A full-size box opening method and system

Abstract

The application provides a full-gauge unpacking method and system, and relates to the technical field of cigarette sorting, which comprises the following steps: receiving task information; the task information at least contains cigarette case gauge information and turnover flag information; controlling a cigarette case conveying line to convey a cigarette case to an opening cover station, opening the upper cover and the lower cover of the cigarette case, and conveying the opened cigarette case to a pushing station; pushing the cigarette stack in the cigarette case out to a turnover conveying line; judging whether to execute a turnover process according to the turnover flag information in the task information; if it is judged to execute the turnover process, controlling the turnover conveying line to turn the cigarette stack from a vertical state into a horizontal state and conveying the cigarette stack to a restocking position; and if it is judged not to execute the turnover process, directly conveying the cigarette stack to the restocking position. The application realizes full-process automatic unpacking operation from task receiving, cigarette case detection and verification, cover opening, cigarette pushing to turnover conveying, and improves the compatibility and production efficiency of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cigarette sorting technology, specifically to a method and system for unpacking all types of cigarettes. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Different grades of cigarettes are placed in different positions within the cigarette box. Some grades are placed vertically and need to be flipped to a horizontal position after being pushed out before subsequent sorting operations can proceed. Traditional unpacking equipment usually requires manual judgment and intervention, lacking the ability to automatically identify and process the placement status of cigarettes.

[0004] For example, existing technology discloses a control system and method for a full-specification carton opening machine. Its working process is as follows: the cigarette box is horizontally clamped along its sides, then released; the cigarette box is then clamped in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, followed by the removal of the top cover; after removing the top cover, the output enters the step of removing the bottom cover; the cigarette box is fixed, and after fixing, the bottom cover is removed; after removing the bottom cover, the left and right cover removal begins; the left and right covers are removed, and after removing the left and right covers, the output enters the pusher head control; the pusher head height is automatically adjusted, and after the pusher head is adjusted to the correct position, the material is pushed. When the cigarette stack is placed vertically, the above solution cannot recognize and trigger the flipping process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method and system for unpacking all product specifications. This system realizes fully automated unpacking operations from task reception, cigarette box detection and verification, opening the lid, pushing the cigarettes to flipping and conveying, thereby improving the system's compatibility and production efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for unpacking all specifications of a product, including: Receive task information; the task information includes at least cigarette box specification information and flip flag information; Control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station, open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, and then transport the opened cigarette box to the pushing station; The stacks of tobacco in the tobacco box are pushed onto the tipping conveyor line; Determine whether to execute the flip process based on the flip flag information in the task information; If it is determined that the flipping process will be executed, the flipping conveyor line will be controlled to flip the tobacco stack from a vertical state to a horizontal state and transport it to the replenishment position. If it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, the tobacco stack will be directly transported to the replenishment location.

[0007] As a further implementation, before controlling the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station, the following is also included: Adjust the width of the cigarette box conveyor line according to the width of the cigarette box in the task information; Pushing the tobacco stacks inside the tobacco box to the tipping conveyor line includes: Control the flipping conveyor line to move towards the pushing station until it reaches the smoke receiving position of the pushing station; The tobacco stacks inside the tobacco box are pushed onto the flipping conveyor line, and the flipping conveyor line is controlled to move to the initial position.

[0008] As a further implementation, when the flipping conveyor reaches the smoke receiving position, the limiting mechanism descends to the smoke supporting position.

[0009] As a further implementation, the flipping conveyor line has a main flipping conveyor line and a secondary flipping conveyor line; If it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, the tobacco stack will be transported to the replenishment position by the main flipping conveyor line; If the flipping process is determined to be executed, the smoke stack is flipped and output by the main flipping conveyor line or the auxiliary flipping conveyor line.

[0010] As a further implementation, the main flip conveyor line and the auxiliary flip conveyor line each include a first conveying section and a second conveying section. In the initial state, the first conveying section and the second conveyor line of the main flip conveyor line are both in a horizontal state, and the first conveying section of the auxiliary flip conveyor line is in a horizontal state and the second conveying section is in a vertical state. Controlling the flipping conveyor line to flip the tobacco stack from a vertical state to a horizontal state includes: However, when the second conveying section is in a vertical state, the first and second conveying sections are controlled to rotate clockwise simultaneously to flip the vertical tobacco stack located in the first conveying section to a horizontal state.

[0011] As a further implementation, if it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, subsequent processing will be performed based on the number of stack columns in the task information: If the smoke stack is a single column in the task information, the smoke stack enters the second conveyor section and the output conveyor line sequentially from the first conveyor section; If the task information indicates that there are two rows of smoke stacks, after the smoke stacks enter the second conveying section, the second conveying section and the output conveying line are controlled to run at different speeds, and the two rows of smoke stacks are separated by the speed difference.

[0012] As a further implementation, the control of the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station includes: The length, width, and height of the cigarette box are detected by the detection unit. The detected length, width, and height of the cigarette box are compared with the task information. If the comparison is consistent, control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station.

[0013] As a further implementation, the push station is equipped with a clamping centering mechanism, a flip-top mechanism, and a cigarette pusher mechanism. The control and pushing of the tobacco stacks in the tobacco box into the flipping conveyor line includes: After the cigarette box is centered by the clamping and centering mechanism, the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box are opened by the flip-top mechanism. The smoke pushing mechanism pushes the stacks of tobacco in the tobacco box to the flipping conveyor line.

[0014] As a further implementation, the smoke pushing mechanism includes a variable-pitch pusher head, which has a smoke pushing surface, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of which are adjustable.

[0015] As a further implementation, the unpacking station includes a first lid-opening station and a second lid-opening station; The control of the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station, opening the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, and then conveying the opened cigarette box to the pushing station includes: Control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the first opening station, cut the middle seam tape of the cigarette box at the first opening station and open the top cover; At the second opening station, the lower cover is adsorbed by a suction cup, and after forming a gap, the lower cover is cut open.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a full-specification unpacking system, including: A cigarette box conveyor line is used to transport cigarette boxes; an opening mechanism is provided above the cigarette box conveyor line, which is used to open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette boxes; A smoke-pushing mechanism, located at the output end of the smoke box conveyor line, is used to push out the smoke stacks inside the smoke box; A movable flipping conveyor line is used to receive and transport the stacks of tobacco pushed out by the tobacco pushing mechanism; The control system is connected to the lid opening mechanism, the smoke pushing mechanism, and the flipping conveyor line, and is used to control the coordinated action of each mechanism to complete the box opening operation.

[0017] As a further implementation, the opening station is equipped with a detection unit, which is used to detect the length, width and height information of the cigarette box; The cigarette box conveyor line is equipped with a width adjustment mechanism.

[0018] As a further implementation, the cigarette pushing mechanism is provided with a clamping centering mechanism and a flip-top mechanism above it. The clamping centering mechanism is used to center and position the cigarette box, the flip-top mechanism is used to open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, and the cigarette pushing mechanism is used to push out the cigarette stacks inside the cigarette box.

[0019] As a further implementation, the cigarette pushing mechanism includes a variable pitch pusher head, which includes two sets of push plates inserted laterally, and a lateral pushing component is connected between the two sets of push plates. The push plate is rotatably connected to a flip plate at its top, and the flip plate can switch between a horizontal and a vertical state.

[0020] As a further implementation, the flipping conveyor line includes a first conveying section and a second conveying section, wherein the end where the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line are connected to each other is a rotating end.

[0021] As a further implementation, a liftable limiting mechanism is installed above the flipping conveyor line.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The full-specification unpacking method of this invention can automatically identify the placement status of cigarette stacks in the cigarette box by setting a flip flag in the task information, eliminating the need for manual judgment and the risk of processing errors caused by human judgment mistakes. Based on the flip flag, it automatically selects whether to execute a flipping process or not. When the cigarette stack is placed vertically, the flipping conveyor line is controlled to automatically flip the cigarette stack from a vertical state to a horizontal state to meet the requirements of subsequent sorting operations. When the cigarette stack is placed horizontally, it is directly transported to the replenishment position, avoiding unnecessary flipping actions and improving operational efficiency. The entire process of unpacking is fully automated, from task reception, opening the lid, pushing the cigarettes, to flipping judgment and conveying replenishment, reducing manual intervention and improving equipment compatibility and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a full-specification unpacking method according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a full-specification unpacking system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of a cigarette box conveyor line according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of a cigarette box conveyor line according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the push station layout according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a side view of the push station layout according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a variable-pitch pusher head according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 These are isometric views of a variable-pitch pusher head according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side view of the receiving station layout according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a front view of the receiving station layout according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a top view of the main flipping conveyor line according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a limiting mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a single-row smoke stack conveying according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the separation of two rows of tobacco stacks according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a stack-turning conveyor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the sub-flipping conveyor structure according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Among them, 1. cigarette box conveyor line, 2. clamping and centering mechanism, 3. flipping mechanism, 4. cigarette pushing mechanism, 5. flipping conveyor line, 6. pressing assembly, 7. output conveyor line, 8. limiting mechanism, and 9. ejection mechanism. 11. Width adjustment mechanism; 12. Fixed synchronous belt; 13. Moving synchronous belt; 21. Clamping plate; 22. Lifting mechanism; 23. Suction cup assembly; 41. Variable pitch push head; 42. Drive mechanism; 51. First conveying section; 52. Second conveying section; 53. Support frame; 54. Linear drive mechanism; 55. Clamping plate; 56. Pushing component; 61. Pressure rod; 62. Rotary motor; 81. Lifting mechanism; 82. Telescopic assembly; 83. Limiting assembly; 411. Inner push plate; 412. Tilting plate; 413. Lifting assembly; 414. Pushing component; 415. Linear motion mechanism; 416. Outer push plate; 417. Connecting frame; 831. Limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Example 1: This embodiment provides a method for unpacking all product specifications, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive Task Information. The host computer sends an unpacking task to the unpacking system. The task information includes at least the cigarette box specifications and the flip flag information. In this embodiment, the cigarette box specifications include the length, width, and height of the cigarette box.

[0028] The flip flag indicates the placement status of the tobacco stacks within the tobacco box. When the stacks are placed vertically (standing upright), the flip flag is set to 1 (requiring flipping); when the stacks are placed horizontally (laying down), the flip flag is set to 0 (not requiring flipping). The task information may also include the number of columns (single or multiple columns) of the tobacco stacks for subsequent separation control. The host computer and the unpacking system transmit task information via network communication protocols (such as TCP / IP, Modbus, etc.) to ensure real-time and reliable data transmission.

[0029] Step 2: The cigarette boxes are inspected and verified by the detection unit. In this embodiment, the detection unit includes a planar camera and a ranging photoelectric sensor. The planar camera is installed above the cigarette box conveyor line 1 to take pictures of the cigarette boxes entering the detection area. The length and width dimensions of the cigarette boxes are extracted by image processing algorithms. The image processing algorithms can use edge detection, contour extraction, and other methods to ensure the accuracy of the size measurement.

[0030] The distance-measuring photoelectric sensor employs either through-beam or diffuse reflection installation methods, calculating the height of the tobacco box by measuring the distance from the top surface of the sensor. The control system compares the detection results with the task information, with a comparison tolerance range where deviations between the detected value and the task information within the set tolerance range are considered a match. Verification by the detection unit ensures the accuracy of subsequent unpacking operations, preventing unpacking failures or equipment damage due to incorrect tobacco box specifications.

[0031] Step 3: Adjust the width of the cigarette box conveyor line 1 according to the cigarette box width in the task information. The cigarette box conveyor line 1 is equipped with a width adjustment mechanism 11, which automatically adjusts the width of the cigarette box conveyor line 1 according to the received cigarette box width information to adapt it to the current cigarette box specifications.

[0032] In this embodiment, the width adjustment mechanism 11 employs a toothed synchronous belt structure with ball splines to transmit conveying power. The toothed synchronous belt structure allows for continuous adjustment of the conveyor line width, while the ball splines maintain continuous power transmission during width adjustment, ensuring the stability of the cigarette box during transport. After width adjustment, the conveying width of the cigarette box conveyor line 1 matches the width of the cigarette box, allowing the cigarette box to smoothly enter the conveyor line 1. The width adjustment action can be performed in parallel with other preparatory actions (such as adjusting the height of the opening mechanism) to shorten cycle time and improve production efficiency.

[0033] Step 4: Control the cigarette box conveyor line 1 to transport the cigarette boxes to the opening station. The opening station includes a first opening station and a second opening station. The first opening station is used to perform the actions of cutting the center seam of the cigarette box and opening the top cover, and the second opening station is used to perform the action of opening the bottom cover of the cigarette box.

[0034] The operation process of the first opening station is as follows: According to the height of the cigarette box in the task information, adjust the height of the entire opening mechanism to the position of the middle seam of the cigarette box. Then, one side of the opening mechanism moves to a fixed position, and the other side of the opening mechanism presses the cigarette box. The blade cylinders on both sides extend, so that the opening mechanism moves along the length of the cigarette box at the same time, cutting the tape in the middle seam of the cigarette box. After returning to the position, the suction cylinder extends and sucks open a gap in the top cover of the cigarette box. The cutter inserts into the gap in the cigarette box and moves to both sides along the length of the cigarette box, cutting the tape on both sides of the top cover.

[0035] The operation process of the second opening station is as follows: Based on the height of the cigarette box in the task information, adjust the height of the entire opening mechanism to the center seam position of the cigarette box. One side of the opening mechanism moves to a fixed position, while the other side presses the cigarette box shut. The suction cylinder extends, sucking open a gap in the bottom cover of the cigarette box. Then, the cutter inserts into the gap and moves to both sides along the length of the cigarette box, cutting open the tape on both sides of the bottom cover. It should be noted that the opening mechanism is existing technology, including the opening mechanism, cutter, suction cup, etc. Its structural details will not be elaborated here.

[0036] Step 5: Push the tobacco stacks in the tobacco box onto the tilting conveyor line 5. Control the tilting conveyor line 5 to move towards the pushing station until it reaches the tobacco receiving position of the pushing station. The tilting conveyor line 5 achieves precise positioning through a position sensor, ensuring that the first conveying section 51 of the tilting conveyor line 5 is aligned with the tobacco pushing direction of the pushing station.

[0037] The clamping and centering mechanism 2 at the pushing station centers and positions the cigarette box. Specifically, after the centering cylinder descends to its designated position, the clamping plates 21 on both sides move synchronously towards the center, clamping the cigarette box and aligning its centerline with the centerline of the pushing mechanism 4. This ensures the pushing direction coincides with the centerline of the cigarette box, preventing the cigarettes from shifting during the pushing process. Simultaneously, the flipping mechanism 3 moves to the flipping position based on the length information of the cigarette box. The flipping mechanism 3 on the pushing side remains fixed, while the flipping mechanism 3 on the other side moves along the conveying direction to a position matching the length of the cigarette box.

[0038] The two flip-top mechanisms 3 move downwards simultaneously to open the lower cover first. The pressing assembly 6 presses down the lower cover to prevent it from springing back during the opening of the upper cover. The flip-top mechanism 3 continues to move upwards to open the upper cover and holds it in place. During the opening and closing of the upper and lower covers, the variable-pitch push head 41 of the smoke pushing mechanism 4 adjusts the size of the smoke pushing surface: the linear motion mechanism 415 drives the two push plates 411 to move laterally relative to each other, adjusting the lateral size of the smoke pushing surface to the set value to ensure that the width of the smoke pushing surface matches the width of the smoke stack; the top pushing component 414 drives the flipping plate 412 to switch to the set state (horizontal or vertical) to adjust the longitudinal size of the smoke pushing surface to ensure that the height of the smoke pushing surface matches the height of the smoke stack. After the upper and lower covers are opened, the suction cup assembly 23 rotates to the side of the smoke box. After the suction cups adsorb the side covers, the suction cup assembly 23 rotates in the opposite direction to open the side covers, completing the opening of all the covers of the smoke box.

[0039] The limiting mechanism 8 descends to the tobacco-supporting position, the limiting plate 831 is adjusted to a suitable width, and the telescopic component 82 extends to bring the limiting plate 831 closer to the tobacco box. The variable-pitch pusher 41 in the tobacco-pushing mechanism 4 moves, smoothly pushing the tobacco stack to the first conveying section 51 of the flipping conveyor line 5. While pushing the tobacco, the limiting plate 831 moves backward to support the tobacco and prevent it from tipping over.

[0040] The "supporting position" refers to the position of the bottom of the limiting mechanism 8 near the upper surface of the conveyor belt (approximately 5-10 mm away). This position does not affect the normal transmission movement of the conveyor belt. After the limiting mechanism 8 descends to the supporting position, the width of the receiving surface is adjusted according to the width of the tobacco stack in the task information to match the width of the receiving surface with the width of the tobacco stack, ensuring effective support for the tobacco strips.

[0041] Step Six: Determine whether to execute the flip process based on the flip flag information in the task information. The control system makes a judgment based on the flip flag information: if the flip flag information indicates that flipping is not required, then execute the no-flip process; if the flip flag information indicates that flipping is required, then execute the flip process.

[0042] Non-flipping process: When the flipping flag indicates that flipping is not required (the stack is placed horizontally), the non-flipping process is executed. Limit mechanism 8 rises and resets, and after flipping conveyor 5 returns to its initial position, subsequent processing is performed based on the stack column number information in the task information: such as... Figure 13 As shown, if the tobacco stack is a single column in the task information, the tobacco stack will be driven by the conveyor belt to enter the second conveyor section 52 from the first conveyor section 51 in sequence, and then enter the output conveyor line 7 (replenishment position). The entire conveying process is continuous and does not require separation operation.

[0043] like Figure 14 As shown, if the tobacco stacks in the task information are in two rows, after the tobacco enters the second conveying section 52, the control system controls the second conveying section 52 and the output conveying line 7 to run at different speeds. The speed difference is used to separate the two rows of tobacco stacks. The tobacco stacks in the front row enter the output conveying line 7 driven by the faster output conveying line 7, while the tobacco stacks in the back row stay on the slower second conveying section 52, waiting for the tobacco stacks in the front row to be output before accelerating into the output conveying line 7, thus realizing the automatic separation of the tobacco stacks in the front and back rows.

[0044] The ejection mechanism 9 moves along the cigarette-pushing direction, pushing the cigarette packs on the output conveyor line 7 to the replenishment trolley or subsequent conveying equipment to complete the replenishment operation. By using speed difference separation, automatic separation of the two rows of cigarette packs can be achieved, avoiding the tedious manual separation operation and improving operational efficiency.

[0045] Flipping Process: When the flipping flag indicates that flipping is required (the tobacco stack is placed vertically), the flipping process is executed. The limit mechanism 8 rises and resets, the flipping conveyor line 5 returns to its initial position, and the control system controls the second conveyor section 52 to rotate 90° counterclockwise to a vertical position. At this time, the second conveyor section 52 serves as a buffer surface for the tobacco stack to fall, providing a receiving surface for the tobacco stack to slide down from the first conveyor section 51.

[0046] It should be noted that the flipping conveyor line 5 here is the main flipping conveyor line, and this embodiment also includes, for example, the flipping conveyor line 5. Figure 16 The auxiliary flipping conveyor shown also consists of a first conveyor section 51 and a second conveyor section 52. Initially, the first conveyor section 51 is horizontal, and the second conveyor section 52 is vertical. The auxiliary flipping conveyor can be used for flipping processes. Because its second conveyor section 52 is vertical in the initial state, compared to the main flipping conveyor, the auxiliary flipping conveyor eliminates the step of rotating the second conveyor section 52 counterclockwise by 90° during the flipping process.

[0047] Understandably, in other embodiments, the secondary flip conveyor line can also be implemented in other ways, such as by using a cross-shaped flip structure.

[0048] This embodiment uses the main flipping conveyor line as an example for specific explanation: like Figure 15As shown, the control system controls the first conveying section 51 and the second conveying section 52 to rotate synchronously clockwise. When the rotation reaches 50°, the clamp 55 is released at a certain angle, and the cigarette pack slides from the first conveying section 51 onto the second conveying section 52 under the action of gravity. The conveyor belt of the second conveying section 52 plays a buffering role on the cigarette pack, reducing the impact force when the cigarette pack falls.

[0049] Clamping plate 55 clamps the tobacco stack again to prevent the tobacco strips from slipping during continued rotation. The two conveyor sections continue to rotate synchronously clockwise to 90°. At this point, the first conveyor section 51 is in a vertical position, and the second conveyor section 52 is in a horizontal position. Clamping plate 55 is released, and the tobacco strips, driven by the conveyor belt, enter the output conveyor line 7 from the second conveyor section 52, completing the posture change from vertical to horizontal, realizing the automatic flipping of the upright tobacco strips. The first conveyor section 51 rotates counterclockwise to reset to the horizontal position, waiting for the next tobacco receiving operation.

[0050] The full-specification unpacking method provided in this embodiment achieves automatic identification of cigarette cartons by receiving task information containing a flip mark, avoiding the tedious operation of manual judgment and manual flipping. The detection unit verifies the size of the cigarette box to ensure the accuracy of the unpacking operation and avoid unpacking failures due to incorrect cigarette box specifications. The coordinated action of the clamping centering mechanism 2, the flipping mechanism 3, and the cigarette pushing mechanism 4 at the pushing station achieves the centering positioning, flipping, and cigarette pushing operations of the cigarette box. The variable-pitch pusher head 41 of the cigarette pushing mechanism 4 can adjust the size of the pushing surface in both the horizontal and vertical directions to accurately match the pushing range of different specifications of cigarette cartons.

[0051] This embodiment achieves automatic conversion of cigarette pack posture through the flipping function of the flipping conveyor line 5. The limiting mechanism 8 applies a supporting force to the cigarette pack during the pushing process to prevent the vertically placed cigarette pack from tipping over. The flipping conveyor line 5 achieves automatic conversion of the cigarette pack posture from vertical to horizontal through the coordinated rotation of the first conveying section 51 and the second conveying section 52, which meets the flipping requirements of upright cigarette packs. The whole process realizes fully automated unpacking operation from task reception, cigarette box detection and verification, opening the lid, pushing the cigarettes to flipping and conveying, which improves the compatibility of the equipment and production efficiency.

[0052] Example 2 This embodiment provides a full range of product unpacking systems, such as... Figure 2 As shown, there are a cover opening station, a push station and a receiving station. The cover opening station is equipped with a cigarette box conveyor line 1, the receiving station is equipped with a flipping conveyor line 5, the push station corresponds to the input end of the flipping conveyor line 5, and the output conveyor line 7 corresponds to the output end of the flipping conveyor line 5, which is used to output the cigarette packs to the next process.

[0053] Smoke box conveyor line 1 is used to transport smoke boxes, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cigarette box conveyor line 1 includes a fixed synchronous belt 12 and a moving synchronous belt 13 arranged in parallel with each other. A width adjustment mechanism 11 is connected between the two, which can automatically adjust the conveying width according to the width of the cigarette box in the task information to adapt to cigarette boxes of different specifications.

[0054] In this embodiment, the width adjustment mechanism 11 is implemented by using a toothed synchronous belt structure with ball splines to transmit power. The toothed synchronous belt structure enables continuous adjustment of the conveyor line width, while the ball splines maintain the continuity of power transmission during the width adjustment process, ensuring the stability of the cigarette box during conveying.

[0055] The lid-opening station includes a first lid-opening station and a second lid-opening station, equipped with a detection unit and a lid-opening mechanism. The lid-opening mechanism is used to open the upper and lower lids of the cigarette box. The first lid-opening station opens the upper lid, and the second lid-opening station opens the lower lid. The lid-opening mechanism includes a lifting mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a left-right movement mechanism, a center seam cutting mechanism, a lid suction mechanism, and a lid-opening mechanism. These mechanisms work together to complete the lid-opening operation. It should be noted that the lid-opening mechanism is an existing structure and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] The opening station is equipped with a detection unit. In this embodiment, the detection unit includes a planar camera and a distance measuring photoelectric sensor, which are used to detect the length, width and height of the cigarette box and compare and verify them with the task information.

[0057] The push station and the lid opening station are connected, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the pushing station is equipped with a clamping and centering mechanism 2, a flipping mechanism 3, and a cigarette pushing mechanism 4. The pushing station also has a cigarette box conveyor line 1. The clamping and centering mechanism 2 and the flipping mechanism 3 are located above the cigarette box conveyor line 1, and the cigarette pushing mechanism 4 is located on one side of the cigarette box conveyor line 1. The clamping and centering mechanism 2 is used to center and position the cigarette box. It includes two clamping plates 21, which are arranged opposite each other along the conveying direction of the cigarette box conveyor line 1. A spacing adjustment mechanism is connected to the top of the two clamping plates 21, which moves the two clamping plates 21 closer together to clamp the sides of the cigarette box. Simultaneously, a lifting mechanism 22 is installed on the top of the clamping plates 21, allowing the clamping plates 21 to be raised and lowered.

[0058] The spacing adjustment mechanism and lifting mechanism 22 in this embodiment are both existing technologies. For example, the spacing adjustment mechanism can be a motor-driven slide rail assembly, and the lifting mechanism 22 can be a motor-driven lead screw and nut mechanism. The flip-top mechanism 3 is used to flip open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a set of flipping mechanisms 3 are provided on each side of the clamping and centering mechanism 2, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the cigarette box conveyor line 1. The specific structure of the flipping mechanism 3 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] Each clamping plate 21 is rotatably connected to a set of suction cup assemblies 23 on its outer side. The suction cup assemblies 23 can rotate relative to the clamping plate 21, adsorbing the cover. Compared to the cigarette box conveyor line 1 at the opening station, the cigarette box conveyor line 1 at the pushing station is also equipped with a capping assembly 6. The capping assembly 6 uses a motor-driven pressure rod 61 to press the lower cover in place. Figure 6 As shown, the cover assembly 6 includes a pressure rod 61, which is connected to a rotary motor 62. The pressure rod 61 is rotated under the drive of the rotary motor 62 to press the lower cover from the outside to the inside.

[0060] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the smoke pushing mechanism 4 includes a variable-pitch pusher 41 and a drive mechanism 42. The drive mechanism 42 is connected to one end of the variable-pitch pusher 41 and can drive the variable-pitch pusher 41 to move towards the smoke receiving station. The drive mechanism 42 can be any mechanism capable of linear motion.

[0061] The variable-pitch pusher head 41 includes two sets of push plates inserted laterally. These two sets of push plates are arranged in an inner and outer configuration, namely two interlocking outer push plates 416 and two interlocking inner push plates 411, together forming a smoke-pushing surface. The lateral movement of the two sets of push plates (parallel to the conveying direction of the smoke box conveyor line 1) allows for adjustment of the lateral dimensions of the smoke-pushing surface. The lateral movement of the push plates is achieved through a linear motion mechanism 415. The inner push plates 411 and their corresponding outer push plates 416 are connected by connecting frames 417, and the two connecting frames 417 are connected by the linear motion mechanism 415. The linear motion mechanism 415 is implemented using existing structures, such as a gear and rack transmission combined with a slide rail; its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The inner push plate 411 is connected to the lifting assembly 413, and the longitudinal dimension can be adjusted by the lifting movement of the inner push plate 411. Specifically, the inner push plate 411 and the connecting frame 417 cooperate through the slide rail assembly, and the lifting assembly 413 adopts a gear and rack mechanism, which is driven by a motor.

[0063] Meanwhile, a tilting plate 412 is hinged to the top of the inner push plate 411. The tilting plate 412 can be perpendicular to the smoke pushing surface, i.e., in a non-tilted state, which is suitable for smoke stacks with a small height range. The tilting plate 412 is connected to the pushing component 414 (cylinder or hydraulic cylinder). The pushing component 414 pushes the tilting plate 412 to rotate until it is coplanar with the inner push plate 411, further increasing the longitudinal dimension of the smoke pushing surface.

[0064] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the flipping conveyor line 5 includes a support frame 53 and a first conveying section 51 and a second conveying section 52 installed thereon. The ends of the first conveying section 51 and the second conveying section 52 that are connected to each other are rotating ends, so that both conveying sections can be flipped. The bottom of the support frame 53 is connected to a linear drive mechanism 54, which can drive the flipping conveyor line 5 to move along the smoke pushing direction.

[0065] Clamping plates 55 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first conveying section 51 and the second conveying section 52. The clamping plates 55 are rotatably connected to the support frame 53 and can rotate relative to the support frame 53 under the action of the pushing component 56 to clamp the tobacco stack from both sides. In this embodiment, the linear drive mechanism 54 adopts a linear slide rail assembly driven by a motor, and the pushing component 56 adopts a cylinder.

[0066] A liftable limit mechanism 8 is installed above the tilting conveyor line 5, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the limiting mechanism 8 includes a lifting mechanism 81, a telescopic component 82, and a limiting component 83. The limiting component 83 is connected to the lifting mechanism 81 via the telescopic component 82. The limiting component 83 includes two laterally inserted limiting plates 831. The size of the smoke receiving surface formed by the two limiting plates 831 is adjustable, and the adjustment method of the smoke receiving surface is similar to that of the push plate 411. The telescopic component 82 adopts a scissor-type structure, and the lifting mechanism 81 adopts an existing lifting structure. A push-out mechanism 9 is provided above the output conveyor line 7. The push-out mechanism 9 has the same structure as the limiting mechanism 8, but the installation direction of the limiting component 83 is opposite. The push-out mechanism 9 pushes the cigarette packs on the output conveyor line 7 to the next station.

[0067] The unpacking system in this embodiment also includes a control system, which is connected to the lid opening mechanism, clamping and centering mechanism 2, lid flipping mechanism 3, cigarette pushing mechanism 4, cigarette box conveying line 1, and flipping conveying line 5. The control system controls the coordinated actions of each mechanism according to the received task information to complete the automated unpacking operation of all types of cigarette boxes.

[0068] The full-specification unpacking system of this embodiment achieves adaptive conveying of cigarette boxes of different specifications through the width adjustment mechanism of the cigarette box conveyor line 1; the detection unit and opening mechanism of the opening station realize the detection and verification of cigarette boxes and the opening operation; the clamping centering mechanism 2, the flipping mechanism 3 and the cigarette pushing mechanism 4 of the pushing station realize the centering positioning, flipping and pushing operation of cigarette boxes, wherein the variable pitch push head 41 of the cigarette pushing mechanism 4 can adjust the size of the pushing surface in both the horizontal and vertical directions; the receiving station realizes the receiving and flipping operation of cigarette packs through the flipping conveyor line 5 and the limiting mechanism 8; the unified control of the control system realizes the coordinated action of each mechanism; the whole system realizes the fully automated unpacking operation of cigarette boxes of all specifications, improving the compatibility of equipment and production efficiency.

[0069] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for unpacking all product specifications, characterized in that, include: Receive task information; The task information includes at least the cigarette box specifications and the flip flag information; Control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station, open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, and then transport the opened cigarette box to the pushing station; The stacks of tobacco in the tobacco box are pushed onto the tipping conveyor line; Determine whether to execute the flip process based on the flip flag information in the task information; If it is determined that the flipping process will be executed, the flipping conveyor line will be controlled to flip the tobacco stack from a vertical state to a horizontal state and transport it to the replenishment position. If it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, the tobacco stack will be directly transported to the replenishment location.

2. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before controlling the conveyor line to transport the cigarette boxes to the opening station, the following steps are also included: Adjust the width of the cigarette box conveyor line according to the width of the cigarette box in the task information; Pushing the tobacco stacks inside the tobacco box to the tipping conveyor line includes: Control the flipping conveyor line to move towards the pushing station until it reaches the smoke receiving position of the pushing station; The tobacco stacks inside the tobacco box are pushed onto the flipping conveyor line, and the flipping conveyor line is controlled to move to the initial position.

3. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the flipping conveyor reaches the smoke receiving position, the limiting mechanism descends to the smoke supporting position.

4. A method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flipping conveyor line has a main flipping conveyor line and a secondary flipping conveyor line; If it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, the tobacco stack will be transported to the replenishment position by the main flipping conveyor line; If the flipping process is determined to be executed, the smoke stack is flipped and output by the main flipping conveyor line or the auxiliary flipping conveyor line.

5. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main flipping conveyor line and the auxiliary flipping conveyor line each include a first conveying section and a second conveying section; In the initial state, the first conveying section and the second conveying line of the main flipping conveyor line are both horizontal, and the first conveying section of the auxiliary flipping conveyor line is horizontal and the second conveying section is vertical. Controlling the flipping conveyor line to flip the tobacco stack from a vertical state to a horizontal state includes: When the second conveying section is in a vertical position, the first and second conveying sections are controlled to rotate clockwise simultaneously to flip the vertical tobacco stack located in the first conveying section to a horizontal position.

6. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 4, characterized in that, If it is determined that the flipping process will not be executed, subsequent processing will be performed based on the number of stack columns in the task information: If the smoke stack is a single column in the task information, the smoke stack enters the second conveyor section and the output conveyor line sequentially from the first conveyor section; If the task information indicates that there are multiple rows of smoke stacks, after the smoke stacks enter the second conveying section, the second conveying section and the output conveying line are controlled to run at different speeds, and the speed difference is used to separate the multiple rows of smoke stacks.

7. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the smoke box conveyor line to transport the smoke box to the opening station includes: The length, width, and height of the cigarette box are detected by the detection unit. The detected length, width, and height of the cigarette box are compared with the task information. If the comparison is consistent, control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station.

8. The method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push station is equipped with a clamping centering mechanism, a flip-up mechanism, and a cigarette pusher mechanism. The control and pushing of the tobacco stacks in the tobacco box into the flipping conveyor line includes: After the cigarette box is centered by the clamping and centering mechanism, the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box are opened by the flip-top mechanism. The smoke pushing mechanism pushes the stacks of tobacco in the tobacco box to the flipping conveyor line.

9. A method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 8, characterized in that, The smoke pushing mechanism includes a variable-pitch pusher head, which has a smoke pushing surface, and the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the smoke pushing surface are adjustable.

10. A method for unpacking all specifications of a product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unpacking station includes a first lid-opening station and a second lid-opening station; The control of the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the opening station, opening the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box, and then conveying the opened cigarette box to the pushing station includes: Control the cigarette box conveyor line to transport the cigarette box to the first opening station, cut the middle seam tape of the cigarette box at the first opening station and open the top cover; At the second opening station, the lower cover is adsorbed by a suction cup, and after forming a gap, the lower cover is cut open.

11. A full-specification unpacking system, characterized in that, include: A cigarette box conveyor line is used to transport cigarette boxes; an opening mechanism is provided above the cigarette box conveyor line, which is used to open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette boxes; A smoke-pushing mechanism, located at the output end of the smoke box conveyor line, is used to push out the smoke stacks inside the smoke box; A movable flipping conveyor line is used to receive and transport the stacks of tobacco pushed out by the tobacco pushing mechanism; The control system is connected to the lid opening mechanism, the smoke pushing mechanism, and the flipping conveyor line, and is used to control the coordinated action of each mechanism to complete the box opening operation.

12. A full-specification unpacking system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The opening station is equipped with a detection unit, which is used to detect the length, width and height of the cigarette box; The cigarette box conveyor line is equipped with a width adjustment mechanism.

13. A full-specification unpacking system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Above the cigarette pushing mechanism are a clamping centering mechanism and a flipping mechanism. The clamping centering mechanism is used to center and position the cigarette box, and the flipping mechanism is used to open the upper and lower covers of the cigarette box.

14. A full-specification unpacking system according to claim 11 or 13, characterized in that, The cigarette pushing mechanism includes a variable pitch pusher head, which includes two sets of push plates inserted laterally, and a lateral pushing component is connected between the two sets of push plates. The push plate is rotatably connected to a flip plate at its top, and the flip plate can switch between a horizontal and a vertical state.

15. A full-specification unpacking system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The flipping conveyor line includes a first conveying section and a second conveying section, and the end where the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line are connected to each other is a rotating end.

16. A full-specification unpacking system according to claim 11 or 15, characterized in that, A liftable limit mechanism is installed above the flipping conveyor line.

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