Box sealing device capable of conveniently assembling transport box and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a box sealing device for conveniently assembling a transport box. The box sealing device comprises a main circuit and a main gas circuit. The control box is connected with the main circuit and is used for switching an automatic mode and an inching mode; the two carrier plate assemblies are arranged at the two ends of the guide rail correspondingly and can move relatively along the guide rail. The plurality of sensors are arranged on the limiting plate and are used for detecting whether the panel is in place or not in an automatic mode; the plurality of electromagnetic valves are connected between the main gas circuit and the cylinder and used for controlling the cylinder to act; the multiple air cylinders correspond to the limiting plates and are used for abutting against or loosening the panel. The foot switches are used for triggering the corresponding air cylinders to act in an inching mode. Through organic combination of mechanical control, pneumatic control and electric control and dual-mode intelligent control, plate supporting and binding preparation work originally needing cooperation of two persons can be completed by one person, and labor force is remarkably saved. The device is movable and supports quick assembly after flat plate transportation on a client site, so that the transportation volume is reduced to the original minimum proportion, the transportation cost is greatly reduced, and on-demand assembly is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealing device technology, specifically to a sealing device and control method for convenient assembly of transport boxes. Background Technology

[0002] Wooden shipping crates are widely used in express delivery, logistics, and industrial transportation, especially for protecting fragile, large, or valuable items. Traditional wooden shipping crates are typically cubic in structure, consisting of six sides (front, back, left, right, top, and bottom). Assembly requires aligning adjacent panels at a 90-degree angle, with one person supporting the crate while another uses a stapler (such as a nail gun) to secure it. The four sides are assembled sequentially, followed by the bottom and top. This traditional assembly method has the following significant drawbacks:

[0003] 1. High labor costs: It requires at least two people to work together, one to hold the board and the other to bind the parts. The labor intensity is high and the efficiency is low.

[0004] 2. Unstable binding quality: When manually supported, the panels are easily misaligned, not firmly nailed, or nailed crookedly due to hand shaking or vibration of pneumatic tools, which affects the structural strength and sealing of the box.

[0005] 3. High transportation costs: The assembled boxes are bulky and difficult to disassemble, taking up a lot of space during transportation, which leads to a significant increase in logistics costs.

[0006] 4. Poor flexibility: Assembly can only be completed in the production workshop, and it is impossible to quickly assemble on-site or at the customer's location, making it difficult to adapt to personalized or emergency transportation needs.

[0007] Therefore, existing wooden transport box processing suffers from problems such as low automation, complex operation, and limited applicable sizes, making it impossible to truly achieve efficient assembly by a single person with multiple size adaptations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a convenient sealing device and control method for assembling transport boxes. The device has a reasonable structure, flexible control, is applicable to various box sizes, and can significantly improve assembly efficiency and reduce costs.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a sealing device for convenient assembly of transport boxes, comprising:

[0010] Main circuit and main air path;

[0011] The control box, connected to the main circuit, is used to switch between automatic mode and jog mode;

[0012] Two carrier plate assemblies are respectively disposed at both ends of the guide rail and can move relative to each other along the guide rail. Each carrier plate assembly includes a base plate and at least two mutually perpendicular limiting plates for positioning and clamping the panel.

[0013] Multiple sensors are mounted on the limit plate to detect whether the panel is in place in automatic mode;

[0014] Multiple solenoid valves are connected between the main air circuit and the cylinder to control the cylinder's movement;

[0015] Multiple cylinders, corresponding to the limit plate, are used to tighten or loosen the panel;

[0016] Multiple foot switches are used to trigger the corresponding cylinder action in jog mode.

[0017] Furthermore, the carrier plate assembly includes a left carrier plate frame and a right carrier plate frame, each carrier plate frame having two mutually perpendicular limiting plates, which are used to limit the long side panel and the wide side panel respectively.

[0018] Furthermore, the sensors, foot switches, solenoid valves, and cylinders are configured in a one-to-one correspondence, with each cylinder responding to a signal from the corresponding sensor or foot switch.

[0019] Furthermore, the control box also includes a mode switching switch for selecting automatic mode or jog mode.

[0020] Furthermore, the sealing device also includes a driver connected to the carrier assembly for driving the two carrier assemblies closer to or further away along the guide rail. The driver is any one of an electric push rod, a cylinder, or a servo motor.

[0021] Furthermore, the guide rail is a linear guide rail, and the carrier plate assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail via a sliding plate.

[0022] On the other hand, a control method for the sealing device includes the following steps:

[0023] S1: Select automatic mode or jog mode via the control box; automatic mode enters S2, jog mode enters S3;

[0024] S2: In automatic mode, the panel is placed on the limiting plate of the carrier assembly. After the sensor detects that the panel is in place, it controls the corresponding cylinder to press the panel tightly.

[0025] S3: In jog mode, place the panel on the limit plate, and the operator triggers the corresponding cylinder to tighten or loosen the panel by using the foot switch;

[0026] S4: Once all panels are clamped, control the drive or manually bring the two carrier assemblies closer together for binding.

[0027] Furthermore, in automatic mode, after all panels are in place and clamped together, the drive automatically starts, bringing the carrier racks closer together.

[0028] Furthermore, in the inching mode, the foot switch is an inching trigger type, and each press switches the tightening and loosening state of the corresponding cylinder.

[0029] Furthermore, the control method also includes, after binding is completed, controlling all cylinders to release the panel and controlling the carrier frame to return to its initial position.

[0030] The convenient assembly and sealing device for transport boxes of the present invention, through the organic combination of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical control and dual-mode intelligent control, comprehensively solves many problems in the assembly of traditional wooden transport boxes. Its overall beneficial technical effects are as follows:

[0031] 1. This system allows a single person to complete the tasks of holding the board and preparing for binding, which previously required two people, significantly saving labor. Pneumatic clamping replaces manual support, avoiding the risk of injury to the person holding the board from binding tools; the jog-controlled foot switch allows the operator to focus on placing the panel and operating the binding tools.

[0032] 2. Through the stable clamping of the cylinder and the precise guidance of the guide rail, the shaking caused by manual support is completely eliminated, ensuring that the panels always maintain a precise 90-degree angle, the nailing position is accurate, and the box is square and the structure is solid.

[0033] 3. The dual-mode design adapts to different work habits and rhythms; the adjustable spacing of the carrier plate assembly can handle boxes of various sizes, meeting the needs of customized, multi-batch, small-volume production.

[0034] 4. The device itself is mobile, supporting rapid assembly after flattened transportation at the customer's site, reducing the transportation volume to a very small percentage of the original, greatly reducing transportation costs, and enabling on-demand assembly.

[0035] The control method of this invention has clear logic and strong adaptability, transforming the structural advantages of the device into repeatable and efficient operating steps, ensuring reliable completion of the panel clamping and closing process whether automatic detection or manual jogging is used. The automatic mode prioritizes efficiency and consistency, suitable for standard batch operations; the jogging mode gives the operator maximum control, suitable for complex or non-standard situations. This dual-mode design reflects profound ergonomic considerations. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device in this invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the sealing device in this invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the carrier plate assembly in this invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the workflow of the automatic mode and the jog mode in this invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transport box in this invention.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] Transport box 100, long side panel 101, wide side panel 102, top plate 103, bottom plate 104.

[0043] 1. Control box, 2. Carrier plate assembly, 21. Left carrier plate frame, 211. Base plate, 212b. Limiting plates (212a, 212b), 22. Right carrier plate frame, 3. Sensor, 31. First circuit, 4. Solenoid valve, 41. Second circuit, 42. Main air intake pipe, 5. Cylinder, 51. Branch air intake pipe, 52. Branch air outlet pipe, 53. Flexible pressure head, 6. Foot switch, 61. Third circuit, 7. Guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution and implementation process of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific usage scenarios. Those skilled in the art will understand that these descriptions are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Please see the appendix Figure 1-5 The present invention provides a convenient sealing device for assembling transport boxes, comprising:

[0046] Main circuit and main air path;

[0047] Control box 1, connected to the main circuit, is used to switch between automatic mode and jog mode;

[0048] Two carrier plate assemblies 2 are respectively disposed at both ends of the guide rail 7 and can move relative to each other along the guide rail 7. Each carrier plate assembly 2 includes a base plate 211 and at least two mutually perpendicular limiting plates (212a, 212b) for positioning and clamping the panel.

[0049] Multiple sensors 3 are mounted on the limiting plate 212 to detect whether the panel is in place in automatic mode. The sensors 3 are connected to the control box 1 through the first line 31; preferably, there are 4 sensors 3.

[0050] Multiple cylinders 5 are provided corresponding to the limiting plate 212 for tightening or loosening the panel; preferably, there are 4 cylinders 5.

[0051] Multiple solenoid valves 4 are connected between the main air circuit and the cylinder 5 to control the action of the cylinder 5. The solenoid valves 4 are connected to the control box 1 through the second line 41. The solenoid valves 4 are connected to the main air circuit through the main air intake pipe 42. The solenoid valves 4 are connected to the cylinder 5 through the branch air intake pipe 51 and the branch air outlet pipe 52. Preferably, there are 4 solenoid valves 4.

[0052] Multiple foot switches 6 are used to trigger the corresponding cylinder 5 in jog mode. The foot switches 6 are connected to the control box 1 via a third line 61. Preferably, there are four foot switches 6.

[0053] This invention provides a dedicated wooden transport crate sealing device that integrates electrical control, pneumatic actuation, and mechanical positioning. By incorporating a movable carrier plate assembly 2, dual-mode control, and a sensor / foot-operated triggering mechanism, it lays the structural foundation for achieving single-person, efficient, and multi-size adaptable wooden transport assembly.

[0054] The brain of the sealing device is the control box 1. After the main circuit is connected to the control box 1, it supplies power to the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), switching power supply and other components inside. The control box 1 panel is equipped with a mode switching knob (automatic / jog), an emergency stop button and status indicator lights.

[0055] Automatic mode loop: The output of control box 1 is connected to four sensors 3, which (such as photoelectric switches or proximity switches) are cleverly embedded in each limit plate 212. When a panel is placed in position and blocks or approaches a sensor 3, the sensor 3 sends a signal to the PLC, which then controls the corresponding solenoid valve 4 to be energized, and the cylinder 5 automatically clamps it in place. When all four sensors 3 are triggered, it means that all four panels are in position and clamped.

[0056] Inching mode circuit: The output of control box 1 is connected to four foot switches 6, each foot switch 6 controlling a cylinder 5. The operator can press the corresponding foot switch 6 according to their own rhythm, pressing the cylinder 5; pressing it again releases the cylinder 5. This mode provides experienced operators with maximum flexibility.

[0057] In this invention, the carrier plate assembly 2 includes a left carrier plate frame 21 and a right carrier plate frame 22. Each carrier plate frame is provided with two mutually perpendicular limiting plates (212a, 212b). One limiting plate 212a is used to limit the long side panel 101, and the other limiting plate 212b is used to limit the wide side panel 102. The operator only needs to place the panel against the inner corner of the two limiting plates (212a, 212b), and the panel will naturally be in the correct spatial orientation. The left carrier plate frame 21 and the right carrier plate frame 22 are symmetrical structures with a clear structure, simulating the composition of the corner of the box, so that the two 90-degree corners can be prepared independently, providing an optimized physical layout for subsequent efficient assembly.

[0058] In this invention, the sensor 3, foot switch 6, solenoid valve 4 and cylinder 5 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each cylinder 5 responds to the signal of the corresponding sensor 3 or foot switch 6, realizing the precision and independence of control. The operator can control any panel individually without interference, improving the flexibility and fault tolerance of operation.

[0059] Each limit plate 212 is equipped with a sensor 3, and each limit plate 212 corresponds to a cylinder 5. The piston rod head of the cylinder 5 is equipped with a flexible pressure head 53 to protect the panel. When the cylinder 5 is activated, the piston rod extends, firmly pressing the panel against the limit plate 212, completing the automatic panel lifting. The four cylinders 5 (two for each carrier frame) are independently controlled by four solenoid valves 4. The main air circuit supplies air to the solenoid valves 4 through the main air intake pipe 42.

[0060] In this invention, the control box 1 further includes a mode switching switch for selecting automatic mode or jog mode. This provides flexible selection of operating modes to meet the needs of operators with different skill levels or different production rhythms, enhancing the versatility and human-machine interface of the sealing device.

[0061] In this invention, the sealing device further includes a driver (not shown) connected to the carrier assembly 2, used to drive the two carrier assemblies 2 to move closer or further apart along the guide rail 7. The driver can be any one of an electric push rod, a cylinder 5, or a servo motor. It can precisely drive the two carrier frames to move closer or further apart synchronously according to control commands, thereby adapting to boxes of different sizes ranging from 600mm to 2000mm. This achieves automated or labor-saving adjustment of the spacing between the carrier assemblies 2, enabling adaptation to different box sizes and reducing the intensity of manual pushing and pulling, directly improving the automation level and ease of use of the sealing device. Of course, the sealing device can also be installed without a driver, and manual pushing can be used instead.

[0062] In this invention, the guide rail 7 is a linear guide rail 7, and the carrier plate assembly 2 is slidably connected to the guide rail 7 via a sliding plate. The linear guide rail 7 ensures the smoothness, straightness accuracy, and low friction of the movement of the carrier plate assembly 2, ensuring accurate alignment of the two semi-finished box corners during the closing process, and guaranteeing the final assembly quality of the box.

[0063] The convenient assembly and sealing device for transport boxes of the present invention, through the organic combination of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical control and dual-mode intelligent control, comprehensively solves many problems in the assembly of traditional wooden transport boxes. Its overall beneficial technical effects are as follows:

[0064] 1. This system allows a single person to complete the tasks of holding the board and preparing for binding, which originally required two people, significantly saving labor. Pneumatic clamping replaces manual support, avoiding the risk of injury to the person holding the board from the binding tools; the jog control foot switch 6 allows the operator to focus on placing the panel and operating the binding tools.

[0065] 2. The stable clamping of the cylinder 5 and the precise guidance of the guide rail 7 completely eliminate the shaking caused by manual support, ensuring that the panels always maintain a precise 90-degree angle, the nailing position is accurate, and the box is square and the structure is solid.

[0066] 3. The dual-mode design adapts to different work habits and rhythms; the adjustable spacing carrier plate assembly 2 can handle boxes of various sizes, meeting the needs of customized, multi-batch, and small-volume production.

[0067] 4. The device itself is mobile, supporting rapid assembly after flat-pack transportation to large customer sites, reducing the transportation volume to a very small percentage of the original, greatly reducing transportation costs, and enabling on-demand assembly.

[0068] The present invention also provides a control method for the sealing device, comprising the following steps:

[0069] S1: Select automatic mode or jog mode via control box 1; automatic mode enters S2, jog mode enters S3;

[0070] S2: In automatic mode, the panel is placed on the limiting plate 212 of the carrier assembly 2. After the sensor 3 detects that the panel is in place, it controls the corresponding cylinder 5 to press the panel tightly.

[0071] S3: In jog mode, place the panel on the limit plate 212, and the operator triggers the corresponding cylinder 5 to tighten or loosen the panel by using the foot switch 6.

[0072] S4: After all panels are clamped, control the driver or manually move the two carrier assemblies 2 closer together to perform the binding operation.

[0073] This invention provides a logically clear and highly adaptable control method that transforms the structural advantages of the device into repeatable and efficient operating steps, ensuring that the panel clamping and closing process can be reliably completed whether through automatic detection or manual jogging.

[0074] In S2, in automatic mode, once all panels are in place and secured, the drive automatically starts, bringing the carrier racks closer together. This further enhances automation and production continuity, reduces manual intervention steps, and automatically proceeds to the next process after ensuring all panels are in place, improving efficiency and reducing waiting time.

[0075] In S3, in jog mode, the foot switch 6 is a jog-triggered type, switching the tightening and loosening state of the corresponding cylinder 5 with each press. It provides an extremely intuitive and accident-proof single-person control method: "press once to tighten, press again to release," simplifying operation memory and making manual control simple and reliable.

[0076] The control method also includes controlling all cylinders 5 to release the panel after binding is completed, and controlling the carrier plate assembly to reset to the initial position. This completes a full work cycle, allowing the sealing device to automatically return to the ready state, facilitating continuous operation and further improving overall work efficiency.

[0077] For example, to assemble a wooden box measuring 100cm long, 80cm wide, and 120cm high, the operator rotates the mode knob to select "automatic mode" based on the situation. The operator places the first long-side panel 101 against the long-side limiting plate 212a of the left carrier frame 21. The sensor 3 detects the panel, and the corresponding cylinder 5 immediately actuates, clamping it in place. The operator then places the first wide-side panel 102 against the wide-side limiting plate 212b of the left carrier frame 21. The sensor 3 is triggered, and the cylinder 5 clamps it in place. At this point, the left carrier frame 21 has completed the "L"-shaped prefabrication of one corner of the box (this corner can be assembled first or later). Similarly, on the right carrier frame 22, the cylinders 5 clamp the second long-side panel 101 and the second wide-side panel 102, forming another "L"-shaped prefabricated body. At this moment, the four cylinders 5 act like four invisible and stable hands, firmly supporting the four heavy panels and ensuring their precise verticality. Once the PLC receives the positioning signals from all sensors, it automatically issues a command, the driver starts, the servo motor runs smoothly, and the left and right slides move synchronously and smoothly towards the center along guide rail 7. The two pre-assembled semi-finished products are precisely aligned, with the four corners perfectly joined, forming a complete box frame that requires no manual support. This completely frees the operator's hands, allowing them to safely and easily use a nail gun to secure the joints at the corners. After assembly, the reset button on control box 1 is pressed. All solenoid valves 4 are simultaneously de-energized, the piston rods of the four cylinders 5 retract, the panel is released, and the box frame is manually removed. Finally, the driver reverses its direction, restoring the carrier plate assembly to its initial position. The operator can then attach the bottom and top plates to the nailed box frame to complete the final sealing. The entire process can be operated by only one person, completing the main assembly of a large wooden box within ten minutes.

[0078] The automatic mode of this invention prioritizes efficiency and consistency, making it suitable for standard batch operations; the jog mode grants the operator maximum control, making it suitable for complex or non-standard situations. This dual-mode design reflects human-centered ergonomic considerations. Therefore, the sealing device and control method provided by this invention are innovative solutions derived from existing deficiencies and the needs of industrial upgrading. Their technical effects in reducing overall costs, improving operational quality, and enhancing supply chain resilience are significant and of great commercial value.

[0079] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sealing device for convenient assembly of transport boxes, characterized in that: include: Main circuit and main air path; The control box, connected to the main circuit, is used to switch between automatic mode and jog mode; Two carrier plate assemblies are respectively disposed at both ends of the guide rail and can move relative to each other along the guide rail. Each carrier plate assembly includes a base plate and at least two mutually perpendicular limiting plates for positioning and clamping the panel. Multiple sensors are mounted on the limit plate to detect whether the panel is in place in automatic mode; Multiple solenoid valves are connected between the main air circuit and the cylinder to control the cylinder's movement; Multiple cylinders, corresponding to the limit plate, are used to tighten or loosen the panel; Multiple foot switches are used to trigger the corresponding cylinder action in jog mode.

2. The sealing device for convenient assembly and transport of the container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier plate assembly includes a left carrier plate frame and a right carrier plate frame. Each carrier plate frame is provided with two mutually perpendicular limiting plates, which are used to limit the long side panel and the wide side panel, respectively.

3. The sealing device for convenient assembly and transport of the container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensors, foot switches, solenoid valves, and cylinders are configured in a one-to-one correspondence, and each cylinder responds to the signal of the corresponding sensor or foot switch.

4. The sealing device for convenient assembly and transport of the container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control box also includes a mode switch for selecting automatic mode or jog mode.

5. The sealing device for convenient assembly and transport of the container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing device also includes a driver connected to the carrier assembly for driving the two carrier assemblies closer or further apart along the guide rail. The driver is any one of an electric push rod, a cylinder, or a servo motor.

6. The sealing device for convenient assembly and transport of the container according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide rail is a linear guide rail, and the carrier plate assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail via a sliding plate.

7. A control method for a sealing device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Select automatic mode or jog mode via the control box; automatic mode enters S2, jog mode enters S3; S2: In automatic mode, the panel is placed on the limiting plate of the carrier assembly. After the sensor detects that the panel is in place, it controls the corresponding cylinder to press the panel tightly. S3: In jog mode, place the panel on the limit plate, and the operator triggers the corresponding cylinder to tighten or loosen the panel by using the foot switch; S4: Once all panels are clamped, control the drive or manually bring the two carrier assemblies closer together for binding.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: In automatic mode, once all panels are in place and secured, the drive automatically starts, bringing the carrier racks closer together.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In jog mode, the foot switch is a jog-triggered type, and each press switches the tightening and loosening state of the corresponding cylinder.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control method also includes, after binding is completed, controlling all cylinders to release the panel and controlling the carrier frame to return to its initial position.

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