Flexible line-crossing conveyor device and system

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of flexible production line cross-line conveying device and system, it has four packing stations and four material supply chains, each packing station is provided: optional cup connection conveying channel;Optional single cup conveying channel;Optional single taste cup connection dispensing channel;Wherein, packing machine supply channel selectively connects the arbitrary one in cup connection conveying channel, single cup conveying channel, single cup conveying channel can optionally bypass single taste cup connection dispensing channel, single taste cup connection dispensing channel leads to cup connection conveying channel to convey the cup group to be packaged with same taste.This production line has good compatibility and flexible characteristics, compatible with cup connection packaging and single cup packaging mode, and can also compatible with single taste cup connection packaging demand and different taste combination cup connection packaging demand, each mode can be selected and switched according to production demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated packaging technology, and more specifically, to a flexible production line cross-line conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] Cup-shaped food packaging has been widely used, such as cup-shaped instant noodle packaging. Chinese patent CN212606883U discloses a packaging structure for instant noodles, demonstrating that cup-shaped instant noodle packaging is already common knowledge.

[0003] Food production line technology is relatively mature. Patent application CN106628359A discloses a control system for an instant noodle packaging production line, demonstrating that food production and packaging technology has reached a mature stage. This production line includes a rotary dispensing mechanism, an automatic gripping robot, an instant noodle conveyor belt, a packaging bucket conveyor belt, a position detection CCD, a stacking detection CCD, packaging buckets, a waste removal air inlet, a chute, a conveyor belt, a feeding panel, a sealing panel, a pusher plate, a packaging machine, a sealing machine, and an encoder. The rotary dispensing mechanism separates packaging buckets and delivers them to the packaging bucket conveyor belt. The automatic gripping robot is installed at the upper end of the instant noodle conveyor belt. Position detection CCDs are installed at the upper ends of the two conveyor belts, and encoders are installed at the ends of the conveyor belts. The stacking detection CCD is installed on the side at the material inlet. One end of the chute is adjacent to the packaging bucket conveyor belt, and the other end is hinged to the feeding panel. One end of the conveyor belt is adjacent to the feeding and sealing panels, and the other end is adjacent to the chute. This solution features integrated automatic instant noodle bucket filling, feeding, and sealing.

[0004] However, as the market demands increasingly more flavor combinations, there is a need for a single packaging unit to encompass both food cups with multiple different flavors and food cups with the same flavor. Therefore, a packaging production device with better compatibility is required. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible production line cross-line conveying device and system to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The object of this invention is achieved as follows: a flexible production line cross-line conveying device for delivering food cups to a packaging position, comprising a packaging machine supply channel leading to a shrink film packaging machine, and further comprising:

[0007] Optional cup conveying channel for conveying cup sets to be packaged with different flavor combinations;

[0008] Optional single-cup delivery channel for conveying individual food cups;

[0009] An optional single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel is used to deliver groups of cups of the same flavor to be packaged.

[0010] The packaging machine's supply channel can be selectively connected to either the continuous cup conveying channel or the single cup conveying channel. The single cup conveying channel can optionally bypass the single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel. The single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel leads to the continuous cup conveying channel to convey groups of cups with the same flavor to be packaged.

[0011] Furthermore, the two ends of the cup conveying channel are respectively connected to a receiving area and a discharging area. The receiving area is equipped with a cup positioning and sorting machine. The cup positioning and sorting machine has multiple parallel guide channels. Each guide channel is connected to a different feeding line. The materials output from all the guide channels of the cup positioning and sorting machine are simultaneously concentrated in the receiving area to form a cup group to be packaged, and then conveyed to the discharging area through the cup conveying channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the unloading area of ​​the cup conveying channel is close to the supply channel of the packaging machine, and the cup group to be packaged is transferred to the supply channel of the packaging machine through a preset automatic transfer device.

[0013] Furthermore, the receiving area is perpendicular to the guide channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the cup conveying channel is located on one side of the packaging machine supply channel, and the unloading area is parallel to and close to the packaging machine supply channel.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an automatic tray unloader, which is used to place paper trays for supporting the cup sets to be packaged on the supply channel of the packaging machine. The automatic tray unloader is located near the unloading area, and the paper trays output by the automatic tray unloader correspond to the placement points of the cup sets to be packaged, so that the cup sets to be packaged are placed on the paper trays.

[0016] As another aspect of the present invention, the present invention proposes a flexible production line cross-line conveying system, which has four packaging stations and four material supply chains. Each packaging station is equipped with the aforementioned flexible production line cross-line conveying device and is also equipped with a shrink film packaging machine.

[0017] Each material supply chain is used to output individual food cups of the corresponding flavor. Each material supply chain is divided into two optional main output channels, each main output channel is divided into two optional conveying branches, and the four conveying branches of each material supply chain lead to four packaging stations and are connected to the corresponding guide channels of the cup positioning and sorting machine.

[0018] Each material supply chain has an optional pathway leading to the single-cup delivery channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the main output channels of the four material supply chains are interwoven, and the branch channels of the four material supply chains are interwoven as well.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. The production line has good compatibility and flexibility, compatible with both continuous cup packaging and single cup packaging modes, and can also accommodate the needs of single-flavor continuous cup packaging and the needs of continuous cup packaging with different flavor combinations. The different modes can be selected and switched according to production needs.

[0022] 2. Each packaging station has an automatic sorting function, which can connect to multiple conveyor chains at the same time. After food cups of different flavors enter the corresponding packaging station, they are automatically positioned and sorted. This allows the products output from the four guide channels to enter the receiving area at the same time and quickly line up to form a set of food cups with different flavor combinations. The continuous cup conveyor channel is opened to transport the cups to the packaging station, which can enable the synchronous transport of 3-flavor / 4-flavor combinations. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a system layout diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single packaging station.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a single-cup supply model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the continuous cup supply model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1-4 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a flexible production line cross-line conveying system is proposed, which has four packaging stations and four material supply chains. The four packaging stations are Packaging Station 1 (10), Packaging Station 2 (11), Packaging Station 3 (12), and Packaging Station 4 (13); the four material supply chains are Chain A (100), Chain B (200), Chain C (300), and Chain D (400).

[0029] Each packaging station is equipped with a conveyor module and a shrink film packaging machine.

[0030] Each material supply chain is used to output individual food cups of the corresponding flavor. Each material supply chain is divided into two optional main output channels, each main output channel is divided into two optional conveying branches, and the four conveying branches of each material supply chain lead to four packaging stations and are connected to the corresponding guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5.

[0031] Each material supply chain has an optional pathway leading to the single-cup delivery channel 3.

[0032] The four main output channels of the material supply chain are intersected, and the four branch channels of the material supply chain are intersected, like an overpass system. They intersect from an overhead view and are staggered in height.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveyor module for each packaging station includes:

[0034] Packaging machine supply channel 2 leading to shrink film packaging machine 1;

[0035] Optional cup conveying channel 7, which is used to convey cup sets to be packaged with different flavor combinations;

[0036] Optional single-cup delivery channel 3, which is used to deliver a single food cup;

[0037] Optional single-flavor cup dispensing channel 4, which is used to deliver cup sets of the same flavor to be packaged.

[0038] Among them, the packaging machine supply channel 2 can selectively connect to either the continuous cup conveying channel 7 or the single cup conveying channel 3. Therefore, this solution can quickly switch between continuous cup conveying mode and single cup conveying mode according to demand.

[0039] The single-cup conveying channel 3 can optionally bypass the single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel 4 via an automatic distributor. The single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel 4 leads to the continuous cup conveying channel 7 to convey cup sets with the same flavor to be packaged. Therefore, in the continuous cup conveying mode, it can also accommodate channels that convey cup sets with the same flavor to be packaged.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, in the supply channel 2 of the packaging machine, several adjustable supply push rods 14 are installed on the conveyor chain mechanism at equal intervals along the chain length. Any two adjacent supply push rods 14 form the supply pitch required for a single cup. The supply pitch required for a single cup matches a single food cup, thus meeting the needs of single cup packaging.

[0041] like Figure 4As shown, when the need for continuous cup packaging is required, the supply pusher 14 is divided into multiple upright supply pushers 14a and multiple folding supply pushers 14b. The folding supply pushers 14b are pushers that retract as needed. The upright supply pushers 14a and folding supply pushers 14b are distributed alternately, so that the distance between any two adjacent upright supply pushers 14a forms the supply pitch required for continuous cup packaging. The supply pitch required for continuous cup packaging matches the cup group to be packaged, consisting of several food cups, to meet the needs of continuous cup packaging. This variable pitch scheme allows the packaging machine's transport supply pitch to be changed according to demand.

[0042] The aforementioned cup conveying channel 7 is connected to a receiving area 6 and a discharging area 9 at both ends. The receiving area 6 is equipped with a cup positioning and sorting machine 5. The cup positioning and sorting machine 5 has multiple parallel guide channels 5a. Each guide channel 5a is connected to a different feeding line. The materials output from all guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5 are simultaneously concentrated in the receiving area 6 to form a cup group to be packaged, and then conveyed to the discharging area 9 through the cup conveying channel 7.

[0043] The unloading area 9 of the above-mentioned cup conveying channel 7 is close to the packaging machine supply channel 2, and the cup group to be packaged is transferred to the packaging machine supply channel 2 through a preset automatic transfer device.

[0044] To facilitate arranging cups of different flavors in a row, the above-mentioned receiving area 6 is perpendicular to the guide channel 5a.

[0045] The aforementioned cup conveying channel 7 is located on one side of the packaging machine supply channel 2, and the unloading area 9 is parallel to and close to the packaging machine supply channel 2.

[0046] The production line also includes an automatic tray unloader 8, which is used to place paper trays for supporting the cup sets to be packaged on the supply channel 2 of the packaging machine. The automatic tray unloader 8 is located near the unloading area 9. The paper trays output by the automatic tray unloader 8 correspond to the placement points of the cup sets to be packaged, so that the cup sets to be packaged are placed on the paper trays.

[0047] More specifically, as a preferred embodiment, the four conveyor chains are arranged as follows:

[0048] Chain A 100: It splits into two optional main output channels through a splitter, namely A1 channel 110 and A2 channel 120. A1 channel 110 splits into two optional conveyor branches - A11 channel 111 and A12 channel 112 through a splitter. A2 channel 120 splits into two optional conveyor branches - A21 channel 121 and A22 channel 122 through a splitter.

[0049] Chain B 200: It splits into two optional main output channels through a splitter, namely channel B1 210 and channel B2 220. Channel B1 210 splits into two optional conveyor branches - channel B11 211 and channel B12 212 through a splitter. Channel B2 220 splits into two optional conveyor branches - channel B21 221 and channel B22 222 through a splitter.

[0050] C-chain 300: It splits into two optional main output channels through a splitter, namely C1 channel 310 and C2 channel 320. C1 channel 310 splits into two optional conveyor branches - C11 channel 311 and C12 channel 312 through the splitter. C2 channel 320 splits into two optional conveyor branches - C21 channel 321 and C22 channel 322 through the splitter.

[0051] D-chain 400: It splits into two optional main output channels through a splitter, namely D1 channel 410 and D2 channel 420. D1 channel 410 splits into two optional transport branches - D11 channel 411 and D12 channel 412 through the splitter. D2 channel 420 splits into two optional transport branches - D21 channel 421 and D22 channel 422 through the splitter.

[0052] The relationship between the four conveyor chains and the four packaging stations is as follows:

[0053] Packaging Station 10: See Figure 2 As shown, in the packaging station 10, the four guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5 are respectively connected to channel A11 111, channel B11 211, channel C11 311, and channel D11 411.

[0054] Packaging Station 2, Unit 11: See Figure 1 As shown, in packaging station 2 11, the four guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5 are respectively connected to channel A12 112, channel B12 212, channel C12 312, and channel D12 412.

[0055] Packaging Station 3-12: See Figure 1 As shown, in the packaging station 3 12, the four guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5 are respectively connected to channel A21 121, channel B21 221, channel C21 321, and channel D21 421.

[0056] Packaging Station 4.13: See Figure 1 As shown, in the packaging station 413, the four guide channels 5a of the cup positioning and sorting machine 5 are respectively connected to channel A22 122, channel B22 222, channel C22 322, and channel D22 422.

[0057] The aforementioned production line has excellent compatibility and flexibility, as described in more detail below.

[0058] The above analysis of the relationship between the conveyor chain and the packaging station shows that the production line has a continuous cup production mode: single-flavor production can be carried out on a single line. For multi-flavor cup production, two lines need to produce different flavors simultaneously, and can simultaneously perform combined production modes such as ABCD, AAAB, AABB, ABC, and AAB.

[0059] The packaging formats include, but are not limited to, the following types: 1. Single cup packaging; 2. Triple cup single flavor packaging; 3. Triple cup three flavors packaging; 4. 2 flavors 2+1 triple cup packaging; 5. Single flavor quadruple cup packaging; 6. Four flavors quadruple cup packaging; 7. Two flavors 2x2 quadruple cup packaging; 8. Two flavors 3+1 quadruple cup packaging;

[0060] Packaging options: 1. Single flavor, 12 cups per box; 2. Two flavors, 2 x 6 cups per box; 3. Four flavors, 4 x 3 cups per box; 4. Single flavor, 24 cups per box; 5. Two flavors, 2 x 12 cups per box; 6. Four flavors, 4 x 6 cups per box.

[0061] The relevant productization functions of the above production line are described as follows:

[0062] 01. The four different types of food cups, ABCD, can be produced simultaneously.

[0063] 02. Set up online dual-side power distributor: In the past, the distributor was a non-powered side baffle / bar. The current distributor uses dual-side power transmission to make the product transition smooth and without jamming. For example, the distributor can divide the A chain 100 into A1 channel 110 and A2 channel 120.

[0064] 03. The main output channels of the four material supply chains are interspersed, and the branch channels of the four material supply chains are interspersed to avoid mutual interference.

[0065] 04. The cup-connecting and sorting machine 5 is configured with four channels, including four guide channels 5a, each connected to a different conveyor channel. Figure 2 Channels A11 (111), B11 (211), C11 (311), and D11 (411) allow food cups of different flavors to enter the corresponding packaging station, where they are automatically positioned and sorted, and the entire row of products is output synchronously. That is, the products output from the four guide channels 5a simultaneously enter the receiving area 6 and are quickly arranged in a row, forming a group of food cups with different flavor combinations. The continuous cup conveyor channel 7 is then opened to transport the cups to the packaging station, enabling synchronous conveying of 3-flavor / 4-flavor combinations.

[0066] 05. Set up a single-flavor continuous cup delivery channel 4: This can achieve the effect of "single-flavor 4-cup / 3-cup", that is, 4 consecutive cups or 3 consecutive cups are all of the same flavor. As a food cup group packaging unit, there is no need for synchronous row conveying. Using single-flavor continuous cup conveying is isolated from the positioning and sorting machine of different flavors, reducing the adjustments caused by production change.

[0067] 06. Set up an integrated automatic tray unloading machine 8: The automatic tray unloading machine 8 is generally a single control. Due to the high requirements of the production line for anti-empty requirements (referring to no tray unloading without products, automatic alarm when no tray is available, no cup dispensing when no tray is available, etc.), the mechanical structure and electrical control of the automatic tray unloading machine 8 are integrated into the single cup and cup-connecting compatible packaging machine.

[0068] 07. Set up a cup positioning and dispensing machine 15: Transfer the neatly arranged cups to be packaged in the feeding area 9 to the supply channel 2 of the packaging machine, and use the placed paper trays to support the cups to be packaged.

[0069] 08. Configure a single-cup continuous-cup compatible supply mode: adopt a variable pitch scheme so that the conveying supply pitch of the packaging machine can be changed according to demand, and the changeover time is 10 minutes.

[0070] 09. Single-Cup / Continuous-Cup Compatible Shrink Film Packaging Machine: Through structural upgrades, the machine has been improved from a single rotary end-sealing system to a combination of rotary end-sealing and reciprocating fusion-sealing. Rotary end-sealing produces single-cup products, while reciprocating end-sealing produces continuous-cup products. Production switching is achieved with a single click on the control system. This compatible packaging machine can produce single cups at a rate of 220 cups / minute and continuous-cup products at a rate of 50 per minute. This upgrade reduces the previous requirement of four packaging machines per line to just two.

[0071] 10. Back-end docking with packing and palletizing section: Equipped with single-cup packing machine and continuous-cup packing machine to meet the needs of automatic packing of single cups and continuous cups, as well as automatic palletizing.

[0072] In this invention, it should be noted that the "channel" mentioned in the text refers to a conveyor belt that is driven by a power unit to produce conveying action.

[0073] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. In this invention, it should also be noted that the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integrally formed connection, a mechanical connection, or an indirect connection through intermediate connecting parts. The specific meaning of the terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0075] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A flexible production line cross-line conveying device for conveying food cups to a packaging position, comprising a packaging machine supply channel (2) leading to a shrink film packaging machine (1), characterized in that, Also includes: Optional cup conveying channel (7) for conveying cup sets to be packaged with different flavor combinations; Optional single-cup delivery channel (3) for conveying a single food cup; Optional single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel (4), which is used to convey cups of the same flavor to be packaged; The packaging machine supply channel (2) selectively connects to either the continuous cup conveying channel (7) or the single cup conveying channel (3). The single cup conveying channel (3) can optionally bypass the single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel (4). The single-flavor continuous cup dispensing channel (4) leads to the continuous cup conveying channel (7) to convey a group of cups to be packaged with the same flavor.

2. The flexible production line cross-line conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup conveying channel (7) is connected to a receiving area (6) and a discharging area (9) at both ends. The receiving area (6) is equipped with a cup positioning and sorting machine (5). The cup positioning and sorting machine (5) has multiple parallel guide channels (5a). Each guide channel (5a) is connected to a different feeding line. The materials output from all guide channels (5a) of the cup positioning and sorting machine (5) are concentrated in the receiving area (6) to form a cup group to be packaged, and then conveyed to the discharging area (9) through the cup conveying channel (7).

3. The flexible production line cross-line conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unloading area (9) of the cup conveying channel (7) is close to the packaging machine supply channel (2), and the cup group to be packaged is transferred to the packaging machine supply channel (2) through a preset automatic transfer device.

4. The flexible production line cross-line conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving area (6) is perpendicular to the guide channel (5a).

5. A flexible production line cross-line conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cup conveying channel (7) is located on one side of the packaging machine supply channel (2), and the unloading area (9) is parallel to and close to the packaging machine supply channel (2).

6. The flexible production line cross-line conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an automatic tray unloading machine (8), which is used to place paper trays for supporting the cup group to be packaged on the supply channel (2) of the packaging machine. The automatic tray unloading machine (8) is located near the unloading area (9). The paper trays output by the automatic tray unloading machine (8) correspond to the placement point of the cup group to be packaged, so that the cup group to be packaged is placed on the paper tray.

7. A flexible production line cross-line conveying system, characterized in that, It has four packaging stations and four material supply chains. Each packaging station is equipped with the flexible production line cross-line conveying device as described in claim 6, and is also equipped with a shrink film packaging machine (1). Each material supply chain is used to output individual food cups of the corresponding flavor. Each material supply chain is divided into two optional main output channels. Each main output channel is divided into two optional conveying branches. The four conveying branches of each material supply chain lead to four packaging stations and are connected to the corresponding guide channel (5a) of the cup positioning and sorting machine (5). Each material supply chain has an optional pathway leading to the single-cup delivery channel (3).

8. The conveying system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The four main output channels of the material supply chain are interwoven.

9. The conveying system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The four material supply chain conveyor branches are interspersed.

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