Sheet packaging box sorting module and automatic feeding equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of automation, and particularly discloses a sorting module for thin plate packaging boxes and automatic feeding equipment. Wherein the sorting module comprises a sorting head and a transposition driving assembly, the sorting head comprises a sorting sliding block, a micro-lifting mechanism and a clamping mechanism, and the micro-lifting mechanism and the clamping mechanism are arranged on the sorting sliding block; the micro-lifting mechanism comprises a lateral chuck and a micro-lifting driving piece, and the micro-lifting driving piece is used for driving the lateral chuck to move up and down; the clamping mechanism comprises an insertion plate and an insertion driving part, the insertion plate is horizontally arranged, and the insertion driving part is used for driving the insertion plate to move horizontally; the inserting end of the inserting plate and the lateral clamping head are arranged towards the same side. The transposition driving assembly is used for driving the sorting sliding block to move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The sorting module can improve the integrity of material pile sorting through micro-lifting operation, and has the advantage of being high in automation degree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation, and in particular to a sorting module and automated feeding equipment for thin sheet packaging boxes. Background Technology

[0002] Thin-plate packaging boxes are made by die-cutting cardboard and then folded and glued together for use. When there are many boxes, after die-cutting, they are usually stacked in a specific number to form a pile and placed on a pallet for storage and transportation.

[0003] However, packaging boxes need to be fed one by one in stacks during use. The sorting and transfer of these stacks is cumbersome and labor-intensive, making automation difficult. Furthermore, during stacking, adjacent layers often face different orientations, requiring orientation adjustments during feeding, further increasing the complexity. Additionally, because the boxes need to be folded individually for use, and considering the need for subsequent individual transport, the stacks are not secured during stacking. This makes it easy for boxes to remain on the stack during sorting, hindering the balance between sorting efficiency and completeness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a sorting module and automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes, which can improve the integrity of material stack sorting through micro-lifting operation and has the advantage of high degree of automation.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a sorting module for thin-plate packaging boxes, comprising a sorting head and a rotation drive assembly. The sorting head includes a sorting slider, a micro-lifting mechanism, and a clamping mechanism, wherein the micro-lifting mechanism and the clamping mechanism are disposed on the sorting slider; the micro-lifting mechanism includes a lateral clamp and a micro-lifting drive component, wherein the micro-lifting drive component is used to drive the lateral clamp to move up and down; the clamping mechanism includes an insert plate and a plug-in drive component, wherein the insert plate is horizontally disposed, and the plug-in drive component is used to drive the insert plate to move horizontally; the plug-in end of the insert plate is disposed on the same side as the lateral clamp; the rotation drive assembly is used to drive the sorting slider to move in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0006] During the feeding operation, the material stack is fed into the feeding area. The indexing drive assembly drives the sorting head to move into the feeding area and align it with one of the top stacks of the material stack. The lateral gripper clamps the side of the corresponding stack, and the micro-lift drive unit drives the lateral connector to lift a certain height, causing one side of the corresponding stack to lift and tilt, completing the micro-lifting operation. The insertion drive unit operates, driving the insertion plate to insert into the bottom of the stack from the bottom of the raised side, placing the stack on the insertion plate, completing the insertion operation and achieving reliable clamping of the stack. The indexing drive assembly then drives the sorting head and the stack to index and feed the material.

[0007] The micro-lifting operation clamps the side of the material pile and raises one side of the pile to a certain height, leaving space under the pile for the insertion of the insert plate. This reduces the resistance to insertion, ensuring smooth insertion and minimizing damage to the bottom packaging boxes. Furthermore, because the material pile is loosely stacked, the micro-lifting operation makes it easier for the insert plate to insert even if some bottom packaging boxes remain, as the pressure on the upper packaging boxes is reduced, thus reducing the amount of packaging boxes left on the stack after sorting.

[0008] The sorting module of this application can improve the integrity of material pile sorting through micro-lifting operation, and has the advantage of high degree of automation.

[0009] Preferably, the lateral chuck includes an opening and closing drive and two parallel vertically extending clamping plates, wherein the opening and closing drive is used to drive the clamping plates to open and close relative to each other.

[0010] Preferably, the insertion end of the insert plate is connected to an elastic insert, which is tilted downwards in its natural state.

[0011] The flexible insert can guide the insertion of the insert plate under the material pile, reducing the amount of material left on the stack after each pile is sorted.

[0012] Preferably, the indexing drive assembly includes a horizontal indexing drive mechanism, a vertical indexing drive mechanism, and a longitudinal indexing drive mechanism; the horizontal indexing drive mechanism includes a column and a horizontal drive member, the column being vertically arranged, and the horizontal drive member driving the column to move horizontally; the vertical indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal beam and a vertical drive member, the longitudinal beam being horizontally arranged and slidably connected to the column, the vertical drive member being mounted on the column and driving the longitudinal beam to move vertically; the longitudinal indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal drive member, the sorting slider being slidably mounted on the longitudinal beam, and the longitudinal drive member driving the sorting slider to move along the longitudinal beam.

[0013] Preferably, the clamping mechanism further includes a clamping and pressing mechanism, which includes a pressure plate and a pressing drive. The pressure plate and the insert plate are positioned opposite each other, and the pressing drive is used to drive the pressure plate to move up and down.

[0014] During the sorting and transfer process, the material pile is located in the compaction zone. The pressure plate and the pallet work together to press the material pile tightly from above and below, achieving reliable clamping and effectively preventing the material pile from scattering during the transfer process, thus ensuring the smooth progress of the sorting and transfer process.

[0015] Preferably, the sorting module further includes a partition picking assembly, which includes a negative pressure adsorption unit and a picking drive component. The picking drive component is used to drive the negative pressure adsorption unit to move in the horizontal and vertical directions. The frame is also provided with a partition storage unit.

[0016] Preferably, the picking drive includes a main drive unit and an auxiliary drive unit. The negative pressure adsorption unit and the auxiliary drive unit are disposed on the sorting slider, and the rotation drive unit is used as the main drive unit. The negative pressure adsorption unit is disposed downward, and the auxiliary drive unit is used to drive the negative pressure adsorption unit to move up and down. In the horizontal direction, the negative pressure adsorption unit is disposed corresponding to the insertion end of the insertion plate.

[0017] During stacking, packaging boxes are separated into upper and lower layers using partitions. After the sorting and feeding operation of each layer is completed, the pick-up drive unit operates, driving the negative pressure adsorption unit to move above the top partition to adsorb the partition and transfer it to the partition storage unit, thus achieving automated partition pickup and further improving the automation level of feeding. Simultaneously, during the insertion of the insert plate below the stack, the negative pressure adsorption unit, under the action of the auxiliary drive unit, can move downwards and press down on the current or adjacent stacks, preventing stack movement and ensuring smooth insertion of the insert plate.

[0018] An automated feeding device for sheet metal packaging boxes includes a frame and a sorting module as described above.

[0019] Preferably, the frame is provided with a feeding area; it also includes a sorting control component, which includes a first vision detection unit located above and facing the feeding area; the first vision detection unit is used to detect the specific position of the pallet and stack in the feeding area, providing a basis for the operation of the sorting head and the indexing drive component. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2This is a structural schematic diagram of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes from another perspective in this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the sorting head is in the state of gripping the material pile.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the sorting head is in a state of cooperation with the conveying component.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the sorting head is in the partition removal state.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting module in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting head in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting head in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment, which is currently in a slightly raised state;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a front view of the sorting head in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment, which is in a slightly raised state at this time;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting head in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the partition picking component is in the partition picking state.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment module, the feeding module and the conveying components in the automated feeding equipment for thin sheet packaging boxes in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment module in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in the horizontal flipping state in this embodiment;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal flipping component in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0034] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal flipping component in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the flipping frame is in the first position state.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of the longitudinal flipping component in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the flipping frame is in the third position.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal flipping component in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the flipping frame is in the second position state.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the material pile is located at the feeding station.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. At this time, the material pile is in the lifting state.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping robot in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment;

[0040] Figure 21 This is a front view of the gripping robot in the automated feeding equipment for thin-plate packaging boxes in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Example

[0042] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, an automated feeding device for thin sheet packaging boxes includes a frame 1, a sorting module 2, an adjustment module 3, and a feeding module 4. The frame 1 is provided with a feeding area 11 and an adjustment area 12, as shown... Figure 11 As shown, the adjustment area 12 is equipped with an adjustment station, a feed station, and a conveying assembly 6, which is arranged along the adjustment station to the feed station. Specifically, the adjustment station includes a transition station, a horizontal flipping station, and a vertical flipping station, which are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 6.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 11As shown, the conveying assembly 6 includes a transition mechanism, a first section 62, and a second section 63. The transition mechanism corresponds to the inlet end of the first section 62, and the outlet end of the first section 62 corresponds to the second section 63. The transition mechanism includes a lifting platform 612 and a lifting drive unit 611. The lifting platform 612 is vertically movably mounted on the frame 1, and the lifting drive unit 611 drives the lifting platform 612 to move vertically. The lifting platform 612 is equipped with a transition drive component, which drives the material pile to move horizontally. The first section 62 and the second section 63 operate independently. The first section 62 includes a conveyor belt, and the second section 63 includes a feeding slider and a feeding drive component. The feeding slider is horizontally movably mounted on the frame 1, and the feeding drive component drives the feeding slider to move in translational motion.

[0044] The lifting platform 612 can move up and down relative to the first segment 62. When the height of the material stack is high and higher than the first segment 62, the lifting platform is raised to a position higher than the first segment 62 to cooperate with the sorting module 2 to receive the material. When the height of the material stack is low and lower than the first segment 62, the lifting platform is lowered to a position lower than the first segment 62 to cooperate with the sorting module 2 to receive the material, thereby reducing the movement distance of the sorting module 2 and playing a role in balancing the cycle.

[0045] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the sorting module 2 includes a sorting head 21 and a rotation drive assembly 22. The sorting head 21 includes a sorting slider 211, a micro-lifting mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. Figures 7-10 As shown, the micro-lifting mechanism includes a side plate 212, a lateral gripper 213, and a micro-lifting drive component. The side plate 212 is fixedly disposed below the sorting slider 211, and the lateral gripper 213 is located on one side of the side plate 212. The lateral gripper 213 includes an opening and closing drive component and two parallel vertically extending gripping plates. The opening and closing drive component is used to drive the gripping plates to open and close relative to each other. The micro-lifting drive component is disposed on the side plate 212 and is used to drive the lateral gripper 213 to move up and down relative to the side plate 212.

[0046] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the clamping mechanism includes an insert plate 214 and an insertion drive component. The insert plate 214 is horizontally disposed below the sorting slider 211 and is horizontally slidably connected to the sorting slider 211. The insertion drive component is used to drive the insert plate 214 to move horizontally. Furthermore, the insertion end of the insert plate 214 and the side clamp 213 are arranged facing the same side.

[0047] The micro-lifting operation clamps the side of the material pile and raises one side of the pile to a certain height, leaving space under the material pile for the insertion of the insert plate 214. This reduces the resistance to insertion, ensuring smooth insertion and minimizing damage to the bottom packaging boxes. Simultaneously, because the material pile is loosely stacked, the micro-lifting operation makes it easier for the insert plate 214 to insert even if some bottom packaging boxes remain, as the pressure on the upper packaging boxes is reduced, thus reducing the amount of packaging boxes left on the stack after sorting. Furthermore, the lateral gripper 213 can withstand the horizontal thrust applied to the material pile during the insertion of the insert plate 214, preventing horizontal movement of the material pile during insertion.

[0048] Specifically, the insertion end of the insert plate 214 is connected to an elastic insert, which is inclined downwards in its natural state. The elastic insert guides the insertion plate 214 under the material pile, reducing the amount of material left on the stack after sorting each pile.

[0049] Further, such as Figures 7-10 As shown, the clamping mechanism further includes a clamping and pressing mechanism 215, which includes a pressure plate and a pressing drive. The pressure plate is positioned between the sorting slider 211 and the insert plate 214, and is vertically opposed to the insert plate 214, forming a pressing zone between the pressure plate and the insert plate 214. The pressing drive is used to drive the pressure plate to move up and down. During the sorting and transfer process, the material pile is located within the pressing zone. The pressure plate and the pallet cooperate to press the material pile up and down, achieving reliable clamping, effectively preventing the material pile from scattering during the transfer process, and ensuring the smooth progress of the sorting and transfer process.

[0050] The indexing drive assembly 22 is used to drive the sorting slider 211 to move in the horizontal and vertical directions and to index between the feeding area 11 and the adjustment area 12. The indexing drive assembly 22 includes a horizontal indexing drive mechanism, a vertical indexing drive mechanism, and a longitudinal indexing drive mechanism. Specifically, the horizontal indexing drive mechanism includes a column 222 and a horizontal drive member. The column 222 is vertically arranged and slidably connected to the frame 1. The horizontal drive member is used to drive the column 222 to move horizontally. The vertical indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal beam 221 and a vertical drive member. The longitudinal beam 221 is horizontally arranged and slidably connected to the column 222. The vertical drive member is mounted on the column 222 and is used to drive the longitudinal beam 221 to move vertically. The longitudinal indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal drive member. The sorting slider 211 is slidably mounted on the longitudinal beam 221. The longitudinal drive member is used to drive the sorting slider 211 to move along the longitudinal beam 221.

[0051] Further, such as Figures 7-10As shown, the sorting module 2 further includes a partition picking assembly 23, which includes a negative pressure adsorption unit 232 and a picking drive unit 231. The frame 1 is also equipped with a partition storage unit 13. The picking drive unit 231 is used to drive the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 to move horizontally and vertically, and to rotate between the feeding area 11 and the partition storage unit 13.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figures 7-10 As shown, the pickup drive unit 231 includes a main drive unit and an auxiliary drive unit. The negative pressure adsorption unit 232 and the auxiliary drive unit are disposed on the sorting slider 211, and the rotation drive unit is used as the main drive unit. The negative pressure adsorption unit 232 is disposed downward, and the auxiliary drive unit is used to drive the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 to move up and down. In the horizontal direction, the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 is disposed corresponding to the insertion end of the insertion plate 214.

[0053] During stacking, the packaging boxes are separated into upper and lower layers using partitions. After the sorting and feeding operation of each layer of the stack is completed, the pick-up drive unit 231 operates, driving the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 to move above the uppermost partition to adsorb the partition and transfer it to the partition storage unit 13, thus achieving automated partition pickup and further improving the automation level of feeding. Simultaneously, during the insertion of the insert plate 214 into the lower part of the stack, the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 can move downwards under the action of the auxiliary drive unit and press down on the current or adjacent stacks, preventing the stacks from shifting and ensuring the smooth insertion of the insert plate 214.

[0054] Furthermore, the sorting module 2 also includes a sorting control component, which includes a first vision detection unit located above and facing the feeding area 11. The first vision detection unit is used to detect the specific position of the pallet and stack in the feeding area 11, providing a basis for the operation of the sorting head 21 and the indexing drive component 22.

[0055] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the adjustment module 3 is located at the adjustment station, and the adjustment module 3 includes a horizontal flipping component 31 and a vertical flipping component 32. The adjustment module 3 can perform horizontal turning and vertical flipping operations on the material pile to ensure that the material pile has a consistent posture when it arrives at the feed station and meets the usage requirements.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 13As shown, the horizontal flipping assembly 31 includes a clamp 311 and a horizontal flipping drive mechanism. The clamp 311 includes two support arms, which are arranged in parallel along the vertical direction. The conveying assembly 6 is located between the two support arms. The inner sides of the two support arms are respectively provided with a support plate. The horizontal flipping drive mechanism is used to drive the bracket to lift and rotate around the vertical center line.

[0057] like Figure 13 As shown, the horizontal flipping drive mechanism includes a first mounting block, a lifting drive component 313, and a rotation drive component 312. The lifting drive component 313 is mounted on the frame 1 and is used to drive the first mounting block to move up and down. The clamp 311 is rotatably connected to the first mounting block, and the rotation drive component 312 is used to drive the clamp 311 to rotate.

[0058] During the horizontal flipping operation, the conveying component 6 feeds the material pile between the two support arms. The lifting drive component 313 drives the clamp 311 and the material pile to rise synchronously. Then, the rotation drive component 312 drives the first mounting block, the clamp 311 and the material pile to rotate horizontally synchronously, thereby achieving the attitude adjustment of the material pile in the horizontal direction.

[0059] The horizontal flipping drive assembly further includes a sorting control assembly, which includes a second vision detection unit. The second vision detection unit is positioned above and facing the conveying assembly 6, and along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 6, it is aligned with or located in front of the tray 311. The second vision detection unit detects the posture of the material pile entering the tray 311, providing a basis for determining whether horizontal flipping is necessary, and controlling the working state of the horizontal flipping assembly 31.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 14 As shown, the longitudinal flipping assembly 32 includes a flipping frame 321 and a longitudinal flipping drive mechanism 323. The longitudinal flipping drive mechanism 323 drives the flipping frame 321 to rotate, and the rotation center line is located in the horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 6. The flipping frame 321 has at least two position states, such as... Figure 15 As shown, in the first position, the opening of the flipping frame 321 faces the inlet end of the conveying assembly 6, as... Figure 17 As shown, in the second position state, the opening of the flipping frame 321 is set towards the outlet end of the conveying assembly 6.

[0061] During the longitudinal flipping operation, the flipping frame 321 is initially in the first position. The conveying component 6 conveys the material pile, which enters the flipping frame 321 through the opening. Subsequently, the flipping drive mechanism operates, and the flipping frame 321 and the material pile synchronously flip longitudinally to the second position. The material pile then falls back onto the conveying component 6, achieving longitudinal posture adjustment of the material pile.

[0062] like Figures 14-17 As shown, the flip frame 321 is provided with a flip positioning unit 324. The flip positioning unit 324 includes a flip positioning block and a positioning drive. The flip positioning block is located on one side of the flip frame 321, and the positioning drive is used to drive the flip positioning block to move.

[0063] Further, such as Figures 14-17 As shown, the longitudinal flipping assembly 32 further includes an end-oriented tidying mechanism 322, which includes an end-oriented tidying block and an end-oriented tidying drive. The end-oriented tidying drive drives the end-oriented tidying block to translate along a direction parallel to the rotation center line of the flipping frame 321. The flipping frame 321 also has at least a third position state, such as... Figure 16 As shown, in the third position state, the opening of the flip frame 321 is set upward, and the end-oriented tidying block is located at one end of the flip frame 321.

[0064] During the longitudinal flipping process, after the material pile enters the flipping frame 321, the flipping positioning block presses the material pile firmly in the thickness direction to prevent it from scattering during the flipping process. As the flipping frame 321 flips from the first position to the second position, it pauses at the third position. The flipping positioning unit 324 releases, and the end-oriented tidying mechanism 322 operates to perform end-oriented tidying and alignment of the material pile. Then, the flipping positioning unit 324 presses the material pile firmly again, and the flipping continues to the second position. The flipping positioning unit 324 and the end-oriented tidying mechanism 322 work together to tidy the material pile, creating conditions for subsequent feeding operations.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the longitudinal flipping component 32 is located between the first segment 62 and the second segment 63. When the clamping frame is in the first position, the opening of the clamping frame is aligned with the first segment 62; when the clamping frame is in the second position, the opening of the clamping frame is aligned with the feeding slider. The independent arrangement of the first segment 62 and the second segment 63 not only allows for better cooperation with the clamping frame but also enables independent operation between the adjustment module 3 and the feeding module 4, facilitating the adjustment of the overall working rhythm of the equipment.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 14As shown, the flip frame 321 has slots on both sides that match the conveying component 6. When the flip frame 321 is in the first position state and the second position state, the material pile can be seamlessly connected with the conveying component 6 to ensure the smoothness of the conveying.

[0067] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the feeding module 4 is located at the feeding station. The feeding module 4 includes a clamping robot 43 and a feeding drive assembly. The feeding drive assembly is used to drive the clamping robot 43 to move in the vertical and horizontal directions. The feeding module 4 can automatically complete the clamping and feeding operations of the material pile for subsequent packaging of the packaging box.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the feed drive assembly includes a feed bracket 41 and a clamping cantilever 42, with the clamping manipulator 43 mounted on the clamping cantilever 42. The feed bracket 41 is horizontally slidably connected to the frame 1, and the frame 1 is also provided with a horizontal feed drive component for driving the feed bracket 41. The clamping cantilever 42 is vertically slidably connected to the feed bracket 41, and the feed bracket 41 is also provided with a vertical feed drive component for driving the clamping cantilever 42 vertically.

[0069] The horizontal feed drive is used to drive the feed bracket 41, the clamping cantilever 42 and the clamping robot 43 to move horizontally synchronously. The vertical feed drive is used to drive the clamping cantilever 42 and the clamping robot 43 to move vertically synchronously. The horizontal feed drive and the vertical feed drive work together to complete the feeding operation of the material pile.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the gripping robot 43 includes a gripping base, on which are provided long grippers 432 and short grippers 431. The long gripper 432 includes a first gripping drive and two sets of parallel long gripping arms, the first gripping drive driving the two sets of long gripping arms to move relative to each other. The short gripper 431 includes a second gripping drive and two sets of parallel short gripping arms, the second gripping drive driving the two sets of parallel short gripping arms to move relative to each other. Both the long and short gripping arms are arranged vertically and enclose a gripping area, with the lower end of the short gripping arm higher than the lower end of the long gripping arm. Specifically, a receiving block is provided on the inner side of the lower end of the long gripper 432.

[0071] During the feeding operation, the conveying assembly 6 transports the material pile to the feeding station. The long gripper 432 of the clamping robot 43 grips the material pile and lifts it away from the conveying assembly 6, while the short gripper 431 is in a released state. During feeding, the short gripper 431 grips the material pile, and the long gripper 432 releases it. Due to the height difference between the lower ends of the short and long grippers, the packaging boxes between the lower ends of the long gripper 432 and the short gripper 431 can fall freely for feeding, while the upper packaging boxes remain gripped by the short gripper 431. Subsequently, the long gripper 432 closes, the short gripper 431 releases, and the material pile falls onto the long gripper 432. The packaging boxes are then fed in batches and in measured quantities by closing the long gripper 432 and opening the short gripper 431 again. The long gripper 432 and the short gripper 431 work together to sequentially release and grip, achieving quantitative feeding of the material pile.

[0072] During the feeding operation, the stack 5 is fed into the feeding area 11. The indexing drive assembly 22 drives the sorting head 21 to move into the feeding area 11 and align it with one of the uppermost stacks 51 of the stack 5. The lateral chuck 213 clamps the side of the corresponding stack 51, and the micro-lifting drive drives the lateral connector to lift a certain height, causing one side of the corresponding stack 51 to lift and tilt, completing the micro-lifting operation. The insertion drive works, driving the insertion plate 214 to insert into the bottom of the stack 51 from the bottom of the raised side of the corresponding stack, placing the stack on the insertion plate 214, completing the insertion operation and achieving reliable clamping of the stack. The indexing drive assembly 22 drives the sorting head 21 and the stack to be indexed to the adjustment module 3. After horizontal and flipping adjustments, the feeding module 4 clamps and completes the feeding operation.

[0073] The automated feeding equipment of this application can improve the integrity of material pile sorting through micro-lifting operation, and has the advantage of high degree of automation.

[0074] An automated feeding method for thin sheet packaging boxes, employing the automated feeding equipment described above, includes at least the following steps:

[0075] S1. Sorting: Send the stack 5 into the feeding area 11 and determine whether there is a material pile 51 on the top layer of the stack 5. If there is a material pile 51 on the top layer, proceed to step S11; if there is no material pile 51 on the top layer, proceed to step S13.

[0076] S11. Gripping: At station 22, the indexing drive assembly drives the sorting head 21 to move to the height of the topmost packaging box in the stack 5 and align it with one of the stacks 51. The lateral gripper 213 operates, gripping the stack 51 from one side. The micro-lift drive unit drives the lateral gripper 213 to lift a certain height, simultaneously raising the corresponding side of the stack 51. The insertion drive unit drives the insertion plate 214 to insert from the bottom of the corresponding side of the stack 51 below, thus receiving the stack 51.

[0077] S12. Shifting: The shifting drive assembly 22 drives the sorting head 21 and the material pile 51 to shift onto the conveying assembly 6 in the adjustment area 12, and enters step S2.

[0078] S13. Partition Pickup: The pickup drive unit 231 drives the negative pressure adsorption unit 232 to move above the material stack 5, adsorb the partition, and transfer it to the partition storage unit 13.

[0079] S2. Attitude adjustment: The conveying component 6 conveys the material pile 51 to the horizontal flipping station in the adjustment station, and enters the space between the clamps 311.

[0080] S21. Horizontal Tilting: The sorting control component determines whether the current material pile 51 needs to be horizontally tilted. If horizontal tilting is required, the horizontal tilting drive mechanism operates, driving the bracket and material pile 51 to rise and tilt horizontally 180°, then descending, and the material pile 51 falls back onto the conveying component 6. If horizontal tilting is not required, the conveying component 6 continues to operate, driving the material pile 51 forward to the longitudinal tilting station.

[0081] S22. Longitudinal Tilting: In the initial state, the tilting frame 321 is in the first position, and the material pile 51 enters the tilting frame 321 through the opening. The tilting positioning unit 324 clamps the material pile 51. The longitudinal tilting drive mechanism 323 operates, and the tilting frame 321 rotates to the third position. The tilting positioning unit 324 releases the material pile 51, and the end-aligning mechanism 322 pushes the material pile 51 to align its ends. The tilting positioning unit 324 then re-clamps the material pile 51. The longitudinal tilting drive mechanism 323 operates, and the tilting frame 321 rotates to the second position. The tilting positioning unit 324 releases, and the material pile 51 falls onto the conveying assembly 6.

[0082] S3. Feeding: The conveying assembly 6 transports the material pile 51 to the feeding station. The long gripper 432 clamps the material pile 51 and lifts it away from the conveying assembly 6. The feeding drive assembly drives the gripping robot 43 to rotate to the feeding device. The short gripper 431 clamps the material pile 51, and the long gripper 432 releases the material pile 51, allowing the packaging box to fall freely between the lower ends of the long gripper 432 and the short gripper 431. Subsequently, the long gripper 432 closes, the short gripper 431 releases, and the material pile 51 falls onto the long gripper 432, completing a single quantitative feeding. Then, the long gripper 432 and the short gripper 431 open sequentially until a single material pile 51 is fed in a quantitative manner.

[0083] In summary, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sorting module for thin-plate packaging boxes, characterized in that: The system includes a sorting head and a rotation drive assembly. The sorting head includes a sorting slider, a micro-lifting mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The micro-lifting mechanism and the clamping mechanism are mounted on the sorting slider. The micro-lifting mechanism includes a lateral chuck and a micro-lifting drive component, which drives the lateral chuck to move up and down. The clamping mechanism includes an insert plate and a plug-in drive component. The insert plate is horizontally positioned, and the plug-in drive component drives the insert plate to move horizontally. The plug-in end of the insert plate faces the same side as the lateral chuck. The rotation drive assembly drives the sorting slider to move in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

2. The sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lateral chuck includes an opening and closing drive and two parallel vertically extending clamping plates. The opening and closing drive is used to drive the clamping plates to open and close relative to each other.

3. The sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insertion end of the insert plate is connected to an elastic insert, which is tilted downwards in its natural state.

4. The sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aforementioned indexing drive assembly includes a horizontal indexing drive mechanism, a vertical indexing drive mechanism, and a longitudinal indexing drive mechanism. The horizontal indexing drive mechanism includes a column and a horizontal drive component. The column is vertically positioned, and the horizontal drive component drives the column to move horizontally. The vertical indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal beam and a vertical drive component. The longitudinal beam is horizontally positioned and slidably connected to the column. The vertical drive component is mounted on the column and drives the longitudinal beam to move vertically. The longitudinal indexing drive mechanism includes a longitudinal drive component. The sorting slider is slidably mounted on the longitudinal beam, and the longitudinal drive component drives the sorting slider to move along the longitudinal beam.

5. The sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism further includes a clamping and pressing mechanism, which includes a pressure plate and a pressing drive. The pressure plate and the insert plate are positioned opposite each other, and the pressing drive is used to drive the pressure plate to move up and down.

6. An automated feeding device for thin sheet packaging boxes, characterized in that: It includes a rack and a sorting module as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The automated feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The frame is provided with a feeding area; it also includes a sorting control component, which includes a first vision detection unit located above and facing the feeding area; the first vision detection unit is used to detect the specific position of the pallet and stack in the feeding area, providing a basis for the operation of the sorting head and the indexing drive component.

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