Flat material feeding method, feeding method, application, and cartoning machine incorporating this method

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for feeding flat materials, a feeding method, an application, and a cartoning machine incorporating this method. The method for feeding flat materials includes a sensing feeding step: a level sensor generates a material shortage signal, and a feeding mechanism conveys the stacked materials to be retrieved towards the feeding direction until the level sensor detects material again at the retrieval position, at which point the feeding mechanism stops feeding. It also includes a pushing and pressing step: a pushing mechanism contacts and presses the materials to be retrieved from the rear side of the feeding device in the feeding direction; this position is the stop sensing position. When the feeding mechanism moves to move the materials out of the pushing mechanism's sensing range, this position is the start sensing position; the controller controls the pushing mechanism to begin moving in the feeding direction until the pushing mechanism reaches the stop sensing position again, at which point the controller controls the pushing mechanism to stop moving forward. The feeding timing is controlled by the level sensor. The pushing mechanism ensures that the stacked cartons to be retrieved are at an appropriate stacking degree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic feeding technology, and more specifically, to a method for feeding flat materials, a feeding method, an application, and a cartoning machine incorporating the method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automated packaging equipment, material supply and conveying are key links for cartoning machines to achieve continuous and unmanned production. The stability of material supply directly determines the overall operating efficiency and packaging qualification rate. Automated packaging includes feeding and transfer. On the feeding mechanism, the material is usually in a folded and flat state, such as a folded packaging box. This material is continuously conveyed forward on the feeding mechanism.

[0003] The material on the feeding mechanism is usually in a folded, flat state, which gives it a certain degree of flexibility. Most gripping devices use suction cups for gripping. Since the material conveyed on the feeding mechanism is loose and flexible, it is difficult to control when to advance the material and where to deliver it when the feeding mechanism is continuously conveying multiple materials. This leads to problems such as the suction cups of the gripping device failing to grasp the material, being difficult to remove the material after grasping it, or easily damaging the material.

[0004] Currently, most cartoning machines use continuous forward conveying along the feeding direction for their feeding devices, and the gripping device at the discharge port continuously picks up the material. In order to achieve continuous forward conveying of materials and continuous gripping by the gripping mechanism, some cartoning machines use a downward inclined ramp section at the discharge port of the conveying device. The material is conveyed to the discharge port by gravity on the ramp section, or a conveyor belt is used to feed the material forward. However, in actual use, problems arise regarding the timing and position of material conveying, as well as the ability of the gripping mechanism to pick up materials stably. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method for feeding flat materials, a feeding method, an application, and a cartoning machine incorporating this method. It solves the problem in the prior art that when conveying materials, it is difficult to control the timing and position of material conveying, which leads to unstable grasping and material picking failure when grabbing materials, due to the use of gravity or conveyor belts for forward conveying.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: A method for feeding flat materials continuously supplies materials to be retrieved that are stacked along the feeding direction to a flat material feeding device, including the following steps: I. Induction Feeding Procedure When there is no material at the material pick-up position of the feeding device, the material level sensor generates a material shortage sensing signal. The controller obtains the material shortage sensing signal and controls the feeding mechanism to transport the stacked material to be picked up as a whole in the feeding direction until the material level sensor senses that there is material at the material pick-up position again. The controller controls the feeding mechanism to stop feeding. II. Pushing the pressing step The pushing mechanism contacts and squeezes the material to be taken from the rear side of the feeding direction of the feeding device. This position is the stop sensing position. When the feeding mechanism moves to feed the material and causes it to leave the sensing range of the pushing mechanism, this position is the start sensing position. The controller controls the pushing mechanism to start moving in the feeding direction until the pushing mechanism reaches the stop sensing position again. The controller then controls the pushing mechanism to stop moving forward.

[0007] In the feeding method of this application, when the material level sensor generates a material shortage signal during the inductive feeding process, the feeding mechanism is controlled to convey the stacked material to be picked up as a whole towards the feeding direction until the material level sensor senses material at the picking position again. At this point, the controller controls the feeding mechanism to stop feeding, thus controlling the feeding timing through the cooperation between the feeding mechanism and the material level sensor. During the pushing and pressing process, the pushing mechanism itself both contacts and compresses the material to be picked up from the rear, and switches back and forth between the start and stop sensing positions through its own start and stop sensing to control when to push forward and to what extent the material is pushed, so that the stacked material to be picked up is at an appropriate degree of compression. This allows the suction cup to stably grasp the material when it approaches to pick it up, reducing the occurrence of material grasping failures.

[0008] As a further improvement, the feeding mechanism includes a thrust component for pushing and compressing the material, a feeding drive component for driving the thrust component to move along the feeding direction, and an inductive switch. The inductive switch outputs a stop induction signal and a start induction signal. When the inductive switch outputs a stop induction signal, the feeding mechanism is positioned at the stop induction position; when the inductive switch outputs a start induction signal, the feeding mechanism starts. The feeding mechanism controls the degree of material compression through its own thrust component and inductive switch, thereby ensuring that the stacked material to be taken is under appropriate compression.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the inductive switch is located at the front end of the thrust member in the feeding direction and is used to sense contact with the material. The inductive switch has a sensing end that contacts the material. When the sensing end is pressed, the inductive switch outputs a stop sensing signal; when the sensing end is in a free state, the inductive switch outputs a start sensing signal. The inductive switch has a sensing end at its front end that contacts the material. When the thrust member pushes the material, the inductive switch moves with the thrust member, and the sensing end at the front end directly contacts the material. The compression state of the material can be fed back to the inductive switch in a timely manner through the sensing end, allowing for more accurate control of the degree of material compression.

[0010] As a further improvement, the inductive switch includes a switch body connected to the pushing component, and a sensing plate connected to the switch body at one end, with the other end of the sensing plate serving as the sensing end. The sensing end can move closer to or further away from the switch body along the feeding direction, allowing the inductive switch to switch between outputting a stop sensing signal and an start sensing signal. When the sensing end of the inductive switch moves closer to the switch body, the pushing mechanism pushes the material, and the pushing mechanism is in the stop sensing position, triggering the inductive switch to output a stop sensing signal. When the sensing end moves away from the switch body, the inductive switch moves out of its sensing range until the inductive switch outputs a start sensing signal, at which point the pushing mechanism starts again. The distance the inductive switch moves closer to or further away from the switch body corresponds to the elastic space of the material to be picked up on the feeding mechanism, ensuring that the stacked material is under appropriate compression, allowing the suction cup to stably grasp the material.

[0011] As a further improvement, the sensing element is obliquely positioned relative to the feeding direction; one end of the sensing element is hinged to the switch body, and an elastic element is provided between the sensing element and the switch body, allowing the sensing end to move closer to or further away from the switch body. In this way, a stable triangle is formed between the switch body, the elastic element, and the sensing element, enabling the inductive switch to switch promptly as the sensing end moves closer to or further away from the switch body. Simultaneously, the compression direction of the elastic element is consistent with the pushing direction of the induction component, allowing the inductive switch to switch promptly between the stop sensing position and the start sensing position, outputting the corresponding signal.

[0012] Preferably, the sensing end includes a rotatable roller for direct contact with the material. The roller reduces damage to materials such as packaging boxes.

[0013] In one configuration, the sensing end is connected to a pusher plate, which is used to contact the material surface when the pushing component pushes the material. The pusher plate increases the contact area with the material, reduces material deformation, and creates a stable pushing effect on the material.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes a conveying component for supporting and conveying the material to be picked up. Conveying components are provided on both the left and right sides of the thrust component along the feeding direction, with at least one conveying component on each side. The conveying components simultaneously convey the material on both sides of the thrust component, causing the material to move forward synchronously on both sides, preventing skewing and ensuring stable material pushing by the thrust component. This allows for stable control of the switching state of the inductive switch.

[0015] As a further improvement, the conveying component is a conveyor belt, which is connected to the drive roller. Using a conveyor belt increases the support area for the material, improving the stability of material conveying. Its connection to the drive roller also enhances the synchronization of the conveying components.

[0016] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism is further provided with adjustable borders on both sides along the feeding direction. These borders are connected to an adjusting member, which is configured to adjust the borders between a first adjusting position and a second adjusting position. This adjusts the spacing between the borders, allowing the hopper to hold materials of different sizes.

[0017] In one implementation, the material receiving position is equipped with a baffle. The baffle blocks the material on both opposite sides of the material, and when the baffles on both sides are projected toward the side where the baffles are located, their projection areas overlap. The baffles symmetrically block the material receiving on both sides of the material receiving position, keeping the material in a flat state.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one of the stop members is movable relative to the material to release the edge of the material during the grasping process. For some materials, the stop member releases the edge of the material, allowing the material to be removed more smoothly.

[0019] Preferably, two or more level sensors are provided; the multiple level sensors are arranged at intervals along the vertical feeding direction. Multiple level sensors can more accurately detect material shortages at the feeding point. For example, when one sensor detects a material shortage, another sensor can verify it, avoiding false alarms. Or, if one level sensor malfunctions, another sensor can still continue to operate.

[0020] This application also provides a method for feeding flat materials in a linked manner, including any of the flat material linked feeding methods described in the previous application, and further including a material gripping step: the material gripping mechanism continuously grips the material at the material gripping position, causing the material level sensor to generate a material shortage sensing signal.

[0021] In this solution, the flat material linkage feeding method ensures that the stacked materials to be picked up are at an appropriate stacking degree, and the picking mechanism can stably and continuously grab the materials at the picking position, reducing the occurrence of material picking failure.

[0022] This application also provides an application of a flat material linkage feeding method, which is applied to a cartoning machine for material conveying and transfer.

[0023] This solution adopts a flat material linkage feeding method, which enables the material handling mechanism to stably and continuously grab the material at the material handling position, thereby improving the efficiency of material conveying and transfer.

[0024] This application also provides a cartoning machine that includes the aforementioned flat material linkage feeding method. The cartoning machine includes a flat material feeding device, which includes a feeding mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and a material level sensor.

[0025] The cartoning machine in this solution employs a flat material linkage feeding method. A material level sensor detects whether there is a shortage of material at the picking position, and the feeding mechanism promptly advances the material, thus controlling the feeding timing. The thrust mechanism controls when and to what extent the material is pushed forward, thereby controlling the degree of material compression. This ensures that the stacked materials to be picked up are at an appropriate stacking level, allowing for stable material grabbing and reducing the occurrence of material grabbing failures.

[0026] The flat material linkage feeding method, feeding method, application, and other technical problems that can be solved by the cartoning machine including the method, the other technical features included in the technical solution, and the advantages brought by these technical features of the present invention will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cartoning machine; Figure 2 Images showing different states of packaging boxes on a cartoning machine; Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in the feeding state; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism; Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the material picking position of the feeding mechanism; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism from another angle; Figure 7 This is a top view of the feeding mechanism; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism and the pushing mechanism. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism. Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the installation location and structure of the inductive switch; Figure 11 Diagram showing the state of the inductive switch in the stop sensing position; Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the state of the inductive switch in the activated sensing position. Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the installation of the conveying components on the feeding mechanism; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the thrust component in the feeding mechanism.

[0028] Label Explanation: 100. Product conveyor line; 200. Packaging conveyor line; 104. Suction cup; 2. Feeding mechanism; 201. Driven roller; 202. Driven roller; 203. Conveying component; 204. Feeding drive component; 205. Material level sensor; 2051. X-ray; 2052. Detection position; 206. Stop component; 2061. Second stop component; 207. First adjusting component; 208. Second adjusting component; 209. Guide plate; 210. Material level frame; 211. Retraction sensor; 212. Loading sensor; 213. Frame; 214. Bracket; 215. Support plate; 2151. Detection port; 216. Tensioning component; 3. Pushing mechanism; 301. Inductive switch; 3011. Inductive element; 302. Lead screw; 303. Pushing drive component; 304. Inductive end; 305. Thrust component; 306. Push plate; 307. Guide rod; 308. Slide rail; 309. Slider; 4. Materials. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To further understand the content of this invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein.

[0032] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In the field of automated packaging equipment, continuous and unmanned operation of material supply and conveying is adopted to improve efficiency. Most existing cartoning machines use suction cups to grip materials. The feeding mechanism usually uses a downward inclined ramp at the discharge port of the conveyor to transport materials to the discharge port by gravity or by a conveyor belt. However, the materials on the feeding mechanism are in a loose state and have a certain degree of flexibility. When multiple conveyors are used in a continuous feeding mechanism, it is difficult to control when to feed materials forward and to which position to deliver them. This leads to problems such as the suction cups of the gripping device failing to grip the materials, being difficult to remove the materials after gripping, or easily damaging the materials after removal.

[0034] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method for feeding flat materials in a continuous manner, which uses a flat material feeding device to continuously supply the material to be retrieved 4 stacked along the feeding direction.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, for ease of explanation, this embodiment uses the linked feeding of packaging boxes as the example material. Specifically, material 4 is a packaging box, which is conveyed on the feeding device in an unfolded, flat state, loose and flexible. The flat packaging box is first conveyed to the picking mechanism on the cartoning machine via a linked feeding method. The picking mechanism transfers the packaging box, and the opened packaging box is on the sealing conveyor line. After the product on the product conveyor line aligns with the packaging box on the sealing conveyor line, the product is pushed into the packaging box. The packaged packaging box then continues to be sealed on the sealing conveyor line. However, it should be noted that the technical solution of this application is also applicable to other materials, such as packaging bags, instruction manuals, business cards, and cards, all of which can be conveyed using the feeding device of this application.

[0036] See Figure 3-7As shown, specifically, the linkage feeding method includes a sensing feeding step and a pushing pressing step. The sensing feeding step includes: when there is no material 4 at the material pick-up position of the feeding device, the material level sensor 205 generates a material shortage sensing signal. The controller acquires the material shortage sensing signal and controls the feeding mechanism 2 to convey the stacked material 4 to be picked up as a whole in the feeding direction until the material level sensor 205 senses that there is material 4 at the material pick-up position again, at which point the controller controls the feeding mechanism 2 to stop feeding.

[0037] The pushing and pressing step includes: the pushing mechanism 3 contacts and squeezes the material to be taken 4 from the rear side of the feeding direction of the feeding device. This position is the stop sensing position. When the feeding mechanism 2 moves to feed the material 4 and causes it to leave the sensing range of the pushing mechanism 3, this position is the start sensing position. The controller controls the pushing mechanism 3 to start moving in the feeding direction until the pushing mechanism 3 reaches the stop sensing position again. The controller then controls the pushing mechanism 3 to stop moving forward.

[0038] It should be noted that the feeding direction refers to the direction of movement of the material to be picked up on the feeding device. To ensure continuous material transfer, a picking mechanism is installed at one end of the feeding mechanism 2 in the feeding device. The picking mechanism picks up the material 4 using a suction cup. The position where the material 4 is continuously picked up on the feeding mechanism 2 is the picking position.

[0039] On the feeding mechanism 2, the packaging box to be picked up along the feeding direction has front and rear sides, wherein the picking position is located on the front side of the packaging box to be picked up, and the pushing mechanism 3 contacts and pushes the material to be picked up 4 from the rear side.

[0040] In the feeding method of this application, when the material level sensor 205 generates a material shortage signal during the induction feeding process, the feeding mechanism 2 is controlled to convey the stacked materials 4 to be picked up as a whole in the feeding direction until the material level sensor 205 senses material 4 at the picking position again. At this point, the controller controls the feeding mechanism 2 to stop feeding. The feeding mechanism 2 and the material level sensor 205 work together to control the feeding timing. During the pushing and pressing process, the pushing mechanism 3 itself contacts and squeezes the materials 4 to be picked up from the rear, and also switches back and forth between the start and stop sensing positions through its own start and stop sensing to control when to push forward and to what extent the packaging boxes are pushed, so that the stacked packaging boxes to be picked up are in a suitable degree of compression. This allows the suction cup 104 to stably grasp the packaging boxes when picking them up, reducing the occurrence of packaging box grasping failures.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9As shown, the feeding mechanism 3 includes a pushing component 305 for pushing the extruded material 4, a feeding drive component 303 for driving the pushing component to move along the feeding direction, and an induction switch 301. The induction switch 301 is used to output a stop induction signal and a start induction signal. When the induction switch 301 outputs a stop induction signal, the feeding mechanism 3 is positioned at the stop induction position. When the induction switch 301 outputs a start induction signal, the feeding mechanism 3 starts to start. The pusher mechanism 3 is controlled by an inductive switch 301. Specifically, during the feeding process, after the packaging box to be picked up is conveyed forward a certain distance along the feeding direction, when the packaging box leaves the sensing range of the inductive switch 301, the pusher component 305 is in the start sensing position, the inductive switch 301 outputs a start sensing signal, and the controller controls the pusher drive component 303 to start, thereby driving the pusher component 305 to move in the feeding direction and push the packaging box until the inductive switch 301 outputs a stop sensing signal. The pusher drive component 303 stops running according to the stop sensing signal, the pusher component 305 stops and is in the stop sensing position, and the pusher component 305 continues to push the packaging box. The pusher mechanism 3 controls the degree of compression of the packaging box through the pusher component 305 and the inductive switch 301, so that the stacked packaging boxes to be picked up are at a suitable degree of compression.

[0042] It should be noted that when the inductive switch 301 outputs a stop sensing signal, the pushing component is in a stopped state. At this time, the pushing component pushes the packaging box. In this state, the pushing component can be in direct contact with the packaging box from the rear, or the inductive switch 301 can be in contact with the packaging box. When the inductive switch 301 outputs a start sensing signal, the pushing drive 303 drives the pushing component forward until the inductive switch 301 outputs a stop sensing signal again.

[0043] Preferably, combined with Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the inductive switch 301 is located at the front end of the pushing component 305 in the feeding direction and is used to sense contact with the material. The inductive switch 301 has a sensing end 304 that contacts the material. When the sensing end 304 is in a pressed state, the inductive switch 301 outputs a stop sensing signal; when the sensing end 304 is in a free state, the inductive switch 301 outputs a start sensing signal. The inductive switch 301 is located at the front end of the pushing component 305, and the front end of the inductive switch 301 has a sensing end 304 that contacts the material. When the pushing component 305 pushes the packaging box, the inductive switch 301 moves with the pushing component 305, and the front sensing end 304 directly contacts the packaging box. The compression state of the material can be fed back to the inductive switch 301 in a timely manner through the sensing end 304, so as to more accurately control the degree of pushing of the packaging box.

[0044] As a further improvement, the inductive switch 301 includes a switch body connected to the thrust member 305, an inductive element 3011 with one end connected to the switch body, and the other end of the inductive element 3011 serving as a sensing end 304. The sensing end 304 can move closer to or further away from the switch body along the feeding direction, allowing the inductive switch 301 to switch between outputting a stop sensing signal and a start sensing signal. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the sensing end 304 of the inductive switch 301 approaches the switch body, the pushing mechanism 3 pushes the packaging box, and the pushing mechanism 3 is in the stop sensing position, the inductive switch 301 is triggered to output a stop sensing signal. When the sensing end 304 moves away from the switch body, the inductive switch 301 moves out of its own sensing range until the inductive switch 301 outputs a start sensing signal, at which point the pushing mechanism 3 starts again. When the inductive switch 301 switches between outputting a stop sensing signal and a start sensing signal, the corresponding movement distance L of the sensing end 304 towards or away from the switch body corresponds to the elastic space of the packaging boxes to be picked up on the feeding mechanism 2, so that the stacked packaging boxes to be picked up are in a suitable degree of compression, so that the suction cup 104 can stably grasp the packaging boxes when picking them up.

[0045] See Figure 10 As shown, the sensing element 3011 is obliquely arranged relative to the feeding direction; one end of the sensing element 3011 is hinged to the switch body, and an elastic element is provided between the sensing element 3011 and the switch body, so that the sensing end 304 can move closer to or further away from the switch body. In this way, a stable triangle is formed between the switch body, the elastic element and the sensing element of the inductive switch, so that the inductive switch can switch in a timely manner when the sensing end moves closer to or further away from the switch body.

[0046] Preferably, the sensing end 304 includes a rotatable roller for direct contact with the material. When the sensing end 304 pushes the packaging box, the roller is in direct contact with the packaging box. As the sensing end 304 moves closer to or further away from the switch body, relative displacement occurs between it and the material. By providing the roller, damage to the packaging box and other materials is reduced.

[0047] In one specific implementation, the inductive switch 301 is a limit switch. When the inductive switch 301 outputs a stop sensing signal, the pushing component is in the stop sensing position, and the sensing end 304 of the limit switch pushes against the packaging box, putting the limit switch in a triggered state and outputting a trigger signal. The pushing drive component 303 stops operating according to this trigger signal. See details below. Figure 11 The state shown for the sensor switch 301 is such that the pushing component stops moving and remains in the state of pushing the packaging box. When there is no pushing between the sensor switch 301 and the packaging box, the sensor switch 301 is in a non-triggered state, as shown in the figure. Figure 12The state of the inductive switch 301 is shown in the diagram. At this time, the pusher drive 303 starts operating, driving the pusher component to push the packaging box forward. The sensing end 304 pushes against the packaging box, causing the sensing plate 3011 to move, until the limit switch is triggered. It should be noted that the triggering and non-triggering of the inductive switch 301 does not necessarily correspond to the closing of the inductive switch 301; it can also correspond to the opening and closing of the inductive switch.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, a material handling frame 210 is provided at the material handling position. The four edges of the material handling frame 210 are wider than or higher than the edges of the packaging box. The material handling frame 210 surrounds and forms the outlet of the material handling position for the packaging box to be handled. In order to smoothly remove the packaging box, the four edges of the material handling frame 210 are wider than or higher than the edges of the packaging box, so that the material handling frame 210 will not obstruct the packaging box.

[0049] The feeding mechanism 2 also has a material-receiving position equipped with a material stop 206. In this embodiment, two material stops 206 are provided. For ease of explanation, one is designated as material stop 206, and the other as a second material stop 2061. The material stop 206 and the second material stop 2061 respectively abut against the packaging box from two opposite side edges. When the material stops on both sides are projected toward the side where the material stop is located, their projection areas overlap. For example, in this embodiment, using... Figure 5 Taking the view direction as an example, the stop 206 and the second stop 2061 respectively abut against the packaging box from the two opposite sides at the top and bottom, preventing the packaging box from falling when it is conveyed to the picking position. Simultaneously, when the pushing component 305 pushes the packaging box, it abuts against the packaging box, creating a suitable degree of elasticity between the boxes for stable picking. Furthermore, symmetrical stop components are arranged from the two opposite sides at the top and bottom of the packaging box, with their vertical projection areas overlapping. This abuts the packaging box at the picking position, keeping it flat. This allows for more accurate detection by the level sensor 205 and more stable force application when the pushing component 305 pushes the packaging box. Similarly, stop components can also be arranged from the two opposite sides at the left and right, with their horizontal projection areas overlapping.

[0050] Preferably, the packaging box has two opposite sides with baffles, the baffles abutting the edge of the packaging box at a height of 1-10mm. More preferably, the baffles abut the edge of the packaging box at a height of 2-5mm. This serves two purposes: firstly, it prevents the packaging box from falling; secondly, it avoids having an excessively large abutting area, which would make it difficult for the suction cup to remove the packaging box.

[0051] In another scenario, at least one stop 206 is movable relative to the material to release the edge of the material during the material gripping process. For some packaging boxes, the stop 206 is connected to a cylinder. During the suction cup gripping of the packaging box, the cylinder drives the stop 206 to move, causing the stop to release the edge of the material, making the material easier to remove.

[0052] Two or more level sensors 205 are provided; multiple level sensors 205 are located below the material feeding position, and the multiple level sensors 205 are arranged at intervals along the perpendicular feeding direction. When there are multiple level sensors 205, the positions and numbers of the level sensors 205 are symmetrically arranged along the centerline of the packaging box feeding direction. It should be noted that for an odd number of level sensors 205, one level sensor 205 is located below the centerline of the feeding direction of the feeding mechanism 2.

[0053] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, two level sensors 205 are provided, located below the material feeding position and symmetrically arranged along the centerline of the packaging box feeding direction. Specifically, the level sensors 205 can be photoelectric sensors, which detect whether the packaging box is short of material by emitting rays.

[0054] By installing two level sensors 205, the shortage of packaging boxes at the material handling position can be detected more accurately. When one sensor detects a missing box, the other sensor can verify the detection, avoiding false alarms. This ensures that the feeding drive is activated based on accurate detection signals, guaranteeing timely and accurate feeding. Furthermore, the two symmetrically arranged level sensors increase the system's stability and reliability. Even if one sensor malfunctions, the other can continue operating, maintaining the normal operation of the entire packaging box feeding device and improving production efficiency.

[0055] Combination Figure 8 As shown, a support plate 215 is also provided on the feeding mechanism 2 near the material picking position. A detection port 2151 is also opened at one end of the support plate 215 near the material picking position. A detection position 2052 is formed at the detection port 2151 for a level sensor 205 to detect whether a packaging box is missing at the material picking position. For example, the level sensor 205 emits a beam 2051 that passes through the detection position 2052. When a packaging box is missing, the beam 2051 emitted by the level sensor 205 can pass through the detection position 2052 and reach the sensing plate, at which point the level sensor 205 outputs a missing material signal. After the packaging box is conveyed forward, it reaches the detection position to fill the missing material position. The beam emitted by the level sensor 205 is blocked by the packaging box and cannot reach the sensing plate, thus completing the feeding process of the conveying component 203.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lower baffle 206 can be integrally set at one end of the support plate 215, and the upper second baffle 2061 can be installed on the material level frame 210.

[0057] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the feeding mechanism 2 is equipped with a retraction sensor 211 and a loading sensor 212 on both sides of the feeding direction. After the packaging box to be picked up on the feeding mechanism 2 is conveyed to the loading sensor 212, it indicates that a new packaging box needs to be loaded onto the feeding mechanism 2. At this time, the pushing component 305 can be manually controlled to retract. After loading the new packaging box and bringing the loaded packaging box to be picked up to the retraction sensor 211, the pushing component 305 is moved forward again to push the packaging box after loading is completed.

[0058] Combination Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the thrust component 305 pushes and squeezes the packaging box from the rear of the packaging box to be picked up in the feeding direction, roughly at the middle position, to prevent the thrust component 305 from pushing the packaging box and thus ensuring the stability of the packaging box during the feeding process.

[0059] The movement of the thrust component 305 is driven by the pusher drive component 303. In one specific embodiment, the pusher mechanism 3 also includes a lead screw 302 and a slide rail 308. The output end of the pusher drive component 303 is connected to the lead screw 302, and a slider 309 is rotatably connected to the lead screw 302. Simultaneously, the slider 309 is engaged with the slide rail 308. The slide rail 308 is connected to the thrust component 305 via a connecting plate.

[0060] In one case, the pusher drive 303 can be a motor. The pusher drive 303 drives the lead screw 302 to rotate. When the lead screw 302 rotates, it causes the slider 309 to move along the slide rail 308, thereby causing the pusher component 305 to move toward or away from the packaging box.

[0061] As one implementation method, such as Figure 14 As shown, the sensing end 304 is connected to the push plate 306, which is configured to contact the material surface when the pushing component 305 pushes the material 4. Because the contact area between the sensing end 304 and the packaging box is relatively small, pushing softer cardboard boxes can easily cause significant deformation, making it difficult to achieve a stable push. By connecting the sensing end 304 to the push plate 306, the sensing end 304 pushes the packaging box through the push plate 306, increasing the contact area between them, reducing deformation, and achieving a stable push.

[0062] To prevent the push plate 306 from tilting during the pushing process, and to ensure that the push plate 306 moves linearly along the feeding direction and reacts on the sensing element 3011, several guide rods 307 are symmetrically arranged along the center of the connection between the push plate 306 and the sensing end 304. A fixed plate is provided on the pushing component 305, and the inductive switch 301 is mounted on the fixed plate, which is located behind the push plate 306. Guide holes are provided on the fixed plate at positions corresponding to the guide rods 307. When the push plate 306 moves back and forth, guided by the guide rods 307, it moves linearly along the feeding direction. When the push plate 306 reacts on the sensing element 3011, the sensing element 3011 can stably and promptly switch the output of the inductive switch 301 to switch between a stop sensing signal and a start sensing signal.

[0063] As another implementation, multiple sensor switches can also be set on the thrust component, and multiple sensor ends 304 push the packaging box from different positions, which also avoids large deformation of the packaging box.

[0064] Regarding the feeding mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 2 includes a conveying component 203 for supporting and conveying the packaging boxes to be picked up, and a feeding drive component 204 for driving the conveying component 203 to convey the packaging boxes along the feeding direction. In this embodiment, the pushing component 305 is provided with conveying components 203 on both the left and right sides along the feeding direction, and each side of the conveying component 203 has at least one conveying component 203. The conveying components 203 simultaneously convey the packaging boxes on both sides of the pushing component 305, and the packaging boxes move forward synchronously on both sides to avoid skewing, so that the pushing component 305 can stably push the packaging boxes, and can stably control the switching state of the inductive switch.

[0065] Preferably, the conveying component 203 is a conveyor belt, which is connected to the drive roller 201. Using a conveyor belt increases the support area for the material and improves the stability of material conveying.

[0066] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the feeding mechanism 2 is also provided with frame 213 on both sides along the feeding direction, which can be adjusted vertically to the feeding direction.

[0067] The feeding mechanism 2 is mounted on the bracket 214. The feeding mechanism 2 also includes a drive roller 201 and a driven roller 202. A feeding drive 204 is connected to the drive roller 201, and the drive roller 201 and driven roller 202 are connected by a conveying component 203. Typically, the feeding drive 204 is driven by a motor, which drives the drive roller 201 to rotate, thereby causing the conveying component 203 to transport the packaging boxes in the feeding direction. A guide plate 209 is also installed on the material level frame 210, which guides the packaging boxes to the picking position. Under the action of the guide plate 209, the packaging boxes are positioned more neatly, facilitating accurate detection by the material level sensor 205.

[0068] For ease of explanation, the space above the conveying component 203 for placing the packaging boxes to be picked up is a hopper, with side frames 213 on both sides along the feeding direction. Adjusting components are also installed on the bracket 214, and these adjusting components are connected to the side frames to adjust the position of the side frames 213, thereby adjusting the size of the hopper. In this embodiment, the adjusting components include two first adjusting components 207 and two second adjusting components 208, both with identical structures. Taking the structure of the first adjusting component 207 as an example, the first adjusting component 207 includes a fixed component and a movable component. The fixed component is installed on the bracket 214, one end of the movable component is connected to the side frame 213, and the other end is movably connected to the fixed component. Adjusting the relative position of the movable component and the fixed component allows the side frame 213 to be adjusted between a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position, thereby adjusting the distance between the two side frames 213, so that different sized packaging boxes can be loaded on the hopper.

[0069] A tensioning component 216 is also installed on the bracket 214. The tensioning component 216 includes a fixing block and a tensioning screw. The fixing block is fixed on the bracket 214, and one end of the tensioning screw is pressed against the driven roller 202. An elongated hole is provided at the connection position between the driven roller 202 and the bracket 214 to allow the position of the driven roller 202 to be adjusted by the tensioning screw, thereby achieving tensioning of the conveying component 203.

[0070] The flat material linkage feeding method of this application involves placing stacked packaging boxes to be picked up on the feeding mechanism 2 at the beginning of the feeding stage. The front side of the packaging box to be picked up is blocked by the blocking component 206, and the pushing component 305 is located at the rear side of the packaging box to be picked up, squeezing the packaging box. The induction switch 301 is in the triggered state and outputs a stop sensing signal, and the pushing mechanism 3 is in the stop sensing position. The cartoning machine is started, and the picking mechanism continuously grabs packaging boxes. When the material level sensor 205 senses that there is no packaging box at the picking position, the feeding drive component 204 starts according to the material shortage sensing signal of the material level sensor 205. The feeding drive component 204 drives the conveying component 203 to convey the packaging box along the feeding direction until the material level sensor 205 detects a packaging box at the picking position. During the process of the feeding drive 204 driving the conveying component 203 to convey the packaging box along the feeding direction, after the packaging box to be picked up is conveyed forward a certain distance along the feeding direction, the rear side of the packaging box to be picked up gradually moves away from the pushing component 305, and the pushing component 305 gradually loses its squeezing of the packaging box to be picked up. This process continues until the induction switch 301 loses its trigger output start induction signal. Based on the information from the induction switch 301, the pushing drive 303 starts and drives the pushing component forward to push and squeeze the packaging box again. At the same time, the pushing component moves another distance until the induction switch 301 triggers again to output a stop induction signal, and the pushing component 305 stops pushing. During the continuous grabbing of packaging boxes by the picking mechanism 1, the material level sensor 205 senses again that there are no packaging boxes at the picking position, and the feeding drive 204 and the pushing drive 303 repeat the above process. In addition, because the pushing component 305 puts the stacked packaging boxes to be picked up at a suitable degree of compression, the front side of the packaging box to be picked up and the baffle 206 are also at a suitable degree of compression, making it easier for the suction cup 104 to pick up the packaging box, while avoiding damage to the packaging box.

[0071] Regarding the controller, the level sensor 205 outputs a material shortage information to the controller, which then controls the feeding drive 204 to start until the level sensor 205 detects the packaging box again. Similarly, when the induction switch 301 is triggered, it outputs a stop sensing signal to the controller, which then controls the pusher drive 303 to stop operating; when the induction switch 301 loses its triggering function, it outputs a start sensing signal to the controller, which then controls the pusher drive 303 to start.

[0072] This application also provides a method for feeding flat materials in a linked manner, including the aforementioned method for feeding flat materials in a linked manner, and further including a material gripping step: the material gripping mechanism continuously grips the material 4 at the material gripping position, causing the material level sensor 205 to generate a material shortage sensing signal.

[0073] During the continuous material grabbing process, the material level sensor 205 continuously detects whether there is a shortage of packaging boxes at the material grabbing position. When a shortage of material is detected, the feeding drive 204 promptly starts feeding.

[0074] This application also provides an application of a flat material linkage feeding method, which is applied to a cartoning machine for conveying and transferring material 4.

[0075] This application also provides a cartoning machine that includes the aforementioned flat material linkage feeding method. The cartoning machine includes a flat material feeding device, which includes a feeding mechanism 2, a pushing mechanism 3, and a material level sensor 205.

[0076] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the feeding mechanism 2 includes a conveying component 203 for supporting and conveying the packaging box to be picked up, and a feeding drive component 204 for driving the conveying component 203 to convey the packaging box along the feeding direction. The feeding mechanism 2 has a picking position on its front side along the feeding direction, and a stop component 206 is provided at the picking position; the stop component is configured to block the packaging box at least once along its four edges when the packaging box is conveyed to the picking position.

[0077] The material level sensor 205 is used to sense whether a packaging box is missing at the material dispensing position.

[0078] The pushing mechanism 3 is used to push the packaging box to be picked up on the conveying component 203 from the rear to the front in the feeding direction. The pushing mechanism 3 includes a pushing component 305 for pushing and squeezing the packaging box, a pushing drive component 303 for driving the pushing component to move in the feeding direction, and an inductive switch 301.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, the cartoning machine also includes a material handling mechanism and a packaging conveyor line 200. Specifically, the material handling mechanism is located at one end of the material handling position of the feeding mechanism 2, and is used to transfer materials from the material handling position of the feeding mechanism 2 to the packaging conveyor line 200.

[0080] For the packaging box, a product conveyor line 100 is also provided; the product conveyor line 100 and the packaging conveyor line 200 are arranged side by side. The product conveyor line 100 is used to transport the product to the position corresponding to the packaging box and to put the product into the packaging box.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," and "connection" used herein should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0082] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for feeding flat materials in conjunction with a feeding device, wherein the material to be taken (4) stacked on the flat material feeding device along the feeding direction is continuously fed, including the following steps: I. Induction Feeding Procedure When there is no material (4) at the feeding position of the feeding device, the material level sensor (205) generates a material shortage sensing signal. The controller obtains the material shortage sensing signal and controls the feeding mechanism (2) to transport the stacked material (4) to the feeding direction as a whole until the material level sensor (205) senses that there is material (4) at the feeding position again. Then the controller controls the feeding mechanism (2) to stop feeding. II. Pushing the pressing step The pushing mechanism (3) contacts and squeezes the material to be taken (4) from the rear side of the feeding direction of the feeding device. This position is the stop sensing position. When the feeding mechanism (2) moves to feed the material (4) and causes it to leave the sensing range of the pushing mechanism (3), this position is the start sensing position. The controller controls the pushing mechanism (3) to start moving in the feeding direction until the pushing mechanism (3) reaches the stop sensing position again. The controller controls the pushing mechanism (3) to stop moving forward.

2. The flat material link feeding method according to claim 1, characterized by: The feeding mechanism (3) includes a thrust component (305) for pushing the extruded material (4), a feeding drive component (303) for driving the thrust component to move along the feeding direction, and an induction switch (301). The induction switch (301) is used to output a stop induction signal and a start induction signal. When the induction switch (301) outputs a stop induction signal, the feeding mechanism (3) is located in the stop induction position. When the induction switch (301) outputs a start induction signal, the feeding mechanism (3) starts.

3. The flat material link feeding method according to claim 2, characterized by: The inductive switch (301) is located at the front end of the thrust component (305) in the feeding direction and is used to sense contact with the material. The inductive switch (301) has a sensing end (304) that contacts the material. When the sensing end (304) is in a pressed state, the inductive switch (301) outputs a stop sensing signal. When the sensing end (304) is in a free state, the inductive switch (301) outputs a start sensing signal.

4. The flat material link feeding method according to claim 3, characterized by: The inductive switch (301) includes a switch body connected to the thrust component (305) and an inductive plate (3011) connected to the switch body at one end. The other end of the inductive plate (3011) serves as the sensing end (304). The sensing end (304) can move closer to or further away from the switch body along the feeding direction, so that the inductive switch (301) switches the output of a stop sensing signal and a start sensing signal.

5. The flat material link feeding method according to claim 4, characterized by: The sensing element (3011) is obliquely arranged relative to the feeding direction; one end of the sensing element (3011) is hinged to the switch body, and an elastic element is provided between the sensing element (3011) and the switch body, so that the sensing end (304) can approach or move away from the switch body.

6. The method for feeding flat materials in a coordinated manner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensing end (304) includes a rotatable roller for direct contact with the material.

7. The method for feeding flat materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensing end (304) is connected to the push plate (306), which is used to contact the material surface when the pushing component (305) pushes the material (4).

8. The method for feeding flat materials in a coordinated manner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism (2) includes a conveying component (203) for supporting the conveying of the material to be picked up (4). The thrust component (305) is provided with conveying components (203) on both the left and right sides along the feeding direction, and each side of the conveying component (203) has at least one.

9. The method for feeding flat materials according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conveying component (203) is a conveyor belt, which is connected to the drive roller (201).

10. The method for feeding flat materials according to claim 8, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism (2) is also provided with side frames (213) that can be adjusted vertically to the feeding direction on both sides along the feeding direction. The side frames (213) are connected to the adjusting member, which is configured to adjust the side frames (213) between a first adjusting position and a second adjusting position.

11. The method for feeding flat materials in a coordinated manner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The material receiving position is provided with a material stop (206). The material stop (206) blocks the material on both sides opposite to the material. When the material stop (206) on both sides is projected toward the side of the material where the material stop (206) is located, their projection areas overlap.

12. The method for feeding flat materials in a coordinated manner according to claim 11, characterized in that: At least one of the stoppers (206) is movable relative to the material to release the edge of the material during the material being gripped.

13. The method for feeding flat materials in a coordinated manner according to claim 11, characterized in that: Two or more material level sensors (205) are provided; the multiple material level sensors (205) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction.

14. A method for linked feeding of flat materials, characterized in that: The flat material feeding method according to any one of claims 1-13 further includes a material gripping step: The material handling mechanism continuously grabs the material (4) at the material handling position, causing the material level sensor (205) to generate a material shortage sensing signal.

15. The application of a flat material linkage feeding method, characterized in that: The flat material linkage feeding method described in claim 14 is applied to a cartoning machine for conveying and transferring materials (4).

16. A cartoning machine comprising the flat material linkage feeding method of claim 14, characterized in that: The cartoning machine includes a flat material feeding device, which includes a feeding mechanism (2), a pushing mechanism (3), and a material level sensor (205).

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