Zip-top can compression device

Abstract

The invention provides a zip-top can compression device, and relates to the technical field of zip-top can compression, the zip-top can compression device comprises a switching mechanism and a compression mechanism, the switching mechanism is composed of a pressurization assembly, a circulation assembly and a fixing assembly, the pressurization assembly achieves pressurization output through pressure spring energy storage, and the fixing assembly switches compression modes by selecting a full-through sleeve or a semi-through sleeve; the circulating assembly is responsible for directional flowing of hydraulic oil and system resetting, the compression mechanism comprises a compression disc driven by hydraulic pressure, and the method comprises the steps that according to the hardness of a tank body, a mode is selected, and corresponding energy storage pressurization or efficient compression circulation is executed. The problem that a traditional manual compressor cannot give consideration to zip-top cans with different hardness is solved, and single-machine self-adaptive efficient compression is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aluminum can compression technology, and more specifically, to an aluminum can compression device. Background Technology

[0002] In home and small-scale recycling scenarios, manual can compressors are widely used due to their simple structure, low cost, and lack of external power. Their basic principle is to amplify human power through levers, screws, or hydraulic mechanisms to drive a pressure head to apply vertical pressure to the can, causing irreversible plastic deformation, thereby reducing its volume and making it easier to store or deliver. The mechanical structure (such as lever ratio and pressure head stroke) and strength design of existing manual compression devices are usually optimized around the physical characteristics of the most common 330 ml or 500 ml aluminum beverage cans (such as beer cans and soda cans). These cans are characterized by their large size, thin walls, and relatively soft materials, making them more easily crushed under human power.

[0003] However, the core technological bottleneck of manual compression devices lies in the limited and unadjustable compression capacity. Their design parameters are fixed and cannot be adapted to other types of cans with vastly different physical properties. Taking the widely circulated 250ml energy drink cans (such as Red Bull) as an example, in order to withstand higher internal pressure and ensure structural strength, the can body usually uses higher grade aluminum alloy, thicker can walls, and special reinforced structural designs, resulting in a radial pressure limit that is significantly higher than that of ordinary beverage cans. When users try to use ordinary manual compressors designed for "soft large cans" to process such "hard small cans," they often encounter the dilemma that the manual effort has reached its limit, but the can body only deforms slightly or even does not move at all. This not only causes the compression operation to fail and wastes the user's physical strength, but may also cause damage or slippage of the lever mechanism, posing a safety hazard. This contradiction reveals the fundamental defect of existing manual devices in dealing with diversified recyclables: the fixed mechanical gain cannot match the changing yield strength of the target material, ultimately resulting in a large number of high-strength cans that cannot be effectively compressed through this convenient method, hindering the efficiency of front-end recycling and the enthusiasm of public participation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a can compression device to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a can compression device, comprising a switching mechanism and a compression mechanism; The switching mechanism includes a pressurization component, a circulation component, and a fixing component. The switching mechanism can change different pressurization modes according to different pressure requirements to meet different compression requirements, thereby reducing the difficulty of compressing different cans. The pressurization component can store primary energy through the energy storage function on one side, and then ensure the compression of harder aluminum cans through the superposition of energy storage and human effort. The design of the circulation component ensures that the hydraulic oil can circulate, thereby ensuring the continuity of the compression operation. The fixing component can fix cans of synchronous size and hardness in both directions, thereby ensuring that different cans can be compressed manually. The compression mechanism is designed to provide the function of directly compressing aluminum cans.

[0006] Preferably, the pressurization assembly includes a pressurization sleeve and a pressurization tube that is slidably and sealed inside the pressurization sleeve. A rocker tube is connected to the pressurization tube, and a follower plate is slidably and sealed inside the rocker tube. A compression spring is connected to the follower plate, and an adjusting rod is threaded to the upper end of the rocker tube. The adjusting rod presses against the other end of the compression spring.

[0007] Preferably, the pressurization assembly further includes a fixed base, the upper part of which is rotatably connected to the pressure tube, a piston rod symmetrical to the pressurization tube is installed on the side wall of the rocker tube, a piston sleeve is sealed on the piston rod, and intermediate sleeves are respectively installed at the lower ends of the pressurization sleeve and the piston sleeve, and the two intermediate sleeves are respectively fixedly installed on the base.

[0008] Preferably, the circulation mechanism includes one-way tubes installed on the side walls of multiple intermediate sleeves, each one-way tube having a spring installed inside, the other end of the spring being connected to a one-way ball, the one-way ball abutting against the one-way tube, and the one-way tubes on both sides of each intermediate sleeve being connected to a right-angle tube and a hydraulic sleeve, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, two one-way tubes on the same axis are coaxially provided with a release rod, and the release rods are respectively abutted on the two one-way balls. The two right-angle tubes are respectively connected to the two sides of the oil storage tube. Pressure plates are respectively sealed and slidably provided at both ends of the oil storage tube. A return spring is installed on each pressure plate and abuts inside the oil storage tube.

[0010] Preferably, the oil storage pipe has a vent hole in the middle, located between the two pressure plates, and the base is provided with two foot pedals.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing component includes a receiving seat mounted on the base, with hydraulic sleeves fixedly connected to both ends of the receiving seat, and multiple fixing rods inserted into the four corners of each receiving seat, and the multiple fixing rods are respectively connected to the intermediate frame.

[0012] Preferably, a full-length sleeve and a half-length sleeve are fixedly provided on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate frame, respectively. A limiting block is fixedly provided coaxially inside the half-length sleeve, and the limiting block and the inside of the receiving seat are in a fitable state.

[0013] Preferably, the compression mechanism includes a hydraulic rod that is slidably connected in a sealed manner within two hydraulic sleeves, each hydraulic rod having a compression disc mounted on it, and the two compression discs being slidably connected within the receiving seat.

[0014] Preferably, stop discs are installed on both sides of the inner wall of the receiving seat, and the range of motion of the two compression discs is between the two stop discs.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a can compression device, which has the following advantages: This invention creatively solves the industry problem that manual compression devices cannot adaptively handle cans of different hardness and size. By integrating switchable pressure boosting and fixing components, it achieves efficient and compatible handling of both "soft large cans" and "hard small cans" with a single device. The pressure boosting component uses a compression spring as a mechanical energy storage element. When the initial pressure for handling a hard can is insufficient, the hydraulic pressure will push the follower plate to compress the compression spring to store energy. In the subsequent stroke, the stored elastic force is superimposed with the human force, thereby outputting an instantaneous high pressure several times that of pure human force, successfully crushing high-strength cans that are difficult to handle with traditional manual tools.

[0016] This invention achieves intuitive switching of working modes through a clever design of fixed components. When processing small hard cans, a semi-through sleeve with limit blocks is used for installation, which can completely lock one side of the compression disc, forcing the system into an energy storage and pressurization mode. When processing large soft cans, replacing it with a full-through sleeve releases the lock, allowing both compression discs to move freely. The device then switches to a high-efficiency bidirectional compression mode. This mode switching method, which involves replacing physical components rather than adjusting complex parameters, greatly reduces the user's operating threshold and ensures the reliability and clarity of mode switching.

[0017] The hydraulic circulation system of this invention is ingeniously and comprehensively designed. The one-way pipe and one-way ball in the circulation component ensure the one-way flow of hydraulic oil during the pressurization process. The foot pedal and the oil storage pipe with pressure plate constitute a convenient oil replenishment and pressure balancing system. The manually released release lever provides a quick oil circuit reset channel, so that the system can quickly return to the ready state after each compression cycle, ensuring the smoothness of continuous operation. At the same time, the all-mechanical structure avoids the risk of failure of electronic components in the recycling environment.

[0018] This invention significantly improves ergonomics and safety while enhancing compression capacity and versatility. It transforms high-frequency, large-amplitude reciprocating shaking into a labor-saving cycle of energy storage followed by pressurization, reducing user fatigue. Furthermore, it uses a stop disc to mechanically limit the compression stroke, preventing equipment damage or tank rupture and splashing due to overpressure. The overall structure is robust, the operation process is clear, and it combines the convenience of home use with the durability requirements of small recycling stations. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a can compression device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the support seat and intermediate frame in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate frame in this invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the support structure in this invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the piston sleeve and rocker tube in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in this invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 11. Pressurization assembly; 12. Pressurization sleeve; 13. Pressurization pipe; 14. Shaker; 15. Follower plate; 16. Compression spring; 17. Adjusting rod; 18. Base; 19. Piston rod; 110. Piston sleeve; 111. Intermediate sleeve; 21. Circulation assembly; 22. One-way pipe; 23. Spring; 24. One-way ball; 25. Right-angle pipe; 26. Hydraulic sleeve; 27. Release rod; 28. Oil reservoir pipe; 29. ​​Pressure plate; 31. Fixing assembly; 32. Receiver; 33. Fixing rod; 34. Intermediate frame; 35. Full sleeve; 36. Half sleeve; 37. Limiting block; 41. Compression mechanism; 42. Hydraulic rod; 43. Compression plate; 44. Stop plate; 210. Return spring; 211. Exhaust port; 212. Foot pedal. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms such as "up" and "down" generally refer to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings, or to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "left" and "right" generally refer to the left and right shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not intended to limit this invention.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 7 The can compression device provided in this embodiment mainly includes a switching mechanism and a compression mechanism 41. The switching mechanism is responsible for adjusting the output characteristics and fixing method of the device according to the compression requirements, and it further integrates a pressurizing component 11, a circulation component 21, and a fixing component 31. The compression mechanism 41 is the terminal actuator that directly performs the compression action.

[0025] 1. Overall structure and compression mechanism The compression mechanism 41 provides basic compression functionality. It includes a receiving seat 32 fixed to a base 18 for holding the can to be compressed. A hydraulic sleeve 26 is connected to each end of the receiving seat 32. Two hydraulic rods 42 are slidably and sealingly mounted within the two hydraulic sleeves 26, and a compression disc 43 is fixed to the inner end of each hydraulic rod 42 (the end extending into the receiving seat 32). The two compression discs 43 can slide towards or away from each other within the inner cavity of the receiving seat 32. Stop discs 44 are fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the receiving seat 32 to limit the maximum travel range of the two compression discs 43.

[0026] 2. Detailed Composition of the Switching Mechanism 2.1 Boosting Component 11: Human Amplification and Energy Storage Unit The booster assembly 11 is the core component that converts the operator’s reciprocating hand movements into hydraulic pressure and can selectively store energy to generate peak pressure.

[0027] Main body and power input: A pressure sleeve 12 is fixedly mounted on the base 18. A pressure tube 13 is slidably and sealed within the pressure sleeve 12. A crank tube 14 is connected to the pressure tube 13 and serves as an operating handle. Inside the crank tube 14, a follower plate 15 is slidably and sealed, dividing the inner cavity of the crank tube 14.

[0028] Adjustable energy storage spring: A compression spring 16 is connected to the follower plate 15. An adjusting rod 17 is threaded to the upper end of the rocker tube 14. Rotating the adjusting rod 17 can change the pre-compression of the compression spring 16, thereby setting the initial pressure of the energy storage spring (i.e., the trigger threshold for energy storage).

[0029] Symmetrical hydraulic cylinder: A piston rod 19 is mounted symmetrically to the pressure tube 13 on the side wall of the rocker tube 14. A piston sleeve 110 is sealed to the piston rod 19. The lower ends of the pressure sleeve 12 and the piston sleeve 110 are respectively fixed to the base 18 by intermediate sleeves 111. Therefore, the rocker tube 14, the pressure tube 13, and the piston rod 19 form a linked whole. Rocking the rocker tube 14 will synchronously drive the pressure tube 13 and the piston rod 19 to move in their respective cavities.

[0030] 2.2 Circulation Component 21: Hydraulic Oil Circuit and Mode Reset Unit The circulation component 21 constitutes the hydraulic circulation system of the device, which is responsible for the directional flow of oil, replenishment, and system reset after the work is completed.

[0031] One-way valve control oil circuit: A one-way pipe 22 is connected to the side wall of each intermediate sleeve 111. Each one-way pipe 22 is equipped with a spring 23 and a one-way ball 24, forming a one-way valve that only allows oil to flow from the intermediate sleeve 111 to the external pipeline. Specifically, the one-way pipe 22 connected to the pressure sleeve 12 is connected to an oil reservoir pipe 28 through a right-angle pipe 25; the one-way pipe 22 connected to the piston sleeve 110 is directly connected to the corresponding hydraulic sleeve 26.

[0032] Oil storage and replenishment: The oil storage pipe 28 is horizontally arranged, with a pressure plate 29 sealed and sliding at each end. Each pressure plate 29 is equipped with a return spring 210. A vent 211 is opened in the middle of the oil storage pipe 28. Two foot pedals 212 are mounted on the base 18 and can be used to step on the pressure plate 29 to replenish or recover oil for the system.

[0033] Manual reset valve: A release rod 27 is coaxially inserted into two one-way tubes 22 located on the same axis. Pushing the release rod 27 can simultaneously open the one-way balls 24 in the two one-way tubes 22, thereby forming a return channel for the hydraulic oil circuit on the corresponding side.

[0034] 2.3 Fixed Component 31: Tank Positioning and Mode Switching Unit The fixing component 31 is used to reliably position the can before compression and substantially switch the operating mode of the device (for hard cans or soft cans) by selecting different fixing methods.

[0035] Frame and selector: Holes for inserting fixing rods 33 are provided at the four corners of the receiving base 32. The upper ends of multiple fixing rods 33 are connected to an intermediate frame 34. Full-length sleeves 35 and half-length sleeves 36 are fixed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate frame 34, respectively.

[0036] Hard-can mode positioning block: A limiting block 37 is coaxially fixed inside the half-through sleeve 36. When the half-through sleeve 36 side is selected, inserting the fixing rod 33 will cause the limiting block 37 to extend into the inner cavity of the receiving seat 32.

[0037] 3. Device workflow and mode switching 3.1 Mode 1: High-pressure mode for rigid small tanks Take a compressed, rigid 250ml beverage can as an example.

[0038] Installation and Setup: Place the rigid aluminum can into the receiving seat 32, ensuring one end is flush against a compression disc 43 (e.g., the right side). Insert the fixing rod 33 of the intermediate frame 34 with the semi-through sleeve 36 into the corresponding hole on the left side of the receiving seat 32. At this point, the limiting block 37 will insert into the opening at the other end of the can and press against the compression disc 43 on the left, thus completely locking the left hydraulic rod 42 and its compression disc 43, preventing them from moving. Adjust the preload of the spring 16 by rotating the adjusting rod 17 according to the can's rigidity.

[0039] Energy Storage Stroke (Rocker Pulls Left): The operator pulls the crank tube 14 to the left. The pressurizing tube 13 moves to the left within the pressurizing sleeve 12, attempting to force oil into the right hydraulic sleeve 26 to push the right compression disc 43. However, due to the high hardness of the can on the right, the initial pressure is insufficient to deform it, causing a sudden increase in oil pressure. This pressure is transmitted to the follower disc 15 through the pipeline. When the oil pressure exceeds the preset preload of the compression spring 16, the follower disc 15 is pushed upward, further compressing the compression spring 16. During this process, the work done by the operator is converted into the elastic potential energy of the compression spring 16 and stored. Simultaneously, the piston rod 19 moves to the left, drawing in oil from the oil reservoir 28 through the right-angle tube 25 via its one-way valve to replenish the oil supply.

[0040] Pressurization Stroke (Right Push of Crank Tube): After crank tube 14 is pulled to its left limit, the operator pushes it to the right. At this time, the operator's pushing force and the elastic force stored and released by the compression spring 16 work together on the piston rod 19. The piston rod 19 moves to the right within the piston sleeve 110, pumping oil into the right hydraulic sleeve 26 at a pressure significantly higher than that of pure manual operation. The high-pressure oil drives the right hydraulic rod 42 and the compression disc 43 to squeeze the rigid can with greater force, causing it to undergo plastic deformation. During this stroke, the oil circuit check valve on the pressurization pipe 13 side is closed.

[0041] Cycle and Completion: When the rocker arm 14 returns to the neutral position, the energy stored in the compression spring 16 is released. Repeat the above cycle of "pull left to store energy, push right to increase pressure" until the tank is compressed to the predetermined level (contacting the stop disc 44). Pressing the foot pedal 212 replenishes oil to the system. After compression is complete, pull out the fixing rod 33, remove the compression tank, and push the corresponding release rod 27 to connect the oil circuit. Under the action of the return spring 210, the compression disc 43 returns to its original position.

[0042] 3.2 Mode Two: High-Efficiency Mode for Flexible Large Tanks Take a standard 500ml aluminum beer can as an example.

[0043] Installation and Switching: Place the soft-sided aluminum can into the receiving seat 32. Insert the fixing rod 33 with the intermediate frame 34 and the full-length sleeve 35. At this point, there is no interference from the limit block, and both compression discs 43 can move freely.

[0044] High-efficiency compression: Due to the relatively soft tank, less compression force is required. Whether the rocker arm 14 is turned left or right, the pressure hose 13 and piston rod 19 can easily pump oil into the two hydraulic sleeves 26, pushing the two compression discs 43 individually or simultaneously to squeeze the tank from both ends. In this mode, the compression spring 16 is essentially not triggered for compression; the device operates at its maximum hydraulic stroke, resulting in high compression efficiency and a large compression volume per stroke.

[0045] Reset: After compression is complete, the system is reset by releasing lever 27 and foot pedal 212.

[0046] Of all the solutions mentioned above, those involving the connection between two components can be selected according to the actual situation, such as welding, bolt and nut connection, bolt or screw connection, or other known connection methods, which will not be elaborated here. For all the fixed connections mentioned above, welding is preferred. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A can compression device, characterized in that: Including a switching mechanism and a compression mechanism (41); The switching mechanism includes a pressurizing component (11), a circulation component (21), and a fixing component (31). The switching mechanism can change different pressurizing modes according to different pressure requirements to meet different compression requirements, thereby reducing the difficulty of compressing different cans. The pressurizing component (11) can store primary energy through the energy storage function on one side, and then ensure the compression of the harder aluminum can through the superposition of energy storage and human effort. The design of the circulation component (21) ensures that the hydraulic oil can circulate, thereby ensuring the continuity of the compression operation; The fixing component (31) can fix the cans of synchronous size and hardness in both directions, thereby ensuring that different cans can be compressed manually. The compression mechanism (41) is designed to provide the function of directly compressing the can.

2. The can compression device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressurization assembly (11) includes a pressurization sleeve (12) and a pressurization tube (13) that is slidably connected inside the pressurization sleeve (12). A rocker tube (14) is connected to the pressurization tube (13). A follower plate (15) is slidably connected inside the rocker tube (14). A compression spring (16) is connected to the follower plate (15). An adjusting rod (17) is threaded to the upper end of the rocker tube (14). The adjusting rod (17) presses against the other end of the compression spring (16).

3. The can compression device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressurization assembly (11) also includes a fixed base (18), the upper part of which is rotatably connected to the pressure tube. A piston rod (19) symmetrical to the pressurization tube (13) is installed on the side wall of the rocker tube (14). A piston sleeve (110) is sealed on the piston rod (19). An intermediate sleeve (111) is installed at the lower end of the pressurization sleeve (12) and the piston sleeve (110). The two intermediate sleeves (111) are fixedly installed on the base (18).

4. The can compression device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The circulation mechanism includes one-way tubes (22) installed on the side walls of multiple intermediate sleeves (111), each of the one-way tubes (22) is equipped with a spring (23), the other end of the spring (23) is connected to a one-way ball (24), the one-way ball (24) abuts against the one-way tube (22), and the one-way tubes (22) on both sides of each intermediate sleeve (111) are respectively connected to a right-angle tube (25) and a hydraulic sleeve (26).

5. The can compression device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Two one-way tubes (22) on the same axis are coaxially provided with a release rod (27), and the release rod (27) rests on the two one-way balls (24) respectively. The two right-angle tubes (25) are respectively connected to the two sides of the oil storage tube (28), and the two ends of the oil storage tube (28) are respectively sealed and slidably provided with pressure plates (29), and each pressure plate (29) is respectively equipped with a reset spring (210), and the reset spring (210) rests on the inside of the oil storage tube (28).

6. The can compression device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The oil storage pipe (28) has an exhaust hole (211) in the middle position and is located between the two pressure plates (29). The base (18) is provided with two foot pedals (212).

7. The can compression device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing component (31) includes a receiving seat (32) mounted on the base (18). Hydraulic sleeves (26) are fixedly connected to both ends of the receiving seat (32). Multiple fixing rods (33) are inserted into the four corners of each receiving seat (32), and the multiple fixing rods (33) are respectively connected to the intermediate frame (34).

8. A can compression device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper and lower sides of the intermediate frame (34) are respectively fixedly provided with a full sleeve (35) and a half sleeve (36). A limiting block (37) is fixedly provided coaxially inside the half sleeve (36), and the limiting block (37) and the inside of the receiving seat (32) are in a fitable state.

9. A can compression device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The compression mechanism (41) includes a hydraulic rod (42) that is sealed and slidably connected within two hydraulic sleeves (26), and a compression disc (43) is mounted on each hydraulic rod (42), and the two compression discs (43) are slidably connected within the receiving seat (32).

10. A can compression device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Stop discs (44) are installed on both sides of the inner wall of the receiving seat (32), and the range of motion of the two compression discs (43) is between the two stop discs (44).

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