Five-surface shaping machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a five-face shaping machine which comprises a machine frame, a pair of first side face shaping assemblies oppositely arranged in the first direction and a pair of second side face shaping assemblies oppositely arranged in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each side face shaping assembly comprises a shaping plate and at least two linear guide mechanisms which are used for supporting the shaping plate and are parallel to each other. An adjustable connecting rod with the length capable of being finely adjusted is additionally arranged in at least one side face shaping assembly, and the two ends of the adjustable connecting rod are connected between the two parallel linear guide mechanisms of the assembly. The design aims at solving the technical problem that in the prior art, due to manufacturing and assembling errors of a rack, movement of the parallel guide mechanism is jammed. By conveniently adjusting the length of the connecting rod on site, the error can be accurately compensated, and the smoothness and parallelism of the movement of the shaping plate are ensured, so that the manufacturing cost and the assembly difficulty of equipment are remarkably reduced, and the operation reliability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of mechanical equipment, and in particular to a five-sided shaping machine for compacting, extruding and shaping articles, in particular large flexible packages (such as ton bags) or bulk materials. Background Art

[0002] In modern logistics and automated packaging, shapers are key equipment, especially when handling large, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo, such as stacked ton bags and large packaging boxes. These machines squeeze and compact the cargo from multiple directions, shaping it into a regular, uniformly sized cube for subsequent automated bundling, wrapping, storage, and transportation.

[0003] In order to adapt to goods of different sizes, some existing technical solutions, such as the intelligent shaping machine disclosed in Chinese patent CN113387021B, use a retractable shaping plate. This solution integrates a large number of components such as the main telescopic plate, side telescopic plates, sliders, chutes, and multiple cylinders inside each shaping plate to achieve the adjustment of the area of ​​a single shaping plate. Although this solves the adaptability problem of the cargo size to a certain extent, it makes the internal structure of each shaping mechanism extremely complicated, which not only greatly increases the manufacturing cost and failure rate, but also brings great inconvenience to the subsequent maintenance. In addition, this solution does not solve the problem of ensuring the parallelism of the coordinated movement between the two relative shaping mechanisms, and its overall accuracy is still limited by the processing level of the frame. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a shaping machine with simple structure, low cost, convenient assembly, reliable operation and smooth process flow to address the problems of complex structure and high cost of existing shaping machines.

[0005] A five-sided shaping machine, comprising:

[0006] a rack;

[0007] a pair of first side shaping assemblies disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, each of the first side shaping assemblies being mounted on the frame for reciprocating motion along the first direction and comprising a first shaping plate and at least two mutually parallel first linear guide mechanisms for supporting the first shaping plate;

[0008] a pair of second side shaping assemblies disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, each of the second side shaping assemblies being mounted on the frame for reciprocating movement along the second direction and comprising a second shaping plate and at least two second linear guide mechanisms parallel to each other for supporting the second shaping plate;

[0009] At least one of the pair of first side shaping assemblies and / or the pair of second side shaping assemblies further includes at least one adjustable connecting rod, the two ends of the adjustable connecting rod are respectively connected between two parallel linear guide mechanisms of the shaping assembly, and the length of the adjustable connecting rod can be fine-tuned.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjustable connecting rod includes a central sleeve and two screws threadedly connected to both ends of the sleeve respectively; the mating threads of the two screws and the sleeve have opposite rotation directions.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the at least one shaping component, the number of adjustable connecting rods connecting the two parallel linear guide mechanisms is two, and the two adjustable connecting rods are respectively arranged near the two ends of the linear guide mechanism in the length direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, in the at least one shaping assembly, each of the linear guide mechanisms includes a leg, one end of which is connected to the shaping plate of the shaping assembly; and the two adjustable connecting rods are connected between the legs of the two parallel linear guide mechanisms of the shaping assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first side shaping assembly is fixed to the frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the first side shaping assemblies further includes a first driving device for driving the first shaping plate to move.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second side shaping assembly is configured to be able to rise and fall as a whole along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the second side shaping assemblies further includes a second driving device for driving the second shaping plate to move.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second side shaping assembly is escalably mounted via at least one U-shaped sliding sleeve that partially surrounds the frame column, and rollers are mounted on three inner sides of the U-shaped sliding sleeve.

[0018] In one embodiment, the invention further comprises a top surface shaping assembly, wherein the top surface shaping assembly is configured to reciprocate along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are embodied in:

[0020] 1. Simplified structure and drastically reduced costs: Through the "adjustable connecting rod", the function of ensuring parallel motion is transferred from dependence on an expensive "high-precision frame" to the simple adjustment of a low-cost "standard mechanical part", reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] 2. Efficient assembly and convenient debugging: Transforming a high-precision technical problem into a simple on-site adjustment action greatly shortens the assembly and debugging cycle.

[0022] 3. Process optimization: Through the "liftable side shaping component", the "giving way" function between the shaping action and material transportation is realized, making the equipment layout more compact and the process smoother.

[0023] 4. Reliable operation and precise synchronization: Whether it is the mechanical synchronization brought by the "adjustable connecting rod" or the lifting stability brought by the "three-sided roller guide system", the long-term operation reliability of the equipment is ensured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a five-sided shaping machine in one embodiment of the present invention (illustrating the state when goods enter the station).

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 main view.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view of .

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the top shaping plate mechanism.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the front shaping mechanism.

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of part A.

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Magnified view of part B.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a five-sided shaping machine in one embodiment of the present invention (illustrating the state during shaping).

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 1. Frame; 11. Column; 12. Rectangular frame; 2. First side shaping assembly; 21. First mounting base; 211. First crossbeam; 212. First support; 22. First shaping plate; 23. First leg; 24. First slide rail; 25. First slider; 26. First drive unit; 27. Adjustable connecting rod; 271. Sleeve; 272. First screw; 273. Second screw; 3. Second side shaping assembly; 31. Second mounting base; 311. Second crossbeam; 312. Second support; 32. Second shaping plate; 33. Second leg; 34. Second slide rail; 35. Second slider; 36. Second drive unit; 37. Sleeve; 38. Roller; 4. Top surface shaping assembly; 41. Third mounting base; 42. Third shaping plate; 43. Third linear guide mechanism; 44. Third drive unit; 5. Goods; 6. Roller conveyor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following provides a clear and complete description of the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific details described below are only a portion of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can also be implemented in many other embodiments different from those described herein. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] In this document, when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The directional terms such as front, back, upper, and lower are defined based on the positions of the components in the drawings and in relation to each other, and are intended only for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this utility model.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] Refer to the attached Figure 1 To the attached Figure 7This embodiment discloses a five-sided shaping machine designed for efficiently and accurately compacting and shaping large, soft, or irregularly shaped cargo 5, particularly stacked ton bags. The shaping machine primarily comprises a frame 1 that serves as the main support, a pair of first side shaping assemblies 2 and a pair of second side shaping assemblies 3 for compressing the cargo's four sides, and a top surface shaping assembly 4 for compacting the top surface.

[0038] Rack 1

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The frame 1 serves as the load-bearing and mounting base for the entire equipment. In this embodiment, it is a sturdy gantry frame structure. This frame consists of four columns 11 arranged along the Z-axis (i.e., vertical direction) and a rectangular frame 12 connected to the upper ends of the columns 11 by welding or bolting. This frame structure defines the equipment's working volume and provides a stable and precise mounting surface for all other moving components. For ease of description, we define the direction of material entry as the X-axis, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis as the Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane as the Z-axis.

[0040] First side shaping component 2

[0041] Reference Figure 5 A pair of first side shaping assemblies 2 are disposed opposite each other along the Y-axis and are used to compress the two sides of the cargo 5 along the Y-axis. A single first side shaping assembly 2 includes a first mounting base 21, a first shaping plate 22, a first linear guide mechanism, and a first drive device 26.

[0042] The first mounting base 21 is fixed to the column 11 of the frame 1. In this embodiment, it is composed of a plurality of first beams 211 extending along the X-axis direction. These first beams 211 are arranged at intervals along the Z-axis direction, and both ends are firmly fixed to the column 11.

[0043] The first shaping plate 22 is a large-area plate-like structure, whose plate surface is parallel to the XZ plane. It is the working surface that directly applies pressure to the side of the cargo.

[0044] The first linear guide mechanism supports the first shaping plate 22 and guides it for precise reciprocating motion along the Y-axis. This mechanism includes several first legs 23 extending along the Y-axis, one end of which is fixedly connected to the back of the first shaping plate 22. The mechanism also includes first rails 24 extending along the Y-axis and a first slider 25 cooperating therewith. The first rails 24 are fixedly connected to the first legs 23, while the corresponding first slider 25 is secured to the first crossbeam 211 of the first mounting base 21 via a first support 212. The combination of multiple rails and sliders ensures high rigidity and stability during the movement of the first shaping plate 22.

[0045] The first driving device 26 is used to drive the first shaping plate 22 to move. In this embodiment, the first driving device 26 can be a transmission mechanism including a motor and a screw rod, or a high-thrust oil cylinder or electric cylinder.

[0046] In large-scale machinery, especially shaping machines like this one, it is necessary for two or more independent, large components (such as the first side shaping assembly 2) to maintain absolute parallel and synchronous motion over a long stroke. In traditional designs, achieving this requires the following two factors:

[0047] 1. Extremely high manufacturing precision: Frame 1 must be machined in an integrated manner using large precision machine tools (such as gantry milling machines) to ensure micron-level parallelism between the mounting surfaces of the guide rails on both sides (such as the first crossbeam 211). This results in extremely high processing costs and long production cycles.

[0048] 2. Extremely high assembly precision: During assembly, experienced technicians are required to repeatedly measure and adjust with the help of precision instruments such as laser collimators. This process is tedious and time-consuming.

[0049] In order to fundamentally solve the above pain points, the present invention designs an adjustable connecting rod 27. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , which includes a sleeve 271, a first screw 272 and a second screw 273. The sleeve 271 is a tubular or hexagonal part located in the middle of the connecting rod, and its two ends are respectively processed with internal threads. The first screw 272 and the second screw 273 are two independent screws, one end of which is processed with an external thread that matches the sleeve 271, and the other end is connected to the two opposite first legs 23 through a hinge joint or the like. The internal threads at both ends of the sleeve 271 and the external threads of the first screw 272 and the second screw 273 have opposite rotation directions. For example, the first screw 272 is a left-handed thread, while the second screw 273 is a right-handed thread. This structure is mechanically called a "basket bolt" or a "left-handed adjustment screw."

[0050] This structure achieves two crucial functions through a clever design:

[0051] A. Static function: transforming high-precision manufacturing into simple on-site adjustment

[0052] (1) Fault-tolerant installation: The worker first roughly installs the two first side shaping components 2 onto the rack 1. At this time, due to the manufacturing and installation errors of the rack 1 itself, it is almost impossible for the guide rails of the two components to be perfectly parallel.

[0053] (2) Connection and adjustment: Connect the adjustable connecting rod 27 to the two opposite first legs 23. At this time, the assembler only needs to use an ordinary wrench to rotate the sleeve 271 in the middle.

[0054] (3) Precise fine-tuning: Since the interior is a left-handed and right-handed thread, when the sleeve 271 rotates clockwise (or counterclockwise), the first screw 272 and the second screw 273 will simultaneously shrink inward or extend outward, thereby achieving micron-level precise adjustment of the total length of the adjustable connecting rod 27.

[0055] (4) Eliminating jamming: The worker can manually push the first shaping plate 22 back and forth while rotating the sleeve 271 until the shaping plate can slide smoothly throughout the entire stroke without any jamming. At this point, the length of the connecting rod has perfectly compensated for all the accumulated errors of the frame, making the two guide mechanisms actually "dynamically parallel."

[0056] B. Dynamic Function: Reliable and Low-cost Mechanical Synchronization

[0057] When the length is adjusted and locked, the adjustable connecting rod 27 becomes a high-rigidity mechanical connection during the operation phase of the equipment.

[0058] When the first drive device 26 pushes the first side shaping assembly 2 on one side, the force is instantly and seamlessly transmitted to the shaping assembly on the other side via the adjustable connecting rod 27, causing them to move toward or away from each other in complete synchronization. This purely mechanical synchronization method offers significant advantages over the complex electrical synchronization control using two independent motors, including lower cost, faster response, and more stable and reliable operation.

[0059] In summary, the adjustable connecting rod 27 transforms the problem of "relying on high-precision manufacturing in the early stage" into a design concept of "allowing errors and compensating them through simple adjustments in the later stage", which brings the following advantages to the equipment:

[0060] 1. Dramatic cost reduction: no need for expensive precision machining and heavy one-piece frames.

[0061] 2. Efficiency improvement: Assembly and debugging time is shortened from several days to several hours, greatly improving production efficiency.

[0062] 3. High reliability: Pure mechanical synchronous structure, stable and durable, easy to maintain.

[0063] Second side shaping component 3

[0064] A pair of second side shaping components 3 are arranged opposite to each other along the X-axis direction, and are used to squeeze the two side surfaces of the cargo 5 in the X-axis direction. Figure 5As shown, the basic structure of the second side shaping assembly 3 is substantially the same as that of the first side shaping assembly 2, and similarly includes a second mounting base 31, a second shaping plate 32, a second linear guide mechanism, and a second drive device 36. The second mounting base 31 includes a second crossbeam 311 and a second support 312 mounted on the second crossbeam 311. The second linear guide mechanism also comprises a second leg 33, a second slide rail 34, a second slider 35, and the like.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the entire second side shaping assembly 3 can be raised and lowered along the Z-axis. This facilitates the movement of goods 5 into and out of the shaping area. When goods need to enter or exit, a lifting drive (such as a long-stroke cylinder or chain drive) drives the entire second side shaping assembly 3 upward, freeing up sufficient space for the conveying system, such as the roller conveyor 6, below.

[0066] There are two major technical challenges in enabling a large and heavy mechanical component (such as the second side shaping component 3) to be lifted vertically over a long distance along the column 11:

[0067] 1. Stability and anti-twist: The assembly's center of gravity is not on the centerline of column 11, resulting in a significant cantilever effect. During the lifting process, any slight unevenness in driving force or external vibration can cause the assembly to wobble, tilt, or even "twist" (rotate around the column), resulting in jamming or misalignment.

[0068] 2. Friction and Smoothness: If traditional sliding friction is used (e.g., direct contact between the slider and the column), the enormous weight will generate extreme friction, requiring a very powerful drive and resulting in uneven movement and severe wear. Using precision four-sided wrapped linear bearings, on the other hand, would return to the old path of "high cost, high precision."

[0069] In order to solve the above pain points, the present invention designs a unique guide system consisting of a U-shaped sliding sleeve 37 and three-sided rollers 38 (see Figure 7 ).

[0070] The U-shaped sleeve 37 is a highly rigid C- or U-shaped metal component with an opening slightly larger than the cross-section of the column 11, allowing it to "half-enclose" the square or rectangular column 11. This U-shaped structure is the foundation for achieving three-sided contact. Several high-strength, wear-resistant rollers 38 are mounted on each of the three inner walls of the U-shaped sleeve 37. These rollers have distinct layouts and functions, working together to form an extremely stable guide system. The rollers located at the bottom of the U-shaped sleeve 37 (the side opposite the opening) primarily bear the majority of the assembly's weight and resist the moment generated by the cantilever effect that could cause the assembly to tip forward. They are essential for ensuring smooth vertical movement. The rollers located on the inner side of the two side arms of the U-shaped sleeve 37 adhere closely to the sides of the column 11. Their functions are: first, to prevent any shaking of the assembly in the Y-axis direction; second, through the restraint of the rollers on both sides, any twisting of the assembly around the column 11 (the Z-axis) is completely eliminated.

[0071] Top surface shaping component 4

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The top surface shaping assembly 4 is located at the top of the entire frame 1 and is used to vertically press down the top surface of the cargo 5. Its structure mainly includes a third mounting base 41, a third shaping plate 42, a third linear guide mechanism 43, and a third drive device 44.

[0073] The third mounting base 41, a relatively fixed rectangular frame, is mounted on the rectangular frame 12 at the top of the rack 1. The third shaping plate 42 is a working surface that directly applies pressure to the top surface of the cargo. The third linear guide mechanism 43 guides the third shaping plate 42 for smooth and precise elevation along the Z-axis. The third drive device 44 provides power for the elevation of the third shaping plate 42.

[0074] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 8 As shown, the workflow of the five-sided shaping machine of this application is as follows:

[0075] 1. Preparation and Feeding: Before shaping begins, all shaping mechanisms are in their initial reset state. Specifically, the first shaping plate 22 of the first side shaping assembly 2 and the second shaping plate 32 of the second side shaping assembly 3 are retracted to their outermost positions, and the third shaping plate 42 of the top surface shaping assembly 4 is in its highest position. In particular, the second side shaping assembly 3 is driven by its lifting drive and hoisted to its upper limit, allowing sufficient clearance for the cargo entrance. At this point, the cargo 5 to be shaped is transported along the X-axis by an external conveying system, such as a roller conveyor 6, to the central working position within the frame 1.

[0076] 2. Positioning and Lowering: After the cargo 5 is detected as in position by the sensor, the roller conveyor 6 stops. The lifting drive is activated, driving the second side shaping assembly 3 to descend smoothly to the preset working height. At this point, the cargo 5 is surrounded by the two first shaping plates 22 and the two second shaping plates 32.

[0077] 3. Top pre-compaction: The top surface shaping assembly 4 is started, and its third driving device 44 drives the third shaping plate 42 to move vertically downward, applying pressure to the top surface of the cargo 5.

[0078] 4. Four-way side extrusion: After the third shaping plate 42 remains in the downward state or completes the downward pressing, the first drive device 26 of the first side shaping assembly 2 and the second drive device 36 of the second side shaping assembly 3 are started, respectively driving their respective first shaping plates 22 and second shaping plates 32 to move toward each other along the Y-axis and X-axis directions, thereby synchronously squeezing the cargo 5 from four sides.

[0079] 5. Holding Pressure and Returning to the Initial Position: After reaching the preset shaping positions, the two first shaping plates 22, the two second shaping plates 32, and the third shaping plate 42 briefly hold pressure to release internal stress in the compressed material and enhance shaping. After the holding pressure ends, the first, second, and third drive devices 26, 36, and 44 reverse direction, returning all shaping plates to their initial return positions.

[0080] 6. Lifting and Discharging: After all shaping plates have been reset, the lifting drive of the second side shaping assembly 3 is reactivated, lifting it to its upper limit, clearing the exit passage. The roller conveyor 6 within the frame 1 is activated, transporting the shaped, neatly contoured goods 5 out of the machine along the X-axis. This completes a complete shaping cycle.

[0081] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present invention. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A five-sided shaping machine comprising: A frame, the frame comprising at least one column; a pair of first side shaping assemblies disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, each of the first side shaping assemblies being mounted on the frame for reciprocating motion along the first direction and comprising a first shaping plate and at least two mutually parallel first linear guide mechanisms for supporting the first shaping plate; a pair of second side shaping assemblies disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, each of the second side shaping assemblies being mounted on the frame for reciprocating movement along the second direction and comprising a second shaping plate and at least two second linear guide mechanisms parallel to each other for supporting the second shaping plate; It is characterized in that at least one shaping assembly in a pair of the first side shaping assemblies and / or a pair of the second side shaping assemblies further includes at least one adjustable connecting rod, the two ends of the adjustable connecting rod are respectively connected between two parallel linear guide mechanisms of the shaping assembly, and the length of the adjustable connecting rod can be fine-tuned.

2. The five-sided shaping machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustable connecting rod includes a sleeve in the middle and two screws respectively connected to the two ends of the sleeve through threads; the mating threads of the two screws and the sleeve have opposite rotation directions.

3. The five-sided shaping machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the at least one shaping assembly, there are two adjustable connecting rods connecting the two parallel linear guide mechanisms, and the two adjustable connecting rods are respectively arranged near the two ends of the linear guide mechanism in the length direction.

4. The five-sided shaping machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the at least one shaping assembly, each of the linear guide mechanisms includes a leg, one end of which is connected to the shaping plate of the shaping assembly; the two adjustable connecting rods are connected between the legs of the two parallel linear guide mechanisms of the shaping assembly.

5. The five-sided shaping machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first side shaping assembly is fixed on the frame.

6. The five-surface shaping machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the first side shaping assemblies further includes a first driving device for driving the first shaping plate to move.

7. The five-surface shaping machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second side shaping assembly is configured to be able to rise and fall as a whole along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. The five-surface shaping machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the second side shaping assemblies further includes a second driving device for driving the second shaping plate to move.

9. The five-surface shaping machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second side shaping assembly is installed in a liftable manner through at least one U-shaped sliding sleeve that partially surrounds the column, and rollers are installed on the three inner sides of the U-shaped sliding sleeve.

10. The five-surface shaping machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The invention also includes a top surface shaping assembly, wherein the top surface shaping assembly is configured to reciprocate along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

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