An auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine

Abstract

This invention discloses an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine, belonging to the field of packaging machinery technology. The device includes a servo motor, a crank-rocker mechanism consisting of an eccentric wheel, connecting rod, and swing arm, a transmission shaft, and a pressing execution component. The servo motor rotates continuously in one direction, converting the rotational motion into high-frequency reciprocating oscillation of the transmission shaft via the crank-rocker mechanism. The mounting block of the pressing execution component engages with a flat key on the transmission shaft via a keyway, allowing for axial sliding adjustment of the spacing before fixing. The pressing claw is mounted on the mounting block via a structure with a sliding groove and a fixed handle, and its pressing depth is adjustable. This invention controls the motor speed and motion phase to precisely synchronize the oscillation of the pressing claw with the timing of the carton's entry into the silo, applying a soft downward pressure at the moment the carton is released, ensuring the carton is fully in place. This device solves the problem of poor carton entry into the silo and has advantages such as precise synchronization, smooth movement, convenient adjustment, and reliable operation, significantly improving the efficiency of the cartoning machine and the packaging quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of packaging machinery technology, specifically to an auxiliary pressing device for cartoning machines, particularly suitable for automatic cartoning machines. It assists in pressing the carton as it enters the hopper to ensure that the carton enters the predetermined station accurately and flat, avoiding problems such as jamming, skewing, and damage during subsequent conveying or product loading. Background Technology

[0002] In automated packaging production lines in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, automatic cartoning machines are key equipment. They are used to complete processes such as opening cartons, loading products, folding, and sealing. Among these processes, the first step in the cartoning process is for the cartons to be picked up, opened, and accurately fed into the hopper (or "box hopper"). If the cartons are not in the correct position, are not fully in place, or are slightly warped when entering the hopper, it will cause a series of problems in the subsequent conveyor chain or product loading process, such as box jamming, machine stoppage, product falling, and unqualified packaging, which will seriously affect production efficiency and packaging quality. In existing technology, cardboard boxes are usually picked up from the box blank storage by a suction cup robot, and then sent to the hopper inlet by rotation or translation and released. They slide into the hopper by their own weight or a simple guiding device. However, since cardboard boxes have a certain degree of elasticity and may undergo slight deformation during storage or transportation, relying solely on their own weight is often insufficient to ensure that they fully enter the hopper and fit against the hopper wall. Some cartoning machines have tried to use fixed baffles or spring pressure plates for limiting, but these structures have fixed positions, non-adjustable pressure, and lack dynamic coordination capabilities. They are prone to causing cardboard box indentations or deformation due to interference and cannot adapt to the replacement needs of cardboard boxes of different sizes and specifications. To solve the above problems, an auxiliary pressing device is needed that can precisely coordinate with the carton conveying action, has adjustable pressure, and does not damage the carton. It applies a smooth and controllable downward pressure at the key moment when the carton enters the hopper to ensure that the carton enters the working position smoothly and completely. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems of improper placement and incorrect posture of paper boxes in the existing technology, as well as the lack of dynamic coordination and adjustability of the existing auxiliary mechanisms, the present invention provides an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine. The device is designed to achieve precise synchronization with the main cycle of the cartoning machine, apply transient flexible pressing to the paper box through mechanical high-frequency reciprocating oscillation, and has convenient geometric parameter adjustment function to adapt to multi-specification production.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine, mounted on the frame of the cartoning machine, located above or to the side of the inlet of the carton hopper, for applying a downward pressure toward the inside of the hopper to the carton when the suction cup conveys the carton to the hopper inlet and releases it. The device includes a drive unit, a motion conversion mechanism, a transmission shaft assembly, and at least one set of pressing actuation components.

[0005] The drive unit is a servo motor, whose output shaft is connected to the motion conversion mechanism and maintains continuous unidirectional rotation during operation.

[0006] The motion conversion mechanism is a crank-rocker mechanism, used to convert the continuous rotational motion of the servo motor into the reciprocating oscillation of the transmission shaft. Specifically, it includes an eccentric wheel, a connecting rod, and a swing arm. The eccentric wheel is fixed to the output shaft of the servo motor, and its eccentricity determines the oscillation amplitude of the transmission shaft. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the eccentric shaft of the eccentric wheel via a first joint bearing. One end of the swing arm is hinged to the other end of the connecting rod via a second joint bearing, and the other end of the swing arm is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft assembly.

[0007] The drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft, bushings, and a flat key. The drive shaft is rotatably supported on the frame of the cartoning machine by at least two bushings. The flat key is fixed to the shaft body of the drive shaft. The drive shaft performs high-frequency reciprocating rotation and oscillation under the drive of the swing arm.

[0008] The pressing actuation component includes a mounting block and a pressing claw. The mounting block has a central shaft hole for fitting onto the drive shaft. A keyway is formed axially on the inner wall of the shaft hole, which engages with a flat key on the drive shaft, allowing the mounting block to slide axially along the drive shaft to adjust its position, and also to rotate synchronously with the drive shaft without relative rotation. The mounting block is equipped with a mounting block fixing mechanism (such as a radial locking screw) for locking the mounting block onto the drive shaft after the position has been adjusted.

[0009] The main body of the pressing claw is an elongated component, with one end serving as the working end for contacting and pressing the cardboard box, and the other end having a connecting structure. A long, narrow position adjustment groove is formed on the side of the pressing claw (preferably near the connecting structure). One or more threaded holes are correspondingly formed on the mounting block. The pressing claw is connected to the mounting block via a pressing claw position fixing handle. Specifically, the inner end of the pressing claw position fixing handle passes sequentially through the position adjustment groove and the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the mounting block. Its outer end has a head wider than the groove, used to stop against the outer end face of the pressing claw. By loosening the pressing claw position fixing handle, the pressing claw can move relative to the mounting block along its groove, thereby adjusting the extension length (i.e., pressing depth) of the working end of the pressing claw. After adjustment, tightening the handle clamps and fixes the pressing claw between the mounting block and the handle head.

[0010] The working and collaborative principle of this invention: The drive unit, motion conversion mechanism, transmission shaft assembly, and pressing actuation assembly work together. Its core control logic is as follows: The servo motor is controlled by the main control system of the cartoning machine, rotating continuously in one direction at a constant speed or at a speed synchronized with the main cycle. The rotation of the motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate at a uniform speed. Through the crank-rocker mechanism composed of the eccentric wheel, connecting rod, and swing arm, the circular motion of the eccentric wheel is converted into the reciprocating swing of the swing arm, which in turn drives the transmission shaft and all the pressing actuators mounted on it to perform synchronous, high-frequency reciprocating swing.

[0011] The coordination between the swinging motion and the carton loading action is achieved through phase synchronization: in the main control system, the rotational motion of the servo motor is set to be strictly synchronized with the cycle of the suction cup robot picking up, feeding, and releasing the carton. The motor rotation cycle is adjusted to match the main cycle of the cartoning machine, and the phase difference between the two is precisely set. At the instant the suction cup delivers the carton to the hopper inlet and releases it, the drive shaft swings precisely to the downward (or inward) section of its trajectory, driving the working end of the pressing claw to apply a smooth, brief pressing motion to the upper (or side) surface of the carton that is currently being loaded, pushing the carton completely into the hopper. Subsequently, as the motor continues to rotate, the drive shaft swings to the lifting section, the pressing claw automatically lifts and detaches from the carton, returning to the ready position, awaiting the next work cycle. Throughout the entire process, the motor does not need to start, stop, or reverse, achieving efficient and stable continuous operation.

[0012] Further improvements to the present invention: 1. The pressing actuation components are configured in two sets, symmetrically mounted on the same drive shaft. The distance between the two mounting blocks can be independently adjusted by sliding along the flat key on the drive shaft to accommodate paper boxes of different widths. After adjustment, they are locked in place by their respective mounting block fixing mechanisms.

[0013] 2. The working end of the pressing claw may be provided with a contact or covering layer made of flexible material (such as silicone, polyurethane, etc.) to increase the friction with the cardboard box and avoid scratching the surface of the cardboard box.

[0014] 3. The rotational speed of the servo motor and its phase difference with the main cycle can be adjusted online through the human-machine interface according to the paper box specifications, conveying speed and required pressing timing, so as to achieve precise customization of the pressing action.

[0015] The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine disclosed in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. High efficiency and reliable motion: The unidirectional continuous rotation servo motor is used in conjunction with the crank rocker mechanism to directly generate high-frequency reciprocating oscillation, eliminating the process of frequent motor start-stop or reversal, resulting in faster response, less mechanical shock, and significantly improved system reliability and motor life.

[0016] 2. Synchronized Precision and Flexibility: Electrical phase synchronization enables millisecond-level precise coordination between the mechanical pressing action and the timing of carton entry. The unique swing-type pressing trajectory achieves a "pressing while conveying" effect, ensuring smooth pressure application and effectively avoiding damage to the carton from rigid impacts.

[0017] 3. Three-dimensional adjustable, highly versatile: Width adjustment: The distance between the two pressing claws can be infinitely adjusted by sliding the mounting block on the drive shaft.

[0018] Depth adjustment: The extension length (pressing depth) of the pressing claw can be independently adjusted through the slide structure.

[0019] Timing / Speed ​​Adjustment: The motor speed and motion phase can be flexibly set via a program.

[0020] This allows the device to quickly adapt to the production of various sizes, materials, and process speeds of cardboard boxes.

[0021] 4. Compact structure and easy integration: The device adopts a modular design with centralized power and transmission components. Multiple pressing points are driven by a single drive shaft, resulting in a simple and compact structure that is easy to add or modify to existing cartoning machines.

[0022] 5. Improve overall efficiency: It fundamentally solves the problem of incomplete cardboard box entry, significantly reduces the failure rate of such problems as box jams, machine downtime, and poor packaging, and improves the overall operating efficiency (OEE) and product packaging qualification rate. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure with changing perspective.

[0024] The components include: 1. Servo motor; 2. Eccentric wheel; 3. Connecting rod; 4. Swing arm; 5. Drive shaft; 6. Flat key; 7. Mounting block; 8. Pressing claw; 9. Keyway; 10. Mounting block fixing mechanism; 11. Position adjustment slide; 12. Pressing claw position fixing handle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the equipment or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine, which includes: The drive unit is servo motor 1; The motion conversion mechanism is a crank-rocker mechanism, whose input end is connected to the output shaft of the servo motor 1, and is used to convert the continuous rotational motion of the servo motor 1 into reciprocating oscillation. The motion conversion mechanism includes an eccentric wheel 2, a connecting rod 3, and a swing arm 4. The eccentric wheel 2 is fixed to the output shaft of the servo motor 1. One end of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the eccentric wheel 2, and the other end is hinged to one end of the swing arm 4. The connecting rod 3 and the eccentric wheel 2, as well as the connecting rod 3 and the swing arm 4, are all hinged through spherical bearings. The drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft 5 and a flat key 6. The drive shaft 5 is rotatably supported on the frame and fixedly connected to the other end of the swing arm 4 so as to reciprocate and swing under the drive of the swing arm 4. The flat key 6 is fixed to the shaft body of the drive shaft 5. At least one set of pressing actuator components includes a mounting block 7 and a pressing claw 8; the mounting block 7 is sleeved on the drive shaft 5, and its shaft hole is provided with a keyway 9 that mates with the flat key 6, so that the mounting block 7 can slide along the axial direction of the flat key 6 and rotate synchronously with the drive shaft 5; the mounting block 7 is provided with a mounting block fixing mechanism 10 for locking and fixing it to the drive shaft 5, the mounting block fixing mechanism 10 being a locking screw that is radially screwed into the mounting block 7 and whose end is pressed against the surface of the drive shaft 5; the pressing claw 8 has an opening The device has a long, narrow position adjustment groove 11; the mounting block 7 has a threaded hole; the pressing claw 8 is connected to the mounting block 7 via a pressing claw position fixing handle 12, the inner end of the pressing claw position fixing handle 12 passes through the position adjustment groove 11 and the threaded hole in sequence and is threadedly connected to the mounting block 7, and its outer end is used to stop on the outer end face of the pressing claw 8; by loosening or tightening the pressing claw position fixing handle 12, the position of the pressing claw 8 relative to the mounting block 7 along the groove can be adjusted and fixed. The servo motor 1 is configured to operate in a unidirectional continuous rotation mode, and its rotation cycle is synchronized with the main working cycle of the cartoning machine; the servo motor 1 is connected to the main control system of the cartoning machine, and its rotation speed and phase difference with the main cycle can be programmed and adjusted according to the carton specifications and conveying speed. The pressing actuator consists of two sets, symmetrically mounted on the same drive shaft 5; the two mounting blocks 7 can slide independently along the axial direction of the flat key 6 on the drive shaft 5 to adjust the distance between the two pressing claws 8; the working end of the pressing claw 8 is provided with a contact or a covering layer made of flexible material. Example

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, an auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine has a mounting base that is the frame of the cartoning machine. The core driving component of the device is a servo motor 1, which is fixed to the frame by a motor mounting plate. Its output shaft extends horizontally, and an eccentric wheel 2 is fixedly mounted at its end by a set screw. A needle roller bearing is mounted on the eccentric shaft of the eccentric wheel 2. The upper end of the connecting rod 3 is connected to the needle roller bearing through a first joint bearing, and the lower end of the connecting rod 3 is connected to one end of a swing arm 4 through a second joint bearing. The middle part of the swing arm 4 is provided with a mounting hole that is interference-fitted with the drive shaft 5 or connected through a flat key 6, thereby firmly fixing the swing arm 4 to one end of the drive shaft 5. The drive shaft 5 is supported by a bushing, which is press-fitted or bolted to the frame, allowing the drive shaft 5 to rotate freely. On the shaft body of the drive shaft 5, in the area corresponding to the mounting block 7, a flat key 6 is fixedly mounted. Two identical pressing actuators are symmetrically mounted on the drive shaft 5. Each pressing actuator includes a mounting block 7 and a pressing claw 8. The mounting block 7 is a rectangular metal block with a through hole machined in its center as a shaft hole. A keyway is milled axially on the inner wall of the shaft hole. During installation, the mounting block 7 is fitted into the drive shaft 5, and the keyway 9 in the shaft hole is aligned with the flat key 6 on the drive shaft 5. In this way, the mounting block 7 can slide axially along the flat key 6 and be circumferentially limited by the flat key 6, rotating together with the drive shaft 5. A locking screw, which serves as the mounting block fixing mechanism 10, is radially screwed into the side of the mounting block 7. The end of the screw can be directly pressed against the surface of the drive shaft 5, thereby locking and fixing the mounting block 7 in the axial and circumferential directions. A threaded hole is machined on one outer surface of the mounting block 7. The pressing claw 8 is roughly L-shaped, with its longer arm being the actuating arm and its end being the working end; the shorter arm is the connecting arm. On the side of the connecting arm, an elongated through hole is opened along the length of the actuating arm as a position adjustment groove 11. The connecting arm of the pressing claw 8 is placed against the side of the mounting block 7 so that the groove is aligned with the threaded hole on the mounting block 7. The pressing claw position fixing handle 12 passes through the groove from the outside of the pressing claw 8 and is then screwed into the threaded hole of the mounting block 7. When not tightened, the pressing claw 8 can move relative to the mounting block 7 along the length of the groove, thereby changing the radial distance (i.e., pressing depth) of the working end of the actuating arm relative to the center line of the drive shaft 5. After adjusting to the appropriate position, the pressing claw position fixing handle 12 is tightened. The handle head presses the pressing claw 8 tightly against the side of the mounting block 7 through the gasket to achieve a firm fixation. To protect the cardboard box, a soft silicone pad is attached to the working end of the pressing claw 8. The operating procedure and adjustment method of the device are as follows: 1. Initial Setup and Synchronization: Adjust the device and set parameters according to the carton specifications and the cartoning machine's cycle time. a) Width adjustment: Loosen the locking screws on the two mounting blocks 7, slide the two mounting blocks 7 axially along the flat key 6 on the drive shaft 5, so that the center distance of the silicone pads of the two pressing claws 8 is slightly less than the width of the cardboard box, and tighten the locking screws after adjustment. b) Depth adjustment: Loosen the two pressing claws and fix the handle 12 respectively. Move the pressing claw 8 along the slide groove so that when the pressing claw 8 is in the pressing phase, the silicone pad can contact the paper box and have a certain amount of compression (usually 1-3mm). After adjustment, tighten the handle. c) Motion parameter setting: Through the human-machine interface of the cartoning machine, set the speed of servo motor 1 so that its rotation cycle is strictly consistent with the cycle of a single product of the cartoning machine. Then, through trial operation or sensor feedback, fine-tune the phase difference between the rotation motion of servo motor 1 and the release action of suction cup to ensure that the pressing phase of pressing claw 8 is perfectly coincided with the moment when the carton enters the warehouse. 2. Continuous cyclic operation: Carton feeding and lifting phase: The suction cup robot sends the carton to the hopper inlet. At this time, the servo motor 1 continues to rotate, and through the eccentric wheel 2-linkage 3 mechanism, the transmission shaft 5 and the pressing claw 8 swing to the highest point of the motion trajectory (lifting phase), completely avoiding the carton conveying path; Release and Press Phase: The vacuum of the suction cup is released, and the cardboard box begins to fall. Almost simultaneously, due to the continuous rotation of the motor, the drive shaft 5 moves to the lowest point of the swing trajectory (press phase). The silicone pad of the pressing claw 8 contacts the upper surface or side edge of the cardboard box in a flexible "pushing" manner to help the cardboard box fully enter the hopper and fit in place. Reset preparation: The motor continues to rotate, and the transmission shaft 5 drives the pressing claw 8 to naturally transition from the pressing phase back to the lifting phase, preparing for the arrival of the next cardboard box. Throughout the production process, the servo motor 1 maintains unidirectional, continuous, and uniform rotation, and the pressing action is automatically completed in a cycle by the mechanical mechanism. The key advantage of the present invention is that, through the mode of "electrical synchronization (phase control) + mechanical conversion (crank rocker)," it achieves precise, high-frequency, and reliable reciprocating pressing action with the simplest continuous rotation drive. This design is not only simple to control and fast to respond, but also completely avoids the reciprocating inertial load of the actuator (motor), which greatly improves the durability and stability of the system.

[0030] Any aspects not detailed in this application are well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this application without inventive effort. Therefore, any technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this application through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine, characterized in that, include: The drive unit is a servo motor; The motion conversion mechanism is a crank-rocker mechanism, whose input end is connected to the output shaft of the servo motor, and is used to convert the continuous rotational motion of the servo motor into reciprocating oscillation; the motion conversion mechanism includes an eccentric wheel, a connecting rod and a swing arm, the eccentric wheel is fixed to the output shaft of the servo motor, one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the eccentric wheel, and the other end is hinged to one end of the swing arm; A drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft and a flat key. The drive shaft is rotatably supported on a frame and fixedly connected to the other end of the swing arm to reciprocate and swing under the drive of the swing arm. The flat key is fixed to the shaft body of the drive shaft. At least one set of pressing actuator components includes a mounting block and a pressing claw; the mounting block is sleeved on the drive shaft, and its shaft hole is provided with a keyway that mates with the flat key, so that the mounting block can slide along the axial direction of the flat key and rotate synchronously with the drive shaft; the mounting block is provided with a mounting block fixing mechanism for locking and fixing it to the drive shaft; the pressing claw is provided with an elongated position adjustment groove; the mounting block is provided with a threaded hole; the pressing claw is connected to the mounting block through a pressing claw position fixing handle, the inner end of the pressing claw position fixing handle passes through the position adjustment groove and the threaded hole in sequence and is threadedly connected to the mounting block, and its outer end is used to stop on the outer end face of the pressing claw; by loosening or tightening the pressing claw position fixing handle, the position of the pressing claw relative to the mounting block along the groove can be adjusted and fixed.

2. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The servo motor is configured to operate in a unidirectional continuous rotation mode, and its rotation cycle is synchronized with the main working cycle of the cartoning machine.

3. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing actuator consists of two sets, symmetrically mounted on the same drive shaft; the two mounting blocks can slide independently along the keyway axis on the drive shaft to adjust the distance between the two pressing claws.

4. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The working end of the pressing claw is provided with a contact or a coating made of flexible material.

5. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting block fixing mechanism is a locking screw that is radially screwed into the mounting block and whose end is pressed against the surface of the drive shaft.

6. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod and the eccentric wheel, as well as the connecting rod and the swing arm, are all hinged by spherical bearings.

7. The auxiliary pressing device for a cartoning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The servo motor is connected to the main control system of the cartoning machine, and its rotation speed and phase difference with the main cycle can be programmed and adjusted according to the carton specifications and conveying speed.

Images