Grouping device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a grouping device which comprises a conveying line, a conveying line and a downstream intercepting component, and the conveying line is used for continuously conveying products. The upstream limiting component is arranged on the upstream of the conveying line, provided with a limiting structure matched with a product in a limiting mode and used for limiting the upstream product to be conveyed to the downstream. The downstream intercepting part is arranged on the downstream of the conveying line, is used for intercepting products and is matched with the upstream limiting part, so that the products are grouped between the upstream limiting part and the downstream intercepting part, and the downstream intercepting part comprises a blocking part and a moving part for driving the blocking part to move; the blocking piece moves along with the moving piece so as to adjust the distance between the blocking piece and the upstream limiting component. The distance between the blocking piece and the upstream limiting component can be adjusted. In this way, the forms (grouping length specifications) of the cup-connected products capable of being contained between the blocking piece and the upstream limiting component are different, and the problem that an existing grouping device can only group the cup-connected products of one form is solved.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of packaging equipment technology, and specifically relates to a grouping device. [Background Technology]

[0002] Linked cup products are a type of packaging where the cups are arranged in a matrix and connected as a single unit, commonly found in yogurt products. Early production volumes of linked cup products were low; after being produced by filling equipment, they could be shipped out in groups and then handed over to packaging equipment for boxing, with the output of the filling and packaging equipment being relatively consistent. Currently, however, the production pace of linked cup products has accelerated, and output has continuously increased. This has led to a buildup of continuously arranged linked cup products on the conveyor line between the filling and packaging equipment, making it difficult to maintain the spacing required for packaging operations.

[0003] To maintain the required spacing for packaging operations when multiple cups are stacked on the conveyor line, they need to be grouped. Existing grouping devices for multiple cups employ a two-cylinder configuration. The two cylinders are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the multiple cups. During operation, the two cylinders extend into the conveyor line in a clamping manner. A group of multiple cups is separated from the stacked multiple cups in the area between the two cylinders. Then, the downstream cylinder releases the separated multiple cups, completing one grouping operation. The downstream cylinder then returns to the clamping position, and the upstream cylinder releases, releasing the stacked multiple cups. At this point, another group of multiple cups is distributed between the two cylinders. Then, the upstream cylinder returns to the clamping position. Repeating this process allows multiple cups to be output in groups.

[0004] However, the fixed size of the area between the two sets of cylinders in this grouping device means that the grouping device can only group one type of joint cup product. [Utility Model Content]

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a grouping device that can only group products of one type.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A grouping device, comprising:

[0008] A conveyor line for continuously conveying products;

[0009] An upstream limiting component is provided, which is located upstream of the conveyor line and has a limiting structure that cooperates with the product limiting component to restrict the upstream product from being conveyed downstream.

[0010] A downstream intercepting component is located downstream of the conveyor line and is used to intercept products. It cooperates with an upstream limiting component to group the products between the upstream limiting component and the downstream intercepting component. The downstream intercepting component includes a blocking member for blocking the products and a moving member that moves the blocking member. The blocking member moves with the moving member to adjust the distance between itself and the upstream limiting component.

[0011] Preferably, the moving component is a synchronous belt, which is mounted on two synchronous pulleys and supported by the two pulleys to form a ring structure with arc segments at both ends and a straight segment in the middle. One of the pulleys is connected to the driving component.

[0012] Preferably, the synchronous belt is positioned above the conveyor line, and its straight section is parallel to the conveying plane of the conveyor line, so that the movement direction of the blocking component in the straight section of the synchronous belt is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor line; after grouping is completed, the synchronous belt drives the blocking component to continue running, and at the same time, the synchronous belt and the conveyor line cooperate to output the grouped products outward in a smooth manner.

[0013] Preferably, the blocking member has a rectangular structure and its length direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight segment.

[0014] Preferably, the blocking element is fixed to the timing belt with screws.

[0015] Preferably, the downstream interception component further includes a second bridge bracket, and the timing belt is mounted on the top wall of the second bridge bracket.

[0016] Preferably, the conveyor line includes at least two conveyor belts arranged side by side, and the downstream interception component is provided with at least two synchronous belts that cooperate with the at least two conveyor belts.

[0017] Preferably, the upstream limiting component includes a pressing member and a supporting member, which cooperate to form a clamping and limiting structure for clamping and fixing the top flange of the product.

[0018] Preferably, the pressing component is driven to press down by a pressing cylinder, and the supporting component has supporting surfaces on both sides of the product.

[0019] Preferably, the upstream limiting component further includes a first bridge bracket, the downward pressing cylinder is installed on the top wall of the first bridge bracket, and the support member on the side of the conveyor line is installed on the side wall of the first bridge bracket.

[0020] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. The conveyor line is used to transport products to be grouped. An upstream limiting component is located upstream of the conveyor line to restrict the transport of upstream products downstream. A downstream intercepting component is located downstream of the conveyor line to intercept products and works in conjunction with the upstream limiting component to achieve product grouping between the upstream limiting component and the downstream intercepting component. In use, the conveyor line continuously transports linked cup products or other combined products. When the linked cup products pass the upstream limiting component, the downstream end of the products to be grouped is blocked by the blocking component. Then, the upstream limiting component restricts the movement of the upstream linked cup products to the blocking component. Due to the continuous transport of the conveyor line, a certain distance is formed between the products between the upstream limiting component and the downstream intercepting component, as well as between the upstream ungrouped products and the downstream grouped products, thus achieving product grouping between the upstream limiting component and the downstream intercepting component. After grouping, the blocking component releases its restriction on the downstream end of the grouped products, and the grouped linked cup products continue to be transported downstream along the conveyor line.

[0022] Since the blocking component can move with the moving component, the distance between the blocking component and the upstream limiting component can be adjusted. This allows for the arrangement of different types (group length specifications) of linked cup products that can be accommodated between the blocking component and the upstream limiting component, solving the problem that existing grouping devices can only group one type of linked cup product.

[0023] 2. The moving part is a synchronous belt, which is installed on two synchronous pulleys. The synchronous belt is supported by the two synchronous pulleys to form a ring structure with arc segments at both ends and a straight segment in the middle. The synchronous belt is located above the conveyor line, and the straight segment is parallel to the conveying plane of the conveyor line. Thus, the movement direction of the blocking part in the straight segment of the synchronous belt is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor line. In this way, when adjusting the distance between the blocking part and the upstream limit component, the synchronous belt drives the blocking part to run along the straight segment of the synchronous belt close to the conveyor line.

[0024] After grouping, the synchronous belt drives the blocking components to continue running. At the same time, the synchronous belt works with the conveyor line to output the grouped products smoothly. Therefore, the synchronous belt has the function of outputting grouped products, which helps to maintain the state of the grouped products after output.

[0025] 3. The blocking component has a rectangular structure and its length direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight section. Therefore, the width side blocks the downstream end of the products to be grouped. Since the width side abuts and limits the connection with the cup product, and the end face of the cup insert is also a flat structure, it is beneficial to keep the downstream end of the grouped products neatly arranged.

[0026] 4. The conveyor line includes at least two conveyor belts arranged side by side. The downstream interception component is equipped with at least two synchronous belts that cooperate with the at least two conveyor belts. Thus, the combined cup products are conveyed on the same conveyor belt. At the same time, since all the conveyor belts in the conveyor line are synchronized, it is beneficial for all combined cup products to be conveyed and grouped synchronously.

[0027] In addition, the timing belt (synchronization assembly as a whole) is installed on the top wall of the second bridge bracket, which is conducive to the side-by-side installation of multiple timing belt assemblies.

[0028] 5. The upstream limiting components include a pressing component and a supporting component. The pressing component and the supporting component work together to clamp and fix the top flange of the product (applicable to cup products, where a flange is provided at the top of the product to facilitate sealing with a sealing film). While blocking the product, they do not affect other parts of the product, thus avoiding the risk of other structures squeezing the product and causing it to break.

[0029] 6. The pressing component is driven by the pressing cylinder to press down. The support component has corresponding support surfaces on both sides of the product. Taking the connected cup product being conveyed on the conveyor belt as an example, two rows of products are connected and conveyed on the same conveyor belt. Therefore, the support component passes through the gap between two adjacent conveyor belts, so that corresponding support surfaces are provided on both sides of the conveyor belt. The upper pressing component cooperates with the two support surfaces on both sides.

[0030] 7. In order to enable the pressing component to press down above the conveyor line, the upstream limiting component includes a first bridge bracket, the pressing cylinder is installed on the top wall of the first bridge bracket, and the support component is installed on the side wall of the first bridge bracket on the side of the conveyor line.

[0031] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0032] The utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a grouping device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a grouping device according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a grouping device according to the present invention;

[0036] Reference numerals: 100 for the cup, 101 for the flange, 1 for the conveyor line, 11 for the conveyor belt, 2 for the upstream limiting component, 21 for the support component, 22 for the pressing component, 23 for the first bridge support, 24 for the pressing cylinder, 25 for the lifting base plate, 26 for the lifting cylinder, 3 for the downstream intercepting component, 31 for the synchronous belt, 311 for the straight section, 312 for the arc section, 32 for the blocking component, 33 for the second bridge support, 34 for the synchronous belt drive motor, 35 for the transmission belt, and 4 for the frame.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0039] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," and "lateral," which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based solely on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device / component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment uses the grouping of multi-cup products 100 as an example to illustrate the grouping device. This grouping device can solve the problem that existing grouping devices can only group one type of multi-cup product. It includes:

[0043] Conveyor line 1, the conveyor line being used for continuous conveying of products;

[0044] Upstream limiting component 2, wherein the upstream limiting component 2 is provided with a limiting structure that cooperates with the product limiting, for limiting the upstream product from being transported downstream;

[0045] Downstream interception component 3 is located downstream of the conveyor line and is used to intercept products. It cooperates with the upstream limiting component to group the products between the upstream limiting component and the downstream interception component. The downstream interception component 3 includes a blocking member 32 and a moving member that drives the blocking member to move. The blocking member prevents the products from being conveyed downstream, and the blocking member moves with the moving member to adjust the distance between it and the upstream limiting component.

[0046] The aforementioned conveyor line 1, upstream limiting component 2, and downstream intercepting component 3 are all installed on the frame 4.

[0047] In use, the conveyor line continuously transports linked cup products or other combined products. When the linked cup products pass the upstream limiting component along the conveyor line, the downstream end of the products to be grouped is blocked by the blocking component. Then, the upstream limiting component restricts the movement of the upstream linked cup products to the blocking component. Since the conveyor line transports continuously, the products between the upstream limiting component and the downstream blocking component form a certain distance with the upstream ungrouped products and the downstream grouped products, thereby realizing product grouping between the upstream limiting component and the downstream blocking component. After the grouping is completed, the blocking component releases the restriction on the downstream end of the grouped products, and the grouped linked cup products continue to be transported downstream along the conveyor line.

[0048] Since the blocking component can move with the moving component, the distance between the blocking component and the upstream limiting component can be adjusted. This allows for the arrangement of different types (group length specifications) of linked cup products that can be accommodated between the blocking component and the upstream limiting component, solving the problem that existing grouping devices can only group one type of linked cup product.

[0049] In this embodiment, the moving component is a synchronous belt 31, which is mounted on two synchronous pulleys. The synchronous belt is supported by the two synchronous pulleys to form a ring structure with arc segments 312 at both ends and a straight segment 311 in the middle. One of the pulleys is connected to the driving component.

[0050] Furthermore, the synchronous belt 31 is positioned above the conveyor line 1, and its straight section is parallel to the conveying plane of the conveyor line, so that the movement direction of the blocking component in the straight section of the synchronous belt is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor line; after the grouping is completed, the synchronous belt drives the blocking component to continue running, and at the same time, the synchronous belt and the conveyor line cooperate to output the grouped products outward in a smooth manner.

[0051] It is understandable that synchronous belts can be replaced by chains or similar components, but synchronous belts are preferred because they also have the function of working with the conveyor line to smoothly output the grouped products.

[0052] Specifically, the blocking member 32 has a rectangular structure, and its length direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight section. The blocking member 32 can be fixed with screws and a timing belt, or it can be fixed by riveting, adhesive, or other methods. Since the length direction of the blocking member is perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight section, its width side blocks the downstream end of the products to be grouped. Because the width side abuts and limits the connection with the cup products, and the end face of the cup insert is also a flat structure, it helps to keep the downstream ends of the grouped products neatly arranged.

[0053] Furthermore, the downstream interception component 3 also includes a second bridge bracket 33, and the synchronous belt 31 is mounted on the top wall of the second bridge bracket. Specifically, the top wall of the second bridge bracket is provided with a U-shaped component, and the pulley shaft of the synchronous belt pulley is supported and mounted on the U-shaped component by bearings.

[0054] In this embodiment, the conveyor line 1 includes at least two conveyor belts 11 arranged side by side. Simultaneously, the downstream intercepting component 3 is provided with at least two synchronous belts 31 that cooperate with the at least two conveyor belts. Furthermore, all synchronous belts are driven by the same synchronous belt drive motor 34. The drive pulley shaft can be coaxially arranged and then connected to the transmission pulley. The motor shaft is connected to the drive pulley, and a transmission belt 35 is provided between the drive pulley and the transmission pulley. Here, the drive pulley and transmission pulley can be synchronous pulleys, and the transmission belt 35 can be a synchronous belt. In this way, all synchronous belts operate synchronously. Therefore, the combined cup products are conveyed on the same conveyor belt. Furthermore, since all conveyor belts in the conveyor line remain synchronous, it is beneficial for the synchronous conveying and grouping of all combined cup products. In addition, the synchronous belt (synchronous assembly as a whole) is installed on the top wall of the second bridge support, which facilitates the side-by-side installation of multiple synchronous belt assemblies.

[0055] In this embodiment, the upstream limiting component is designed to address the structural characteristics of the linked cup product 100. The upstream limiting component includes a pressing member 22 and a supporting member 21, with the pressing member on top and the supporting member on the bottom. The pressing member 22 and the supporting member 21 cooperate to form a clamping and limiting structure that holds and fixes the top flange of the product. This is suitable for linked cup products because the top of the linked cup product has a flange 101 for sealing with a sealing film. Furthermore, this clamping and limiting structure blocks the product without affecting other parts of the product, thus avoiding the risk of other structures potentially squeezing and damaging the product. The pressing member 22 is driven downwards by a pressing cylinder 24, and the supporting member 21 has corresponding supporting surfaces on both sides of the product. Taking the linked cup product being conveyed on a conveyor belt as an example, two rows of linked cups are conveyed on the same conveyor belt. Therefore, the supporting member passes through the gap between adjacent conveyor belts, thus providing corresponding supporting surfaces on both sides of the conveyor belt. The upper pressing member cooperates with the two supporting surfaces on both sides. The upstream limiting component 2 also includes a first bridge bracket 23, the downward pressing cylinder 24 is installed on the top wall of the first bridge bracket, and the support component on the side of the conveyor line is installed on the side wall of the first bridge bracket.

[0056] Furthermore, the upstream limiting component 2 also includes a lifting base plate 25, located below the conveyor line. The side walls of the first bridge support 23 and the support members passing through the gap between adjacent conveyor belts are connected to the lifting base plate. The lifting base plate is connected to a lifting cylinder, which can drive the lifting base plate and the first bridge support 23 on it to rise and fall, adjusting the height of the support surface to accommodate cup products of different heights. Similarly, a second bridge support can also be connected to a lifting base plate, and the lifting base plate and the second bridge support on it can be driven to rise and fall by the lifting cylinder.

[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the utility model, but the scope of protection of the utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the utility model includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A grouping device, characterized in that, include: A conveyor line for continuously conveying products; An upstream limiting component is provided, which is located upstream of the conveyor line and has a limiting structure that cooperates with the product limiting component to restrict the upstream product from being conveyed downstream. A downstream intercepting component is located downstream of the conveyor line and is used to intercept products. It cooperates with an upstream limiting component to group the products between the upstream limiting component and the downstream intercepting component. The downstream intercepting component includes a blocking member for blocking the products and a moving member that moves the blocking member. The blocking member moves with the moving member to adjust the distance between itself and the upstream limiting component.

2. The grouping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component is a synchronous belt, which is mounted on two synchronous pulleys. The synchronous belt is supported by the two synchronous pulleys to form a ring structure with arc segments at both ends and a straight segment in the middle. One of the pulleys is connected to the driving component.

3. A grouping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The synchronous belt is positioned above the conveyor line, and its straight section is parallel to the conveying plane of the conveyor line. As a result, the movement direction of the blocking component in the straight section of the synchronous belt is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor line. After grouping is completed, the synchronous belt drives the blocking component to continue running, and at the same time, the synchronous belt and the conveyor line work together to output the grouped products outwards.

4. A grouping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blocking element has a rectangular structure, and its length direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the straight segment.

5. A grouping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blocking component is fixed to the timing belt with screws.

6. A grouping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The downstream interception component also includes a second bridge bracket, and the timing belt is mounted on the top wall of the second bridge bracket.

7. A grouping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveyor line includes at least two conveyor belts arranged side by side, and the downstream interception component is provided with at least two synchronous belts that cooperate with the at least two conveyor belts.

8. A grouping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upstream limiting component includes a pressing member and a supporting member, which cooperate to form a clamping and limiting structure for clamping and fixing the top flange of the product.

9. A grouping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pressing component is driven to press down by a pressing cylinder, and the support component has corresponding support surfaces on both sides of the product.

10. A grouping device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upstream limiting component also includes a first bridge bracket, the downward pressing cylinder is installed on the top wall of the first bridge bracket, and the support component on the side of the conveyor line is installed on the side wall of the first bridge bracket.

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