Automatic cap handling device and method
Through the design of support columns and lifting and pushing mechanisms, the automatic lid sorting device achieves efficient and noiseless lid sorting in a limited space, solving the problems of large footprint and high noise, and ensuring lid integrity and production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU WENXIN AUTOMATIC CONTROL ENG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing automatic lid sorting devices occupy a large area, are noisy, and easily scratch the lid surface. Furthermore, the lids are prone to collision damage during high-speed feeding.
The worktable and the lid storage mechanism are connected by support columns. Combined with the lifting and pushing mechanisms, the lids are arranged and pushed in an orderly manner through guide plates and lid lowering components, reducing collisions and noise.
The functional modules of the device were improved within a limited space, noise and lid damage were reduced, lids were kept neatly arranged and intact, and production efficiency was improved.
Smart Images
Figure CN122380032A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of automatic lid sorting and feeding devices, and more specifically, to an automatic lid sorting device and method. Background Technology
[0002] An automatic cap sorting device is a piece of equipment used to sort caps. It is mainly used in the packaging industry, especially on production lines for bottled products such as beverages, food, and pharmaceuticals. During operation, it can neatly arrange and transport disordered caps in a specific direction (e.g., opening upwards) and sequence using a vibrating feeder or similar method. This facilitates the subsequent capping process, improving the efficiency and accuracy of cap sorting, and reducing the workload of manual cap sorting and the potential for contamination.
[0003] Most existing automatic cap sorting methods are vibratory plate type or lifting type. Not only do these devices occupy a large area, but during the cap sorting process, a large number of randomly arranged caps collide with each other on the vibratory plate, track, or conveyor belt, generating significant noise. This is especially true when the caps are fed at a high speed or when they pile up during the sorting process, increasing the frequency and force of the collisions and further increasing the noise and friction, which can lead to cap damage and surface scratches. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an automatic lid sorting device and method, which can solve the technical problems of existing automatic lid sorting devices not only occupying a large area, but also causing loud noise and easy scratching of the surface of the stacked lids during operation.
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an automatic lid sorting device, including a worktable. In an optional embodiment, a support component fixed to the top of the worktable is a plurality of support columns, and the support columns are provided with a lid storage mechanism for arranging and storing lids.
[0006] This method of using support columns to connect the workbench and the lid storage mechanism allows staff or testing equipment to directly maintain the automatic lid sorting device through the gaps between the support columns when the lid sorting device malfunctions or needs adjustment.
[0007] In another embodiment, the support component includes a support column and a protective plate. The protective plate protects the device between the worktable and the lid storage mechanism, thereby isolating the pushing and lifting mechanisms from the outside environment to achieve a cleaner lid pushing environment. When the protective plate is transparent, it not only ensures the internal environment is isolated from the outside but also facilitates observation of the internal mechanical operation.
[0008] A lifting mechanism is provided on the worktable between the workbench and the lid storage mechanism. The lifting mechanism is equipped with a pushing mechanism. The lifting mechanism and the pushing mechanism cooperate to push the lids falling from the lid storage mechanism.
[0009] This reduces the possibility of human error, ensuring that the lids are arranged accurately and neatly in the predetermined order and position. At the same time, the automated lid-sorting process reduces damage to the lids, ensuring their integrity and quality.
[0010] Furthermore, the lid storage mechanism includes a guide plate, a lid storage compartment, and a lid lowering assembly. The guide plate is fixed on the support column, the lid storage compartment is located at the top of the guide plate, and the lid lowering assembly is located at the bottom of the guide plate. The lid lowering assembly is used to control the lids on the lid storage compartment to fall down in an orderly manner.
[0011] In this way, through the automated lid storage and lifting mechanism, lids can be quickly and neatly arranged from the storage location and moved to the required location, reducing the time and labor intensity of manual operation. Moreover, the arrangement and lowering speed of lids can be adjusted according to different production needs to adapt to different production lines.
[0012] Furthermore, the storage compartment includes a fixed base, a connecting plate, and multiple guide shafts. The fixed base is disposed on the guide plate, and the guide plate has multiple first discharge through holes arranged in a row. The fixed base has second discharge through holes corresponding to the first discharge through holes. The connecting plate is located above the fixed base and has multiple cover placement openings. The cover placement openings correspond one-to-one with the second discharge through holes to form discharge channels. The multiple guide shafts surround each discharge channel. The lower end of the guide shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed base, and the upper end of the guide shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting plate.
[0013] Furthermore, the cap-lowering assembly includes a cylinder fixing plate, a cap-lowering cylinder, a first support bar, a second support bar, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The cap-lowering cylinder is fixed to the guide plate via the cylinder fixing plate. One side of the first support bar is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod of the cap-lowering cylinder. The second support bar is located on the side of the first support bar away from the cap-lowering cylinder. Both ends of the first support bar are provided with guide rods, and one end of the guide rod is provided with a guide rod seat. The guide rod is fixed to the guide plate via the guide rod seat and movably passes through the first support bar and the second support bar. The first support plate is fixed to the bottom of the first support bar, and the second support plate is fixed to the bottom of the second support bar. A set of bidirectional transmission components is symmetrically arranged between the first support bar and the second support bar. Under the push of the cap-lowering cylinder, the first support bar and the second support bar move closer to or further away from the center line via the bidirectional transmission components.
[0014] Furthermore, the bidirectional transmission assembly includes a gear pin, a gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The gear pin is fixed to the guide plate, the gear is rotatably mounted on the gear pin, the first rack is fixed to the first support bar, and the second rack is fixed to the second support bar. Both the first rack and the second rack mesh with the gear.
[0015] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder and a lifting plate. The lifting cylinder is fixed to the top of the worktable, and the lifting plate is fixed to the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder.
[0016] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism includes a pushing cylinder, a cylinder fixing frame, a material-feeding cylinder, a bracket, and a material-feeding fork. The pushing cylinder is fixed to the lifting plate, the cylinder fixing frame is fixed to the telescopic rod of the pushing cylinder, the material-feeding cylinder is fixed to the cylinder fixing frame, the bracket is fixed to the lifting plate and located below the first material discharge through hole, and the material-feeding fork is fixedly installed on the telescopic rod of the material-feeding cylinder. One end of the material-feeding fork extends above the bracket, and the material-feeding fork has rows of arc-shaped fork teeth that are adapted to the size of the cover.
[0017] Furthermore, the storage bins are provided in multiple rows, and the guide plate is provided with a pushing and feeding component, which is used to drive the multiple storage bins to move back and forth.
[0018] Furthermore, the feeding assembly includes a motor screw module, a guide rail, a first limiting plate, and a second limiting plate. The motor screw module and the guide rail are respectively disposed on both sides of the storage cap compartment. The first limiting plate is fixed on the slider of the motor screw module, and the second limiting plate is fixed on the slider of the guide rail. The first limiting plate is arranged parallel to the second limiting plate. A separating limiting block is fixed parallel to the opposite side of the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate to separate two adjacent storage cap compartments.
[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a detection mechanism, which includes a controller and multiple photoelectric sensors. Multiple photosensitive through holes are arranged in a row on the second support bar, and each photosensitive through hole corresponds to a feeding channel. The multiple photoelectric sensors are fixed to the bottom of the guide plate, and each photoelectric sensor corresponds to a photosensitive through hole. The photoelectric sensors are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to the motor of the motor lead screw module.
[0020] This invention uses the workbench as the basic platform of the entire device, and the support column set on its top makes reasonable use of vertical space to install the storage cover mechanism. Within a limited plane space, it effectively increases the functional modules of the device, improves the space utilization rate, and greatly reduces the footprint of the equipment.
[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an automatic cap-scraping machine control method, which uses the automatic cap-scraping device from the first aspect to scrape caps, and the cap-scraping method includes:
[0022] Control the lifting mechanism, control the lid lowering assembly, and control the pushing mechanism;
[0023] When there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the lifting mechanism controls the distance between the pushing mechanism and the cover storage mechanism to determine the first distance.
[0024] After the lid-lowering assembly lowers the lid in the lid storage compartment to the pushing mechanism, the distance between the pushing mechanism and the lid storage mechanism is changed to a second distance by controlling the lifting mechanism, and the pushing mechanism is controlled to push the lid.
[0025] Wherein, the first distance is less than a preset distance of the height of a single lid, and the second distance is greater than a preset distance of the height of a single lid.
[0026] Furthermore, before determining that there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the method includes: determining that there is a cover in the cover storage mechanism by using several photoelectric sensors; when there is no cover in the cover storage mechanism, the cover sorting device sends a signal to replenish the cover.
[0027] Furthermore, the control of the lid-lowering assembly to lower the lid in the lid storage compartment to the pushing mechanism specifically involves: changing the distance between the first support plate and the second support plate from a first distance to a second distance through the lid-lowering cylinder in the lid-lowering assembly, so that the lid located on the lid-lowering assembly falls freely.
[0028] The first gap is smaller than the width of the lid, and the second gap is larger than the width of the lid, allowing the lid to fall through the second gap.
[0029] Furthermore, the control and pushing mechanism pushes the lid in the following ways:
[0030] Determine whether there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, and determine that the feeding cylinder in the pushing cylinder is in the extended state;
[0031] When there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, the pushing cylinder is controlled to extend and the feeding cylinder is controlled to retract; the pushing cylinder is controlled to retract again and the feeding cylinder is controlled to extend, and it is determined again whether there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism.
[0032] When there is no cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, the feeding cylinder is extended and the pushing mechanism transmits a cover-free signal to the cover storage mechanism.
[0033] Furthermore, when there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the lifting mechanism determines the distance between the pushing mechanism and the cover storage mechanism as a first distance, specifically as follows:
[0034] When the storage cover mechanism receives a no-cover signal from the push mechanism, it determines that there is no cover on the push mechanism, and the lifting mechanism determines the distance between the push mechanism and the storage cover mechanism as the first distance.
[0035] Compared with traditional vibratory or lifting-type automatic lid sorting methods, this invention uses a lid storage mechanism to arrange and store lids, ensuring that the lids are in an orderly state from the initial stage. In the subsequent lid sorting process, this greatly reduces the probability of disorderly collisions between lids, thereby reducing the noise caused by the collisions between lids. The orderly arrangement of the lid storage mechanism ensures that each lid has its predetermined storage and movement path, which can avoid the accumulation of lids and prevent damage and surface scratches caused by high-intensity collisions between lids due to accumulation. Attached Figure Description
[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in an embodiment of this application;
[0038] Figure 2 This is the left view in an embodiment of this application;
[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the storage cover mechanism in the embodiments of this application;
[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism and pushing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;
[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in another embodiment of this application;
[0042] Figure 6 This is a top view of the storage cover mechanism in another embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the storage cover mechanism in another embodiment of this application;
[0044] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an automatic cap-scraping machine control method provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0045] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:
[0046] 1. Workbench; 2. Support column; 3. Cover storage mechanism; 31. Guide plate; 311. First discharge through hole; 32. Cover storage bin; 321. Fixed base; 3211. Second discharge through hole; 322. Connecting plate; 3221. Cover placement opening; 323. Guide shaft; 33. Cover lowering assembly; 331. Cylinder fixing plate; 332. Cover lowering cylinder; 333. First support bar; 334. Second support bar; 3341. Light sensor through hole; 335. First support plate; 336. Second support plate; 4. Lifting mechanism; 41. Lifting cylinder; 42. Lifting plate; 5. Pushing mechanism; 51. Pushing cylinder; 52. Cylinder fixing frame; 53. Feeding cylinder; 54. Bracket; 55. Feeding fork; 551. Hand gripper hole; 6. Guide rod; 7. Guide rod seat; 8. Bidirectional transmission assembly; 81. Gear pin; 82. Gear; 83. First rack; 84. Second rack; 9. Pushing and feeding assembly; 91. Motor lead screw module; 92. Guide rail; 93. First limit plate; 94. Second limit plate; 10. Detection mechanism; 101. Photoelectric sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0048] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0049] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0050] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0051] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0052] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0053] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.
[0054] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0055] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the function involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.
[0056] Example 1
[0057] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this application provides an automatic lid sorting device, including a worktable 1. A plurality of support columns 2 are fixedly mounted on the top of the worktable 1. Each support column is equipped with a lid storage mechanism 3 for arranging and storing lids. In this embodiment, four support columns 2 are provided. The four support columns 2 securely mount the lid storage mechanism 3 above the worktable 1, providing a stable structural foundation for the entire device. This helps reduce inaccurate lid pushing caused by device shaking or instability during the lid sorting process, ensuring stable lid sorting operation. A lifting mechanism 4 is provided on the worktable 1 between the worktable 1 and the lid storage mechanism 3. The lifting mechanism 4 is equipped with a pushing mechanism 5. The lifting mechanism 4 and the pushing mechanism 5 cooperate to push the lids falling from the lid storage mechanism 3, thus arranging the lids in the worktable 1. The platform 1 serves as the foundation platform for the entire device. The support column 2 on its top makes reasonable use of vertical space to install the lid storage mechanism 3. Within the limited plane space, it effectively increases the functional modules of the device, improves space utilization, and greatly reduces the footprint of the equipment. Compared with traditional vibrating disc or lifting automatic lid sorting methods, the lid storage mechanism 3 can arrange and store the lids, so that the lids are in an orderly state in the initial stage. In the subsequent lid sorting process, it greatly reduces the probability of disorderly collisions between lids, thereby reducing the noise caused by the collisions between lids. The orderly arrangement of the lid storage mechanism 3 ensures that each lid has its predetermined storage and movement path, which can avoid the accumulation of lids and avoid the noise caused by high-intensity collisions between lids due to accumulation.
[0058] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the lid storage mechanism 3 includes a guide plate 31, a lid storage chamber 32, and a lid lowering assembly 33. The guide plate 31 is fixed on the support column, the lid storage chamber 32 is located on the top of the guide plate 31, and the lid lowering assembly 33 is located at the bottom of the guide plate 31. The lid lowering assembly 33 is used to control the lids on the lid storage chamber 32 to fall in an orderly manner. Since the lids are arranged and fall in an orderly manner, compared with the chaotic collision and disorderly falling of the lids in the traditional method, the chance of the lids squeezing and colliding with each other is reduced, effectively avoiding the noise and surface damage caused by the collision of the lids.
[0059] like Figure 1-3As shown, the storage compartment 32 includes a fixed base 321, a connecting plate 322, and multiple guide shafts 323. The fixed base 321 is disposed on the guide plate 31. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixed base 321 is fixedly disposed on the guide plate 31. The guide plate 31 has multiple first discharge through holes 311 arranged in a row. The fixed base 321 has second discharge through holes 3211 corresponding to the first discharge through holes 311. The connecting plate 322 is located above the fixed base 321. The connecting plate 322 has multiple cover placement openings 3221. The cover placement openings 3221 and the second discharge through holes 3211 correspond one-to-one to form a discharge channel. The multiple guide shafts 323 surround each discharge channel. Around the perimeter of the channel, the lower end of the guide shaft 323 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 321, and the upper end of the guide shaft 323 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 322. The design of the feeding channel helps to arrange the lids neatly, ensuring that the lids are in an orderly state within the lid storage assembly, so that the lids follow a specific path when falling. The guide shaft 323 surrounds each feeding channel, providing clear limits for the lids. When the lid is placed in the lid placement opening 3221, the lid falls into the feeding channel. The guide shaft 323 can prevent the lid from shifting in the horizontal direction, further ensuring the neatness and accuracy of the lid arrangement, and avoiding disorderly squeezing and collision between lids.
[0060] like Figure 1-3As shown, the cap-lowering assembly 33 includes a cylinder fixing plate 331, a cap-lowering cylinder 332, a first support bar 333, a second support bar 334, a first support plate 335, and a second support plate 336. The cap-lowering cylinder 332 is fixed to the guide plate 31 via the cylinder fixing plate 331. One side of the first support bar 333 is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod of the cap-lowering cylinder 332. The second support bar 334 is located on the side of the first support bar 333 away from the cap-lowering cylinder 332. Guide rods 6 are provided at both ends of the first support bar 333, and a guide rod seat 7 is provided at one end of the guide rod 6. The guide rod 6 is fixed to the guide plate 31 via the guide rod seat 7. The guide rod 6 movably passes through the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334. The first support plate 335 is fixed to the bottom of the first support bar 333, and the second support plate 336 is fixed to the bottom of the second support bar 334. A set of bidirectional... Driven by the cap-splitting cylinder 332, the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334 move closer or further apart via the bidirectional transmission assembly 8. By controlling the extension and retraction of the cap-splitting cylinder 332, the first support bar 333 moves. Under the action of the bidirectional transmission assembly 8, the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334 move closer or further apart. Since the first support plate 335 and the second support plate 336 are respectively located at the bottom of the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334, the opening and closing degree of the cap lowering channel can be precisely controlled by adjusting the distance between the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334, thereby achieving orderly cap lowering. The guide rod 6 provides precise guidance for the movement of the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334, ensuring that they move along a predetermined direction during the process of moving closer or further apart, avoiding deviation or shaking during the movement, and improving the stability of the movement.
[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the bidirectional transmission assembly 8 includes a gear pin 81, a gear 82, a first rack 83, and a second rack 84. The gear pin 81 is fixed to the guide plate 31, and the gear 82 is rotatably mounted on the gear pin 81. The first rack 83 is fixed to the first support bar 333, and the second rack 84 is fixed to the second support bar 334. Both the first rack 83 and the second rack 84 mesh with the gear 82. When the first support bar 333 moves under the push of the cover-opening cylinder 332, the first rack 83 drives the gear 82 to rotate, and the gear 82 in turn drives the second rack 84 to move, thereby causing the second support bar 334 to move in the opposite direction to the first support bar 333. The cooperation between the first rack 83, the second rack 84 and the gear 82 can accurately convert the linear motion of the first support bar 333 into the reverse linear motion of the second support bar 334, ensuring the accuracy of the movement of the first support bar 333 and the second support bar 334 towards or away from each other. The transmission structure of the bidirectional transmission assembly 8 is relatively simple and compact. The arrangement of the gear pin 81, the gear 82, the first rack 83 and the second rack 84 realizes the bidirectional transmission function in a limited space. Compared with some complex transmission mechanisms, the bidirectional transmission assembly 8 occupies less space, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the entire cap lowering assembly 33 and the automatic cap sorting device.
[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the lifting mechanism 4 includes a lifting cylinder 41 and a lifting plate 42. The lifting cylinder 41 is fixed on the top of the worktable 1, and the lifting plate 42 is fixed on the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder 41. The lifting plate 42 is driven to move up and down by the lifting cylinder 41. The structure is simple and the design is reasonable. It occupies less space in the overall layout of the device, which is conducive to the compact design of the automatic lid sorting device.
[0063] like Figure 4As shown, the pushing mechanism 5 includes a pushing cylinder 51, a cylinder fixing frame 52, a feeding cylinder 53, a bracket 54, and a feeding fork 55. The pushing cylinder 51 is fixed on the lifting plate 42, the cylinder fixing frame 52 is fixed on the telescopic rod of the pushing cylinder 51, the feeding cylinder 53 is fixed on the cylinder fixing frame 52, the bracket 54 is fixed on the lifting plate 42 and located below the first discharge through hole 311, and the feeding fork 55 is fixed on the telescopic rod of the feeding cylinder 53. One end of the feeding fork 55 extends above the bracket 54, and the feeding fork 55 has rows of gripper holes 551 that are adapted to the size of the cover. The feeding cylinder 53... The movement of the pusher fork 55 can control its extension and retraction. In conjunction with the pusher cylinder 51, it can accurately push the lids. The pusher fork 55 has rows of gripper holes 551 that are adapted to the size of the lids. This allows the pusher fork 55 to accurately hold and push single or rows of lids, preventing the lids from slipping or becoming misaligned during the pushing process. The pusher cylinder 51, the pusher cylinder 53, and the pusher fork 55 work together to form a complete pushing system. The multi-stage collaborative working mode can efficiently push the lids out of the bracket 54, improving the working efficiency of the entire automatic lid sorting device.
[0064] When using:
[0065] ① Initial state:
[0066] As the lifting cylinder 41 descends, the pushing mechanism 5 mounted on the lifting plate 42 descends accordingly.
[0067] The feeding cylinder 53 and its feeding fork 55 retract;
[0068] Push cylinder 51 backward;
[0069] The cap-opening cylinder 332 on the cap-opening mechanism 3 extends, pushing the first support bar 333 on it to move forward. The first support plate 335 and the second support plate 336 extend symmetrically in opposite directions (approaching each other) under the transmission of the bidirectional transmission assembly 8, and are in the extended support state.
[0070] ②Storage lid:
[0071] The material covers are placed in rows into the material discharge channel groove of the cover storage mechanism 3.
[0072] ③ Receiving the lid:
[0073] 1) The lifting cylinder 41 rises, the cover-opening cylinder 332 moves backward, the first support plate 335 and the second support plate 336 (away from each other) open and lower the cover. At this time, the bracket 54 on the pushing mechanism 5 supports the bottom one of each row of covers.
[0074] 2) When the cover cylinder 332 extends, the first support plate 335 and the second support plate 336 extend to support all the covers above (except the bottom one);
[0075] 3) The material feeding cylinder 53 extends, and the material feeding fork 55 inserts into the bottom cover of each column;
[0076] 4) The lifting cylinder 41 descends, completing one cover-receiving action;
[0077] ④ Push the lid:
[0078] 1) Push cylinder 51 extends and pushes, and one cover is sent out;
[0079] 2) The material feeding cylinder 53 retracts, the push cylinder 51 retracts, the material feeding cylinder 53 extends to continue inserting the cover, and the push cylinder 51 extends to push the second cover.
[0080] 3) Repeat step 2) above until all the covers on bracket 54 have been pushed out;
[0081] Repeating steps ① through ④ above can automatically supply caps for automated filling production.
[0082] Example 2
[0083] like Figure 5-7 As shown, compared with Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 has multiple cap storage bins 32 arranged in a row. A pushing and feeding component 9 is provided on the guide plate 31 to drive the multiple cap storage bins 32 to move back and forth. In this embodiment, the multiple cap storage bins 32 are arranged in a row on the movable guide plate 31 of the fixed base 321 of the cap storage bin 32. Compared with the single cap storage bin 32 in Embodiment 1, this allows for the storage of more caps at once, and each bin 32 can be independently picked up and placed. Within the same cap processing cycle, a larger number of caps can be processed, thereby improving the overall efficiency. The production efficiency of the automatic cap sorting device is improved by ensuring that when one cap storage bin 32 is being processed or is about to be processed, other cap storage bins 32 can be ready to supply materials at any time. The setting of multiple cap storage bins 32 avoids the need for frequent cap replenishment, ensures the continuous operation of cap sorting, and reduces production downtime caused by material supply interruption. The cooperation between the push feeding component 9 and multiple cap storage bins 32 optimizes the workflow of the entire automatic cap sorting device. By reasonably controlling the action of the push feeding component 9, multiple cap storage bins 32 can provide caps to the cap sorting process in a predetermined order and rhythm.
[0084] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the push-feed assembly 9 includes a motor screw module 91, a guide rail 92, a first limiting plate 93, and a second limiting plate 94. The motor screw module 91 and the guide rail 92 are respectively disposed on both sides of the storage cap 32. The first limiting plate 93 is fixed on the slider of the motor screw module 91, and the second limiting plate 94 is fixed on the slider of the guide rail 92. The first limiting plate 93 and the second limiting plate 94 are arranged parallel to each other. On the opposite side of the first limiting plate 93 and the second limiting plate 94, there is a parallel fixed dividing block that separates two adjacent storage cap 32. When working, the motor screw module 91 can provide a stable thrust, which, in cooperation with the guide rail 92, makes the first limiting plate 93 and the second limiting plate 94... The two limiting plates 94 move stably. In this embodiment, the motor screw module 91 and the guide rail 92 are both existing technologies, and their structure and operating principle will not be described in detail here. The first limiting plate 93 and the second limiting plate 94 are fixed with a parallel dividing limiting block on their opposite sides. The dividing limiting block separates the two adjacent storage compartments 32. This dividing design helps to maintain the independence of each storage compartment 32, prevents the covers in adjacent storage compartments 32 from interfering with each other, and facilitates the individual removal and placement of covers in each storage compartment. During the pushing process, the covers in each storage compartment 32 can maintain their respective arrangement, which is beneficial to the accurate pushing and sorting of covers in the subsequent operation.
[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic lid sorting device further includes a detection mechanism 10, which includes a controller (not shown) and multiple photoelectric sensors 101. Multiple photosensitive through holes 3341 are arranged in a row on the second support bar 334, and the photosensitive through holes 3341 correspond one-to-one with the feeding channel. The multiple photoelectric sensors 101 are fixed to the bottom of the guide plate 31, and the photoelectric sensors 101 correspond one-to-one with the photosensitive through holes 3341. The photoelectric sensors 101 are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the motor of the motor lead screw module 91. The lid signal detected by the photoelectric sensor 101 will be transmitted to the controller in a timely manner. The controller controls the motor of the motor lead screw module 91 according to the signal, thereby improving the automation level and reliability of the automatic lid sorting device.
[0086] Compared with Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, when the detection mechanism 10 detects that there are no more caps falling on the bracket 54, the push feeding component 9 will push the cap storage bin 32 forward and make the feeding channel correspond to the first feeding through hole 311 to realize automatic feeding. It then cooperates with the cap lowering component 33, the lifting mechanism 4, and the pushing mechanism 5 to automatically supply caps for automated filling production.
[0087] Example 3
[0088] like Figure 8 This invention provides an automatic cap sorting machine control method, which uses the automatic cap sorting device from Embodiment 1 and / or Embodiment 2 to sort caps. The cap sorting method includes:
[0089] Step S1 controls the lifting mechanism, step S2 controls the lid lowering assembly, and step S3 controls the pushing mechanism;
[0090] Step S1: When there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the lifting mechanism is controlled to determine the distance between the pushing mechanism and the cover storage mechanism as the first distance;
[0091] Step S2: After the lid-lowering assembly lowers the lid in the lid storage compartment to the pushing mechanism, the distance between the pushing mechanism and the lid storage mechanism is changed to a second distance by controlling the lifting mechanism;
[0092] Step S3: Control the pushing mechanism to push the lid.
[0093] Wherein, the first distance is less than a preset distance of the height of a single lid, and the second distance is greater than a preset distance of the height of a single lid.
[0094] In this embodiment, before determining that there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the process includes: determining that there is a cover in the cover storage mechanism by using several photoelectric sensors; when there is no cover in the cover storage mechanism, the cover sorting device sends a signal to replenish the cover.
[0095] In this embodiment, controlling the lid-lowering assembly to lower the lid in the lid storage compartment to the pushing mechanism specifically involves: changing the distance between the first support plate and the second support plate from a first distance to a second distance using the lid-lowering cylinder in the lid-lowering assembly, so that the lid located on the lid-lowering assembly falls freely.
[0096] The first gap is smaller than the width of the lid, and the second gap is larger than the width of the lid, allowing the lid to fall through the second gap.
[0097] In this embodiment, the control pushing mechanism pushes the lid in the following ways:
[0098] Determine whether there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, and determine that the feeding cylinder in the pushing cylinder is in the extended state;
[0099] When there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, the pushing cylinder is controlled to extend and the feeding cylinder is controlled to retract; the pushing cylinder is controlled to retract again and the feeding cylinder is controlled to extend, and it is determined again whether there is a cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism.
[0100] When there is no cover on the bracket of the pushing mechanism, the feeding cylinder is extended and the pushing mechanism transmits a cover-free signal to the cover storage mechanism.
[0101] In this embodiment, when there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the control lifting mechanism determines the distance between the pushing mechanism and the cover storage mechanism as a first distance, specifically as follows:
[0102] When the storage cover mechanism receives a no-cover signal from the push mechanism, it determines that there is no cover on the push mechanism, and the lifting mechanism determines the distance between the push mechanism and the storage cover mechanism as the first distance.
[0103] In one specific embodiment, the remaining amount of lids in the pushing mechanism and the lid storage mechanism is determined by a photoelectric sensor.
[0104] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In particular, it should be noted that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention for those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. An automatic lid-scraping device, characterized in that, The device includes: a work surface, a support component fixed to the top of the work surface, a lid storage mechanism for arranging and storing lids on the support component, a lifting mechanism under the work surface, and a lid-separating and pushing mechanism on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism and the lid-separating and pushing mechanism cooperate to separate and push lids falling from the lid storage mechanism. The lid storage mechanism includes: a guide plate, a lid storage compartment, and a lid-separating and lowering assembly. The guide plate is fixed to the support component, the lid storage compartment is located at the top of the guide plate, and the lid-separating and lowering assembly is located at the bottom of the guide plate. The lid-separating and lowering assembly is used to separate and lower lids from the lid storage compartment.
2. The automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage compartment includes: a fixed base, a connecting plate, and multiple guide shafts. The fixed base is disposed on the guide plate, and the guide plate has multiple first discharge through holes arranged in a row. The fixed base has second discharge through holes corresponding to the first discharge through holes. The connecting plate is located above the fixed base and has multiple cover placement openings. The cover placement openings correspond one-to-one with the second discharge through holes to form a discharge channel. The multiple guide shafts surround each discharge channel. The lower end of the guide shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed base, and the upper end of the guide shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting plate.
3. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cap-splitting assembly includes: a cylinder fixing plate, a cap-splitting cylinder, a first support bar, a second support bar, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The cap-splitting cylinder is fixed to the guide plate via the cylinder fixing plate. One side of the first support bar is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod of the cap-splitting cylinder. The second support bar is located on the side of the first support bar away from the cap-splitting cylinder. Both ends of the first support bar are provided with guide rods, and one end of each guide rod is provided with a guide rod seat. The guide rod is fixed to the guide plate via the guide rod seat and movably passes through the first support bar and the second support bar. The first support plate is fixed to the bottom of the first support bar, and the second support plate is fixed to the bottom of the second support bar. A set of bidirectional transmission components is symmetrically arranged between the first support bar and the second support bar. Under the push of the cap-splitting cylinder, the first support bar and the second support bar move closer or further apart via the bidirectional transmission components.
4. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bidirectional transmission assembly includes: a gear pin, a gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The gear pin is fixed to the guide plate, and the gear is rotatably mounted on the gear pin. The first rack is fixed to the first support bar, and the second rack is fixed to the second support bar. Both the first rack and the second rack mesh with the gear.
5. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder and a lifting plate. The lifting cylinder is fixed to the upper part of the worktable, and the lifting plate is fixed to the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder.
6. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes: a pushing cylinder, a cylinder fixing frame, a material-feeding cylinder, a bracket, and a material-feeding fork. The pushing cylinder is fixed to the lifting plate, the cylinder fixing frame is fixed to the telescopic rod of the pushing cylinder, the material-feeding cylinder is fixed to the cylinder fixing frame, the bracket is fixed to the lifting plate and located directly below the first material discharge through hole, and the material-feeding fork is fixed to the telescopic rod of the material-feeding cylinder. One end of the material-feeding fork extends above the bracket, and the material-feeding fork has rows of arc-shaped fork teeth that are adapted to the size of the cover.
7. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage compartments are provided in multiple rows, and the guide plate is provided with a storage compartment pushing component, which is used to drive the multiple storage compartments to move back and forth.
8. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The push-to-storage compartment assembly includes: a motor screw module, a guide rail, a first limiting plate, and a second limiting plate. The motor screw module and the guide rail are respectively disposed on both sides of the storage compartment. The first limiting plate is fixed on the slider of the motor screw module, and the second limiting plate is fixed on the slider of the guide rail. The first limiting plate and the second limiting plate are arranged in parallel. A separating limiting block that separates two adjacent storage compartments is fixed parallel to each other on the opposite side of the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate.
9. An automatic lid-scraping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a detection mechanism, which includes a controller and multiple photoelectric sensors. Multiple photosensitive through holes are arranged in a row on the second support bar, and each photosensitive through hole corresponds to a feeding channel. The multiple photoelectric sensors are fixed to the bottom of the guide plate, and each photoelectric sensor corresponds to a photosensitive through hole. The photoelectric sensors are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to the motor of the motor lead screw module.
10. A control method for an automatic cap sorting machine, characterized in that, The automatic lid-scraping device as described in any one of claims 1-9 is used for lid scraping, and the lid scraping method includes: Control the lifting mechanism, control the lid lowering assembly, and control the pushing mechanism; When there is no cover on the pushing mechanism, the lifting mechanism controls the distance between the pushing mechanism and the cover storage mechanism to determine the first distance. After the lid-lowering assembly lowers the lid in the lid storage compartment to the pushing mechanism, the distance between the pushing mechanism and the lid storage mechanism is changed to a second distance by controlling the lifting mechanism, and the pushing mechanism is controlled to push the lid.