a second position sensor is installed near the limiting unit. The second position sensor is used to detect the position of the folded material box and is communicatively connected to the controller. By setting the second position sensor to detect the position of the folded material box and transmit the signal to the controller, the controller controls the operation of the transport component according to the signal, which helps to further improve the automation of the device of this application.

[0010] Preferably, the transport assembly further includes a blocking unit, which is located upstream of the slide rail. The blocking unit includes a fixed base, a blocking rod, a blocking hook, a second motor, and a cam. The fixed base is installed near any slide rail. The blocking rod extends along the x-direction, and its middle area is rotatably connected to the fixed base. The height of the blocking rod is lower than the height of the slide rail. The blocking hook is fixedly connected to the top surface of the front end of the blocking rod along the x-direction. The second motor is located near the rear end of the blocking rod along the x-direction. The output shaft of the second motor is fixedly connected to the rotation center of the cam, and the circumferential surface of the cam abuts against the bottom surface of the rear end of the blocking rod. When the circumferential surface of the cam, which is furthest from the rotation center, abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod, the blocking hook separates from the bottom surface of the folding box. When the circumferential surface of the cam, which is furthest from the rotation center, abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod, the blocking hook is hooked at the bottom end of the folding box. The second motor is communicatively connected to the controller. Through the above technical solution, a blocking unit is designed to release folding boxes sequentially, preventing the folding boxes from accumulating near the folding assembly and affecting its operation.

[0011] Preferably, the slide rail is provided with a number of rollers, which are distributed along the extension direction of the slide rail. The rollers are rotatably connected to the two side walls of the slide rail, which helps to reduce the friction between the hopper and the slide rail and improve the smoothness of the hopper's operation.

[0012] Preferably, the drive unit includes a first motor, a drive gear, a first rack, and a second rack; the first motor is fixedly connected to the connecting frame; the drive gear is connected to the first motor and is used to drive the drive gear to rotate; the extension direction of the first rack and the extension direction of the second rack are both in the y-direction, the first rack is located directly above the second rack, the drive gear is located between the first rack and the second rack, and meshes with both the first rack and the second rack; the end of the first rack near the other set of folding components is fixedly connected to the mounting rod, and the end of the second rack near the other set of folding components is fixedly connected to the push plate; the first motor is communicatively connected to the controller. The above technical solution discloses a specific structure of a drive unit. Since the side panel of the folding box is pushed down after unlocking it, the drive unit is designed based on the sequential relationship between the two. When the first motor drives the first rack to approach the folding box via the drive gear, the second rack moves away from the folding box. At this time, the unlocking unit on the first rack unlocks the box, and the first pushing unit pushes down the front or rear panel. Then, when the first motor drives the first rack to move away from the folding box via the drive gear, the second rack approaches the folding box. At this time, the second pushing unit on the second rack pushes down the side panel, and the parts on the first rack do not form an obstruction.

[0013] Preferably, limiting pieces are connected to both ends of the mounting rod, and the distance between the two limiting pieces is equal to the distance between the front and rear plates of the folding box, so that when folded, the two limiting pieces connect to the front and rear plates of the folding box respectively. This technical solution limits the position of the folding box, ensuring stability during unlocking and improving the unlocking effect.

[0014] An automatic folding device for a material bin according to the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] (1) By designing two sets of folding components arranged opposite each other, a folding position is formed between the two sets of folding components. The box to be folded is placed in this folding position, and the folding of the box can be automatically completed by the controller running the two sets of folding components. Specifically, the controller controls the drive unit of the two sets of folding components to bring its mounting rods close to the box to be folded. The two pins on the two mounting rods are respectively inserted into the four mounting holes on the box to be folded to push the latches to unlock. Then, the controller controls the drive unit of the two sets of folding components to rotate the push rods on them to push down the front and rear plates of the box to be folded respectively. Then, the controller controls the drive unit of the two sets of folding components to move its pusher towards the box to be folded and push down the two side plates respectively to complete the folding of the box. The device of this application realizes the automatic folding of the box, which helps to save manpower and improve work efficiency.

[0016] (2) By designing a downward-sloping slide rail between the two sets of folding components, a limiting unit is designed near the folding components downstream of the slide rail, and a blocking unit is designed upstream of the slide rail, the fully automatic folding of the hopper is realized. That is, the controller drives the cam to rotate by controlling the second motor. When the circumferential surface of the cam with the largest distance from the rotation center abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod, the blocking hook end of the blocking rod presses down to release the current hopper to be folded. As the cam rotates, the blocking hook end of the blocking rod rises to block the next hopper to be folded. The released hopper to be folded slides down along the slide rail to the limiting unit and is blocked. The first position sensor detects its position and transmits a signal to the controller. The controller controls the two sets of folding components to run. After folding, the hopper continues to slide down through the limiting unit. The second position sensor detects its position and transmits a signal to the controller. The controller controls the blocking unit to release the next hopper to be folded, which helps to further save manpower and improve work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To better understand the above and other objects, features, advantages, and functions of the present invention, reference can be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that the drawings are intended to schematically illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way; the parts in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic folding device for a material box according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of an automatic folding device for a material bin according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of a drive unit for an automatic folding device for a hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a blocking unit for an automatic folding device for a hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 A block diagram of a blocking unit for an automatic folding device for a hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 11. Connecting frame; 12. Drive unit; 121. First motor; 122. Drive gear; 1231. Connecting gear; 1232. Reduction gear; 124. First rack; 125. Second rack; 13. Mounting rod; 14. Pin; 15. Limiting piece; 16. First pushing unit; 161. Driver; 162. Push rod; 17. Push piece; 21. First position sensor; 22. Second position sensor; 3. Slide rail; 31. Roller; 4. Limiting unit; 41. Connecting seat; 42. Blocking block; 5. Blocking unit; 51. Fixed seat; 511. Rotating shaft; 52. Blocking rod; 53. Blocking hook; 54. Second motor; 55. Cam; 6. Material box; 7. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments to aid understanding, and should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0026] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0027] To at least partially address one or more of the aforementioned problems and other potential issues, embodiments of this disclosure provide an automatic folding device for a hopper, comprising two sets of folding assemblies and a controller 7; the two sets of folding assemblies are arranged opposite each other in the y-direction, and the distance between the two sets of folding assemblies is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the hopper 6 to be folded; each folding assembly includes a connecting frame 11, a drive unit 12, an unlocking unit, a first push-down unit 16, and a second push-down unit; the drive unit 12 is mounted on the connecting frame 11; the unlocking unit includes a mounting rod 13 and two pins 14; the mounting rod 13 extends along the x-direction and is connected to the drive unit 12 for driving the mounting rod 13 to move closer to or away from the hopper 6 to be folded along the y-direction; the first end of each pin 14 matches a mounting hole for a latch on the hopper 6 to be folded, and the second ends of the two pins 14 are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting rod 13, the distance between the two pins 14 being equal to the distance between the two side plates of the hopper 6 to be folded. The two latches on the box are equidistant, so that when folding, the two pins 14 are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes on the same side plate of the box to be folded, pushing the latches to unlock; the first push-down unit 16 includes a driver 161 and a push rod 162; the driver 161 of one set of folding components is connected to the front end of the mounting rod 13 of the folding component along the x direction, and the driver 161 of the other set of folding components is connected to the rear end of the mounting rod 13 of the folding component along the x direction; one end of the push rod 162 is connected to the driver 161 and is used to drive the push rod 162 to rotate, so that its other end abuts against the front or rear plate of the box to be folded when folding; the second push-down unit includes a push piece 17, which is connected to the drive unit 12 and is used to drive the push piece 17 to move closer to or away from the box to be folded 6 along the y direction, and abuts against the side plate of the box to be folded 6 when it moves closer to the box to be folded; the controller 7 is communicatively connected to both the drive unit 12 and the driver 161.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the two sets of folding components are arranged opposite each other in the y direction. The distance between the two sets of folding components is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the folding box 6, so that the folding box 6 can be placed between the two sets of folding components. The folding components include a connecting frame 11, a driving unit 12, an unlocking unit, a first pushing unit 16 and a second pushing unit. The connecting frame 11 is preferably made of several aluminum profiles that are cross-fixed. Each aluminum profile has a T-shaped slide rail on its side along its extension direction.

[0029] The drive unit 12 is mounted on the connecting frame 11. The drive unit 12 includes a first motor 121, a drive gear 122, a first rack 124, and a second rack 125. The first motor 121 is fixedly connected to the connecting frame 11 by T-bolts, which allows for fine adjustment of the first motor 121 along the y-direction on the connecting frame 11. The drive gear 122 is connected to the first motor 121 and is used to drive the drive gear 122 to rotate. Preferably, the drive unit 12 also includes a connecting gear 1231 and a reduction gear 1232. The connecting gear 1231 is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor 121, and the connecting gear 1231 is connected to the reduction gear 125. The gears 1231, 1232, and 1232 are meshed. The outer diameter of the reduction gear 1232 is larger than that of the connecting gear 1231. The driving gear 122 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the reduction gear 1232. The connecting gear 1231, the reduction gear 1232, and the driving gear 122 are all installed in the gear cover. The gear cover is fixedly connected to the connecting frame 11 by T-bolts. The extension direction of the first rack 124 and the extension direction of the second rack 125 are both in the y direction. The first rack 124 is located directly above the second rack 125. The driving gear 122 is located between the first rack 124 and the second rack 125 and meshes with both the first rack 124 and the second rack 125.

[0030] The unlocking unit includes a mounting rod 13 and two pins 14. The mounting rod 13 extends along the x-direction and is connected to the drive unit 12 for driving the mounting rod 13 to move closer to or away from the folding box 6 along the y-direction. Specifically, the middle part of the mounting rod 13 is fixedly connected to the end of the first rack 124 near another set of folding components. The pins 14 extend along the y-direction, and the first end of the pins 14 matches the mounting hole of the latch on the folding box 6. The second ends of the two pins 14 are respectively bolted to the two ends of the mounting rod 13 away from the first rack 124. The distance between the two pins 14 is equal to the distance between the two latches on the same side plate of the folding box 6, so that when folding, the two pins 14 are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes on the same side plate of the folding box 6 to push the latches to unlock.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, limiting pieces 15 are connected to both ends of the mounting rod 13. Preferably, the limiting pieces 15 are L-shaped, with the first segment of the limiting piece 15 extending along the x-direction and the second segment extending along the y-direction. The first segment of the limiting piece 15 has several elongated holes extending along the x-direction, and the first segment of the limiting piece 15 is connected to the end of the mounting rod 13 through the elongated holes and bolts. The distance between the second segments of the two limiting pieces 15 is equal to the distance between the front end plate and the rear end plate of the folding box 6, so that when folded, the second segments of the two limiting pieces 15 are connected to the front end plate and the rear end plate of the folding box 6, respectively. Preferably, the free end of the second segment of the limiting piece 15 is wedge-shaped, which plays a guiding role when inserted into both sides of the front end face and the rear end face of the folding box 6.

[0032] The first folding unit 16 includes a driver 161 and a push rod 162; the driver 161 of one set of folding components is connected to the front end of the mounting rod 13 of the folding components along the x direction, and the driver 161 of the other set of folding components is connected to the rear end of the mounting rod 13 of the folding components along the x direction; the driver 161 is preferably a servo motor, and one end of the push rod 162 is bolted to the driver 161 to drive the push rod 162 to rotate, so that its other end abuts against the front end plate or rear end plate of the folding box 6 when folding, thereby realizing the folding of the front end plate and rear end plate of the folding box 6.

[0033] The second push-down unit includes a push plate 17, which is connected to the drive unit 12 and is used to drive the push plate 17 to move closer to or away from the folding box 6 along the y direction. Preferably, the push plate 17 is fixedly connected to the end of the second rack 125 near another set of folding components. When the push plate 17 is close to the folding box 6, it abuts against the side plate of the folding box 6 to realize the folding of the side plate of the folding box 6.

[0034] The controller 7 is communicatively connected to both the first motor 121 and the driver 161 in the drive unit 12, and is used to control the operation of the first motor 121 and the driver 161.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the folding device of this application further includes a first position sensor 21, which is installed near the folding assembly. Preferably, the first position sensor 21 is disposed opposite to the folding assembly and is used to detect the position of the material box 6 to be folded. The first position sensor 21 is communicatively connected to the controller 7 and is used to transmit the position signal it detects to the controller 7. The controller 7 controls the operation of the folding assembly according to the signal.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the folding device of this application further includes a transport component, which may be a conveyor belt, a robotic arm, or a slide rail 3. The transport component is used to transport the box 6 to be folded between the two sets of folding components and to transport the folded box 6 out from between the two sets of folding components. The transport component is communicatively connected to the controller 7 to control the operation of the transport component.

[0037] Preferably, in this embodiment, the transport component includes two slide rails 3 and two sets of limiting units 4. Both slide rails 3 extend along the x-direction, and the distance between the two slide rails 3 is less than or equal to the distance between the two side plates of the material box 6 to be folded. The two slide rails 3 are fixedly installed at an angle downwards along the x-direction. Preferably, a plurality of rollers 31 are provided inside the slide rails 3, distributed along the extension direction of the slide rails 3, and the rollers 31 are rotatably connected to the two side walls of the slide rails 3. Two sets of folding components are respectively located on the outer sides of the two slide rails 3. Two sets of limiting units 4 are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the two slide rails 3. The two sets of limiting units 4 are arranged opposite to each other. The limiting units 4 are located downstream of the slide rails 3 along the x-direction and close to the folding components, so that when the foldable box 6 slides along the slide rails 3 between the two folding components, it blocks the foldable box 6, but does not block the folded box 6. Preferably, the limiting unit 4 includes a connecting seat 41 and a blocking block 42. The connecting seats 41 of the two sets of limiting units 4 are respectively fixedly connected to the outer sides of the two slide rails 3. The distance between the connecting seats 41 of the two sets of limiting units 4 is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the foldable box 6. The blocking block 42 is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting seat 41 near the slide rail 3. The distance between the blocking blocks 42 of the two sets of limiting units 4 is less than the distance between the two side plates of the foldable box 6. The vertical distance between the blocking block 42 and the slide rail 3 is less than the height of the foldable box 6, but greater than the height of the folded box 6.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a second position sensor 22 is installed near the limiting unit 4. Preferably, the second position sensor 22 is disposed opposite to the limiting seat. The second position sensor 22 is used to detect the position of the material box 6 after folding. The second position sensor 22 is communicatively connected to the controller 7 and is used to transmit the position signal it detects to the controller 7. The controller 7 controls the operation of the transport component according to this signal.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the transport assembly further includes a blocking unit 5, which is disposed upstream of the slide rail 3. The blocking unit 5 includes a fixed base 51, a blocking rod 52, a blocking hook 53, a second motor 54, and a cam 55. The fixed base 51 is installed near either slide rail 3. The fixed base 51 can be installed on the ground or on the slide rail 3. In this embodiment, the fixed base 51 is disposed between two slide rails 3 and fixedly connected to one of the slide rails 3. A rotating shaft 511 extending along the y-direction is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed base 51. The blocking rod 52 extends along the x-direction, and the middle area of ​​the blocking rod 52 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 51 via the rotating shaft 511. The height of the blocking rod 52 is lower than the height of the slide rail 3, that is, lower than the bottom surface of the folding box 6. The blocking rod 52 will not obstruct the operation of the folding box 6. The blocking hook 53 is fixedly connected to... On the top front end of the blocking rod 52 along the x-direction, when the blocking hook 53 is in a high position, it will be hooked at the bottom end of the folding box 6; when the blocking hook 53 is in a low position, it will release the folding box 6. The second motor 54 is located near the rear end of the blocking rod 52 along the x-direction. The output shaft of the second motor 54 is fixedly connected to the rotation center of the cam 55. The circumferential surface of the cam 55 abuts against the bottom surface of the rear end of the blocking rod 52. When the circumferential surface of the cam 55, which is at the greatest distance from the rotation center, abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod 52, the blocking hook 53 separates from the bottom surface of the folding box 6. When the circumferential surface of the cam 55, which is at the smallest distance from the rotation center, abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod 52, the blocking hook 53 is hooked at the bottom end of the folding box 6. The second motor 54 is communicatively connected to the controller 7 and is used to control the operation of the second motor 54 according to the signal of the second position sensor 22.

[0040] The operation process of the device in this application:

[0041] The controller 7, by controlling the operation of the second motor 54, releases the current folding box 6 and blocks the next folding box 6. The released folding box 6 slides down the slide rail 3 until it is blocked at the limit unit 4. The first position sensor 21 detects its position and transmits a signal to the controller 7. The controller 7 controls the first motor 121 of the two sets of folding components to run, so that its first rack 124 approaches the folding box 6. The two pins 14 on the two mounting rods 13 are respectively inserted into the four mounting holes on the folding box 6 to push the latch to unlock. Then, the drivers 161 of the two sets of folding components are controlled to rotate the push rods 162 on them to push down the front and rear plates of the folding box 6 respectively. Then, the first motors 121 of the two sets of folding components are controlled to drive the push plates 17 on them to approach the folding box 6 and push down the two side plates respectively, thus completing the folding of the box 6. After the folding is completed, the box 6 continues to slide downward through the limiting unit 4. The second position sensor 22 detects its position and transmits a signal to the controller 7. The controller 7 controls the second motor 54 to release the next folding box 6.

[0042] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand this document.

Claims

1. An automatic folding device for a material bin, characterized in that: Includes two sets of folding components and a controller (7); Two sets of folding components are arranged opposite each other in the y direction, and the distance between the two sets of folding components is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the folding box (6); the folding components include a connecting frame (11), a driving unit (12), an unlocking unit, a first pushing unit (16) and a second pushing unit; the driving unit (12) is mounted on the connecting frame (11); The unlocking unit includes a mounting rod (13) and two pins (14); the mounting rod (13) extends along the x direction and is connected to the drive unit (12) for driving the mounting rod (13) to move closer to or away from the folding box (6) along the y direction; the first end of the pin (14) matches the mounting hole of the latch on the folding box (6), the second ends of the two pins (14) are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting rod (13), and the distance between the two pins (14) is equal to the distance between the two latches on the same side plate of the folding box (6), so that when folding, the two pins (14) are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes on the same side plate of the folding box (6) to push the latches to unlock; The first push-down unit (16) includes a driver (161) and a push rod (162); the driver (161) of one set of folding components is connected to the front end of the mounting rod (13) of the folding components along the x direction, and the driver (161) of another set of folding components is connected to the rear end of the mounting rod (13) of the folding components along the x direction; one end of the push rod (162) is connected to the driver (161) for driving the push rod (162) to rotate so that its other end abuts against the front end plate or rear end plate of the folding box (6) when folding; The second push-down unit includes a push plate (17), which is connected to the drive unit (12) and is used to drive the push plate (17) to move closer to or away from the folding box (6) along the y direction, and to abut against the side plate of the folding box (6) when it is close to the folding box (6). The controller (7) is communicatively connected to both the drive unit (12) and the driver (161).

2. The automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first position sensor (21), which is installed near the folding assembly to detect the position of the folding bin (6); the first position sensor (21) is communicatively connected to the controller (7).

3. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a transport component for transporting the folding box (6) between the two sets of folding components and for transporting the folded box (6) out between the two sets of folding components; the transport component is communicatively connected to the controller (7).

4. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transport assembly includes two slide rails (3) and two sets of limiting units (4). Both slide rails (3) extend along the x-direction. The distance between the two slide rails (3) is less than or equal to the distance between the two side plates in the folding box (6). The two slide rails (3) are fixedly installed at an angle downward along the x-direction. The two sets of folding components are respectively installed on the outside of the two slide rails (3). The two sets of limiting units (4) are respectively installed on the outside of the two slide rails (3). The two sets of limiting units (4) are arranged opposite to each other. The limiting units (4) are located downstream of the slide rails (3) along the x-direction and close to the folding components, so that when the folding box (6) slides along the slide rails (3) to the space between the two folding components, it forms a block on the folding box (6) and does not form a block on the folded box (6).

5. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting unit (4) includes a connecting seat (41) and a blocking block (42). The connecting seats (41) of the two sets of limiting units (4) are fixedly connected to the outside of the two slide rails (3). The distance between the connecting seats (41) of the two sets of limiting units (4) is greater than the distance between the two side plates of the folded box (6). The blocking block (42) is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting seat (41) near the slide rail (3). The distance between the blocking blocks (42) of the two sets of limiting units (4) is less than the distance between the two side plates of the folded box (6). The vertical distance between the blocking block (42) and the slide rail (3) is less than the height of the folded box (6) and greater than the height of the folded box (6).

6. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second position sensor (22) is installed near the limiting unit (4). The second position sensor (22) is used to detect the position of the material box (6) after folding. The second position sensor (22) is connected to the controller (7) in communication.

7. An automatic folding device for a material bin according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The transport assembly also includes a blocking unit (5), which is located upstream of the slide rail (3). The blocking unit (5) includes a fixed seat (51), a blocking rod (52), a blocking hook (53), a second motor (54), and a cam (55). The fixed seat (51) is installed near any slide rail (3). The blocking rod (52) extends along the x-direction, and the middle area of ​​the blocking rod (52) is rotatably connected to the fixed seat (51). The height of the blocking rod (52) is lower than the height of the slide rail (3). The blocking hook (53) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the front end of the blocking rod (52) along the x-direction. The second motor (54) is... The output shaft of the second motor (54) is fixedly connected to the rotation center of the cam (55) near the rear end of the blocking rod (52) along the x direction. The circumferential surface of the cam (55) abuts against the bottom surface of the rear end of the blocking rod (52). When the circumferential surface of the cam (55) with the largest distance from the rotation center abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod (52), the blocking hook (53) separates from the bottom surface of the folding box (6). When the circumferential surface of the cam (55) with the smallest distance from the rotation center abuts against the bottom surface of the blocking rod (52), the blocking hook (53) is hung at the bottom end of the folding box (6). The second motor (54) is connected to the controller (7) in communication.

8. An automatic folding device for a material bin according to claim 4, characterized in that: The slide rail (3) is provided with a number of rollers (31), which are distributed along the extension direction of the slide rail (3). The rollers (31) are rotatably connected to the two side walls of the slide rail (3).

9. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit (12) includes a first motor (121), a drive gear (122), a first rack (124), and a second rack (125); the first motor (121) is fixedly connected to the connecting frame (11); the drive gear (122) is connected to the first motor (121) and is used to drive the drive gear (122) to rotate; the extension direction of the first rack (124) and the extension direction of the second rack (125) are both in the y direction, the first rack (124) is located directly above the second rack (125), the drive gear (122) is located between the first rack (124) and the second rack (125), and meshes with both the first rack (124) and the second rack (125); the end of the first rack (124) near the other set of folding components is fixedly connected to the mounting rod (13), and the end of the second rack (125) near the other set of folding components is fixedly connected to the push plate (17); the first motor (121) is communicatively connected to the controller (7).

10. An automatic folding device for a material box according to claim 1, characterized in that: Limiting pieces (15) are connected to both ends of the mounting rod (13). The distance between the two limiting pieces (15) is equal to the distance between the front end plate and the rear end plate of the folding box (6), so that when folding, the two limiting pieces (15) are connected to the front end plate and the rear end plate of the folding box (6) respectively.

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