Star wheel transmission mechanism and filling equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automation equipment, and discloses a star wheel transmission mechanism and filling equipment. The star wheel transmission mechanism comprises a star wheel seat, a mounting plate and a bottle clamping star wheel, the mounting plate is mounted at the top of the star wheel seat, the annular bottle clamping star wheel is attached to the upper side of the mounting plate, a plurality of bottle clamping openings are formed in the circumference of the bottle clamping star wheel and configured to be connected with the upper end of a container in a clamped mode, and the diameter D1 of the mounting plate is smaller than the diameter D2 of the circumference where the bottoms of the bottle clamping openings are located. The star wheel transmission mechanism is short in part machining period and low in cost, complex parts can be machined in advance, and delivery delay is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and in particular to a star wheel transmission mechanism and a filling device. Background Technology

[0002] The production of bottled products such as beverages requires filling equipment to fill containers with liquid. The "neck-mounted bottle conveying method" is a commonly used method in filling equipment. Specifically, different processing steps all include conveyor lines, which can simultaneously transport multiple containers by clamping the bottle neck. Adjacent processing steps are connected via a star-wheel drive mechanism.

[0003] A star wheel drive mechanism typically includes a star wheel base, a mounting plate, and a bottle-clamping star wheel. The mounting plate is installed on top of the star wheel base. The bottle-clamping star wheel is annular and fixed to the upper side of the mounting plate. Multiple bottle-clamping openings are circumferentially arranged on the outer periphery of the bottle-clamping star wheel, each opening used to clamp the neck of a container. During operation, the conveyor line of the previous processing step transports containers to the star wheel drive mechanism, where they are sequentially clamped into the respective bottle-clamping openings. The star wheel base rotates to rotate the clamped containers sequentially to align with the conveyor line of the next processing step and feed them into that line. Because the bottle-clamping star wheel needs to support the clamped containers, the outer diameter of the mounting plate is usually approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bottle-clamping star wheel. The mounting plate also has multiple clearance openings circumferentially arranged, each clearance opening opposite a bottle-clamping opening to avoid the container clamped by that opening.

[0004] For the mounting plate, on the one hand, it needs to be machined to fit the mounting structure with the star wheel seat, and as a load-bearing component, it needs to be machined to reduce weight holes due to its thickness. It also needs to be machined to fit with other auxiliary components, and the aforementioned clearance openings need to be machined. The overall structure is complex and the processing cycle is very long. On the other hand, during the design process of the entire filling equipment, if the machine model and pitch are not determined, the number of clearance openings cannot be determined. Therefore, the mounting plate cannot be ordered and manufactured in advance, which leads to the delay in the delivery of the star wheel transmission mechanism and the entire filling equipment due to the incomplete manufacturing of a single component.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a star wheel drive mechanism and filling equipment to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] One objective of this invention is to provide a star wheel transmission mechanism with short component processing cycle, low cost, and the ability to process complex components in advance to avoid delivery delays.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A star wheel transmission mechanism includes a star wheel seat, a mounting plate, and a bottle-clamping star wheel. The mounting plate is mounted on the top of the star wheel seat. The bottle-clamping star wheel is annular and fits snugly on the upper side of the mounting plate. Multiple bottle-clamping openings are provided on the circumference of the bottle-clamping star wheel. The bottle-clamping openings are configured to clamp the upper end of the container. The diameter D1 of the mounting plate is smaller than the diameter D2 of the circumference where the bottom of the bottle-clamping opening is located.

[0009] As an alternative, an annular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the upper side of the mounting plate, and the bottle-carrying star wheel is installed in the annular groove.

[0010] As an optional solution, the mounting plate is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes, and the card bottle star wheel is provided with a plurality of first mating holes, each of the first mating holes being disposed opposite to one of the first mounting holes;

[0011] The star wheel transmission mechanism further includes a first fastener, which passes through the first mating hole and is connected to the first mounting hole to connect the bottle star wheel and the mounting plate.

[0012] As an optional solution, the star wheel holder is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes, and the mounting plate is provided with a plurality of second mating holes, each second mating hole corresponding to one of the second mounting holes; the star wheel transmission mechanism further includes a second fastener, the second fastener passing through the second mating hole and connecting to the second mounting hole to connect the mounting plate and the star wheel holder; and / or

[0013] The mounting plate is provided with weight reduction holes.

[0014] As an optional solution, the star wheel transmission mechanism further includes:

[0015] An auxiliary star wheel is sleeved on the star wheel seat and disposed on the lower side of the mounting plate. The auxiliary star wheel is provided with multiple limiting grooves. Each limiting groove is disposed vertically opposite to one of the bottle openings and is used to limit the lower end of the container.

[0016] A connecting component that connects the mounting plate and the auxiliary star wheel.

[0017] As an optional solution, the connecting assembly includes a connecting post, the upper end of which is connected to the mounting plate, and the connecting post includes a main body and a snap-fit ​​portion along its axial direction, wherein the diameter of the snap-fit ​​portion is smaller than the diameter of the main body.

[0018] The auxiliary star wheel is provided with an assembly hole, which includes a plug hole and a limiting hole arranged and connected along the circumference of the auxiliary star wheel. The diameter of the plug hole is larger than the diameter of the main body, and the diameter of the limiting hole is larger than the diameter of the snap-fit ​​part and smaller than the diameter of the main body.

[0019] As an optional solution, the auxiliary star wheel is also provided with a locking hole, and the connecting assembly further includes a locking element, the locking element comprising:

[0020] A sliding part, which is sleeved on the connecting post and can slide along the connecting post;

[0021] The pin portion is connected to the sliding portion and can be inserted into the locking hole.

[0022] As an optional solution, the connecting post includes at least two locking parts, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connecting post, and any one of the locking parts is engaged with the corresponding limiting hole.

[0023] As an optional solution, the mounting plate is provided with a third mating hole, and the upper end of the connecting column is provided with a third mounting hole, the third mounting hole and the third mating hole being arranged opposite to each other;

[0024] The star wheel transmission mechanism also includes a third fastener, which passes through the third mating hole and connects to the third mounting hole to connect the mounting plate and the connecting column.

[0025] Another objective of this invention is to provide a filling device that, by employing the aforementioned star wheel transmission mechanism, has low manufacturing costs and allows for the pre-processing of complex components, thus avoiding delivery delays.

[0026] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0027] The filling equipment includes the aforementioned star wheel drive mechanism.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0029] This utility model discloses a star wheel transmission mechanism in which a mounting plate is installed on top of the star wheel seat. The bottle-clamping star wheel is annular and fitted to the upper side of the mounting plate. Multiple bottle-clamping openings are provided on the circumference of the bottle-clamping star wheel, which can clamp the upper end of the container, thus achieving container transfer during the rotation of the star wheel seat. By setting the diameter D1 of the mounting plate to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the circumference where the bottom of the bottle-clamping opening is located, it is unnecessary to create a clearance opening on the mounting plate to avoid the bottle-clamping opening. This not only reduces the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost of the mounting plate and improves its processing efficiency, but also frees the design of the mounting plate from constraints such as machine model and pitch, allowing for advance ordering and avoiding delivery delays due to excessively long processing cycles.

[0030] The filling equipment of this utility model, by adopting the above-mentioned star wheel transmission mechanism, has low manufacturing cost and complex parts can be processed in advance, avoiding delivery delays. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the star wheel transmission mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the star wheel transmission mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a top view of the engagement state of the card bottle star wheel and the mounting plate provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary star wheel provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking component provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] 10. Star wheel seat; 11. Second mounting hole;

[0038] 20. Mounting plate; 21. Annular groove; 22. First mounting hole; 23. Second mating hole; 24. Third mating hole; 25. Weight reduction hole;

[0039] 30. Bottle clamping star wheel; 31. Bottle clamping neck; 32. First mating hole;

[0040] 40. Auxiliary star wheel; 41. Limiting groove; 42. Assembly hole; 421. Insertion hole; 422. Limiting hole; 43. Locking hole;

[0041] 50. Connecting component; 51. Connecting post; 511. Main body; 512. Snap-fit ​​part; 513. Third mounting hole; 52. Locking element; 521. Sliding part; 5211. Through hole; 522. Pin part;

[0042] 60. Base;

[0043] 71. First fastener; 72. Second fastener; 73. Third fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not the entire structure.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0048] This embodiment provides a star wheel transmission mechanism for transferring containers, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the star wheel transmission mechanism includes a base 60, a star wheel seat 10, a drive assembly (not shown), a mounting plate 20, and a bottle-holding star wheel 30. The base 60 is fixed in place, while the star wheel seat 10 is rotatably connected to the base 60 via bearings. The mounting plate 20 is mounted on top of the star wheel seat 10. The bottle-holding star wheel 30 is annular and fitted against the upper side of the mounting plate 20. Multiple bottle-holding openings 31 are provided on the circumference of the bottle-holding star wheel 30, which can engage the upper end of a container. The drive assembly can drive the star wheel seat 10 to rotate, thereby causing the mounting plate 20 and the bottle-holding star wheel 30 to rotate together, thus realizing the transfer of the container.

[0049] Preferably, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the diameter D1 of the mounting plate 20 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the circumference of the bottom of the bottle neck 31. Therefore, it is unnecessary to create a clearance opening on the mounting plate 20 to avoid the bottle neck 31. This not only reduces the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost of the mounting plate 20 and improves its processing efficiency, but also frees the design of the mounting plate 20 from constraints such as machine model and pitch, allowing for advance ordering and avoiding delivery delays due to excessively long processing cycles. Furthermore, the smaller diameter D1 of the mounting plate 20 compared to the diameter D2 of the circumference of the bottom of the bottle neck 31 also prevents the mounting plate 20 from interfering with the container held within the bottle neck 31. It should be noted that the bottom of the bottle neck 31 refers to the position of the bottle neck 31 closest to the center of the mounting plate 20 along its radial direction.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an annular groove 21 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper side of the mounting plate 20, and the bottle-carrying star wheel 30 is installed in the annular groove 21. The annular groove 21 can position the bottle-carrying star wheel 30 during installation, which not only improves the convenience of installation of the bottle-carrying star wheel 30, but also ensures the installation accuracy of the bottle-carrying star wheel 30, thereby ensuring that the star wheel transmission mechanism and other structures cooperate precisely to reliably transport containers.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the mounting plate 20 has multiple first mounting holes 22, and the bottle-carrying star wheel 30 has multiple first mating holes 32, each first mating hole 32 corresponding to a first mounting hole 22. The star wheel transmission mechanism also includes a first fastener 71, which passes through the first mating hole 32 and connects to the first mounting hole 22 to connect the bottle-carrying star wheel 30 and the mounting plate 20. Multiple first fasteners 71 ensure a reliable connection between the mounting plate 20 and the bottle-carrying star wheel 30, and the structure is simple and easy to operate. In this embodiment, the first fastener 71 can be a bolt, the first mating hole 32 is a smooth hole, and the first mounting hole 22 is a threaded hole. Optionally, the multiple first mounting holes 22 are located on the same circumference and are evenly distributed on the circumference, thereby improving the reliability of the connection of the bottle-carrying star wheel 30 and the uniformity of the force. In other embodiments, the specific distribution position of the first mounting holes 22 can be flexibly set as needed, and is not limited here.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the star wheel seat 10 is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes 11, and the mounting plate 20 is provided with a plurality of second mating holes 23, each second mating hole 23 corresponding to one second mounting hole 11. The star wheel transmission mechanism also includes a second fastener 72, which passes through the second mating hole 23 and connects to the second mounting hole 11 to connect the mounting plate 20 and the star wheel seat 10. The multiple second fasteners 72 ensure a reliable connection between the mounting plate 20 and the star wheel seat 10, and the structure is simple and easy to operate. In this embodiment, the second fastener 72 can be a bolt, the second mating hole 23 is a smooth hole, and the second mounting hole 11 is a threaded hole. Optionally, the multiple second mounting holes 11 are located on the same circumference and are evenly distributed on the circumference, thereby improving the reliability of the connection of the mounting plate 20 and the uniformity of the force. In other embodiments, the specific distribution position of the second mounting holes 11 can be flexibly set as needed, and is not limited here.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting plate 20 is provided with weight-reducing holes 25. By providing weight-reducing holes 25, the weight of the mounting plate 20 can be reduced, thereby reducing the load required by the drive assembly and lowering the manufacturing and operating costs of the star wheel transmission mechanism. Optionally, the mounting plate 20 is provided with multiple weight-reducing holes 25, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting plate 20, thereby ensuring uniform weight distribution and structural strength uniformity of the mounting plate 20. In this embodiment, six weight-reducing holes 25 are provided. In other embodiments, the number and shape of the weight-reducing holes 25 can be flexibly set as needed, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the star wheel transmission mechanism also includes an auxiliary star wheel 40 and a connecting assembly 50. The auxiliary star wheel 40 is sleeved on the star wheel seat 10 and located on the lower side of the mounting plate 20. The connecting assembly 50 connects the mounting plate 20 and the auxiliary star wheel 40. The auxiliary star wheel 40 is provided with multiple limiting grooves 41, each corresponding to a bottle-holding opening 31 and positioned vertically opposite to it, thus limiting the lower end of the container. During the rotation of the star wheel seat 10, the bottle-holding star wheel 30 engages with the upper end of the container, and the limiting grooves 41 limit the lower end of the container, preventing the container from shaking during rotation and ensuring a stable and safe transport process.

[0055] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting assembly 50 includes a connecting post 51, the upper end of which is connected to the mounting plate 20. The connecting post 51 includes a main body 511 and a snap-fit ​​portion 512 along its axial direction. The diameter of the snap-fit ​​portion 512 is smaller than the diameter of the main body 511. The auxiliary star wheel 40 is provided with an assembly hole 42, which includes an insertion hole 421 and a limiting hole 422 arranged circumferentially and communicating with each other along the auxiliary star wheel 40. The diameter of the insertion hole 421 is larger than the diameter of the main body 511, and the diameter of the limiting hole 422 is larger than the diameter of the snap-fit ​​portion 512 but smaller than the diameter of the main body 511. The auxiliary star wheel 40 is also provided with a locking hole 43, and the connecting assembly 50 also includes a locking member 52. The locking member 52 includes a sliding part 521 and a pin part 522. The sliding part 521 is provided with a through hole 5211, so that it can be sleeved on the connecting post 51 and can slide along the connecting post 51. The pin part 522 is connected to the sliding part 521 and can be inserted into the locking hole 43.

[0056] When installing the connecting post 51, first fix its upper end to the mounting plate 20. Then, insert the lower end of the connecting post 51 into the insertion hole 421 of the auxiliary star wheel 40. Next, adjust the position of the auxiliary star wheel 40 along the axial direction of the connecting post 51 so that the locking part 512 of the connecting post 51 is located in the insertion hole 421. Then, rotate the auxiliary star wheel 40 so that the locking part 512 is engaged in the limiting hole 422, at which point the axial direction of the auxiliary star wheel 40 is limited. Next, move the locking member 52 along the axial direction of the connecting post 51 so that the pin part 522 is inserted into the locking hole 43 of the auxiliary star wheel 40. At this point, the auxiliary star wheel 40 can no longer rotate, thus fixing the entire auxiliary star wheel 40. The assembly and disassembly of the auxiliary star wheel 40 can be done by hand without the aid of tools, making assembly and disassembly convenient.

[0057] In this embodiment, the star wheel transmission mechanism includes six connecting posts 51, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the auxiliary star wheel 40, and at least one connecting post 51 is provided with a locking element 52. The six evenly distributed connecting posts 51 ensure that the auxiliary star wheel 40 is securely installed and subjected to uniform force. In other embodiments, the number of connecting posts 51 and the number of locking elements 52 can be flexibly set as needed, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting column 51 includes at least two engaging portions 512, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connecting column 51. Each engaging portion 512 engages with a corresponding limiting hole 422. When different engaging portions 512 of the connecting column 51 engage with the limiting holes 422, the distance between the auxiliary star wheel 40 and the bottle-holding star wheel 30 is different, i.e., the distance between the bottle opening 31 and the limiting groove 41 is different. This allows the star wheel transmission mechanism to transfer containers of different sizes, improving its applicability. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 512 is formed by machining an annular groove on the circumferential surface of a rod of the same diameter; the remaining portion of the rod constitutes the main body 511.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting plate 20 is provided with a third mating hole 24, and the upper end of the connecting column 51 is provided with a third mounting hole 513, which is positioned opposite to the third mating hole 24. The star wheel transmission mechanism also includes a third fastener 73, which passes through the third mating hole 24 and connects to the third mounting hole 513 to connect the mounting plate 20 and the connecting column 51. The third fastener 73 not only ensures the reliability of the connecting column 51 installation but also has a simple structure and is easy to operate. In this embodiment, the third fastener 73 can be a bolt, the third mating hole 24 is a smooth hole, and the third mounting hole 513 is a threaded hole.

[0060] This embodiment also provides a filling device, which includes the aforementioned star wheel transmission mechanism. The filling device of this embodiment, by employing the aforementioned star wheel transmission mechanism, has low manufacturing costs, and complex parts can be pre-processed, avoiding delivery delays.

[0061] In some embodiments, the filling equipment further includes a first conveyor line and a second conveyor line, both capable of conveying containers. A star wheel drive mechanism engages with the first and second conveyor lines to transfer containers between them. In some embodiments, the first conveyor line can be a chain conveyor structure, with multiple clamps arranged along the conveying direction of the chain. Each clamp can hold one container, and the star wheel drive mechanism receives the container from the chain conveyor structure. Of course, the first conveyor line can also be other existing conveyor lines capable of continuously conveying containers, without limitation. Similarly, the second conveyor line can also be a chain conveyor structure or other conveyor lines capable of continuously conveying containers, without specific limitation.

[0062] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, based on the concept of this utility model, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. Star wheel drive mechanism, characterized in that The star wheel seat (10) is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes (11), and the mounting plate (20) is provided with a plurality of second matching holes (23). Each second matching hole (23) is arranged opposite to one second mounting hole (11). The star wheel transmission mechanism further comprises a second fastener (72), which is threaded through the second matching hole (23) and connected with the second mounting hole (11), so as to connect the mounting plate (20) and the star wheel seat (10).

2. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The mounting plate (20) is provided with a weight-reducing hole (25).

3. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The star wheel transmission mechanism further comprises: An auxiliary star wheel (40) is sleeved on the star wheel seat (10) and arranged on the lower side of the mounting plate (20). The auxiliary star wheel (40) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (41). Each limiting groove (41) is arranged opposite to one bottle mouth (31) in up and down direction, and is used for limiting the lower end of the container.

4. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The connecting assembly (50) connects the mounting plate (20) and the auxiliary star wheel (40). The connecting assembly (50) comprises a connecting column (51). The upper end of the connecting column (51) is connected with the mounting plate (20). The connecting column (51) comprises a main body part (511) and a clamping part (512) along the axial direction thereof. The diameter of the clamping part (512) is smaller than the diameter of the main body part (511).

5. Star wheel transmission according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that The auxiliary star wheel (40) is provided with an assembly hole (42). The assembly hole (42) comprises a plug-in hole (421) and a limiting hole (422) arranged along the circumferential direction of the auxiliary star wheel (40) and connected in communication. The diameter of the plug-in hole (421) is greater than the diameter of the main body part (511). The diameter of the limiting hole (422) is greater than the diameter of the clamping part (512) and smaller than the diameter of the main body part (511). ​ ​ 6. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 5, wherein, ​ ​ 7. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 6, wherein The auxiliary star wheel (40) is further provided with a locking hole (43), and the connecting assembly (50) further comprises a locking piece (52), the locking piece (52) comprising: a sliding part (521) sleeved on the connecting column (51) and capable of sliding along the connecting column (51); a pin part (522) connected with the sliding part (521) and capable of being inserted into the locking hole (43).

8. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The connecting column (51) comprises at least two clamping parts (512), and the two clamping parts (512) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting column (51), and any one clamping part (512) is clamped in the corresponding limiting hole (422).

9. The star wheel drive mechanism of claim 6, wherein, A third matching hole (24) is arranged on the mounting plate (20), and an upper end of the connecting column (51) is provided with a third mounting hole (513), and the third mounting hole (513) is arranged opposite to the third matching hole (24). The star wheel transmission mechanism further comprises a third fastener (73), the third fastener (73) is arranged through the third matching hole (24) and connected with the third mounting hole (513), so as to connect the mounting plate (20) and the connecting column (51).

10. Filling apparatus, characterized in that The star wheel transmission mechanism comprises any one of claims 1-9. The star wheel transmission mechanism comprises any one of claims 1-9.

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