Paper cup framing system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a paper cup framing system, which relates to the technical field of paper cup framing and comprises a paper cup conveying line used for conveying paper cups and a plastic frame conveying device used for conveying plastic frames, an open-close type interceptor is arranged at the tail end of the paper cup conveying line, and protective plates are arranged on the paper cup conveying line corresponding to two sides of the open-close type interceptor. The opening and closing interceptors are matched with protection plates on the two sides of the paper cup conveying line to position the paper cups; a grabbing device is arranged between the paper cup conveying line and the plastic frame conveying device, the grabbing device grabs paper cups on the paper cup conveying line into plastic frames on the plastic frame conveying device, the grabbing device comprises a collaborative robot, and a clamping jaw used for grabbing the paper cups is arranged at the moving end of the collaborative robot. The paper cup conveying line, the grabbing device and the plastic frame conveying device are matched with one another, so that the paper cups can be automatically and tidily placed in the plastic frames in the storage or transportation operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automated framing device, specifically a device for automatically framing paper cups after they have been shaped. Background Technology

[0002] Paper cups are a very common packaging material in various production sectors, especially in the food industry. Paper cups are lightweight and relatively soft. When large quantities of paper cups are stacked and transported, they are prone to tipping over, deformation, and dust accumulation. The common stacking and transportation method adopted by enterprises is to place paper cups in plastic frames, cover them with film, and then stack them.

[0003] Traditional paper cup packing methods rely heavily on manual labor. Workers must pick up each paper cup and place it into the plastic crate one by one. This method is not only labor-intensive but also inefficient, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production. Furthermore, manual operation makes it difficult to ensure the consistency and neatness of each paper cup, easily leading to problems such as tilted cups and irregular arrangements. This not only affects the effective use of the plastic crate space but may also cause damage during subsequent transportation due to shaking and squeezing, increasing product loss costs.

[0004] Furthermore, with rising labor costs and increasing market demands for production efficiency, traditional manual cupping methods face significant challenges. To address these issues, the industry urgently needs an automated, efficient, and precise paper cup cupping technology to improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure cupping quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to address this issue by utilizing multiple modules working together to automatically and neatly place paper cups in a plastic frame, thus overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a paper cup loading system, comprising a paper cup conveying line for conveying paper cups and a plastic frame conveying device for conveying plastic frames. An opening and closing interceptor is provided at the end of the paper cup conveying line. Protective plates are provided on both sides of the paper cup conveying line corresponding to the opening and closing interceptor. The opening and closing interceptor, in conjunction with the protective plates on both sides of the paper cup conveying line, positions the paper cups. A gripping device is provided between the paper cup conveying line and the plastic frame conveying device. The gripping device grips the paper cups on the paper cup conveying line into the plastic frames on the plastic frame conveying device. The gripping device includes a collaborative robot, and the moving end of the collaborative robot is equipped with grippers for gripping the paper cups.

[0007] To further optimize this utility model, the following technical solutions may be preferred:

[0008] Preferably, the paper cup conveyor line, collaborative robot, and plastic frame conveyor are connected to a PLC control system via control elements.

[0009] Preferably, the gripper is detachably connected to the moving end of the collaborative robot via a connecting flange.

[0010] Preferably, the gripper includes a gripping frame, one side of which is provided with a needle-type suction cup for sucking up the outer side of the paper cup. The needle-type suction cup is connected to a vacuum generator. The gripping frame is rotatably provided with a hook on the other side, and the hook is engaged with the inner side of the paper cup at the other end.

[0011] Preferably, the needle suction cup and hook are provided in multiple sets.

[0012] Preferably, the gripping frame is provided with a drive cylinder for driving the hook to rotate, and the drive end of the drive cylinder is connected to the hook through a hinge structure.

[0013] Preferably, the plastic frame conveying device includes a plastic frame conveying line, a frame pusher, and a lifting interceptor. The plastic frame conveying line is used to convey plastic frames. The frame pusher is located on one side of the plastic frame conveying line, and the lifting interceptor is located at the bottom of the plastic frame conveying line. The frame pusher and the lifting interceptor work together to fix the plastic frame.

[0014] The paper cup framing system disclosed in this utility model, through a series of carefully designed structures and optimized technical solutions, exhibits many significant and beneficial effects:

[0015] (1) Highly Automated Operation: The paper cup conveyor line, collaborative robots, and plastic frame conveying devices are connected to the PLC control system via control elements, forming a highly automated operation system. The PLC control system can precisely regulate the operating rhythm of each device, realizing fully automated operation of the paper cup from conveying and gripping to frame assembly. This not only significantly reduces manual intervention and lowers labor costs, but also significantly improves production efficiency, meeting the needs of large-scale production. Compared with the traditional manual frame assembly method, work efficiency can be increased by several times or even dozens of times.

[0016] (2) Flexible and convenient components: The gripper is detachably connected to the moving end of the collaborative robot via a connecting flange, which greatly improves the convenience of equipment maintenance and component replacement. When the gripper wears out or needs to be adapted to different sizes of paper cups, the operator can quickly disassemble and replace the gripper without the need for complex debugging of the entire collaborative robot, effectively shortening equipment downtime and improving production continuity.

[0017] (3) High-efficiency and precise gripping: The unique structural design of the grippers endows them with high-efficiency and precise gripping capabilities. A needle-type suction cup connected to a vacuum generator on one side of the gripper frame can firmly grip the outside of the paper cup, while a hook rotating on the opposite side can engage the inside of the paper cup at the other end. Multiple sets of needle-type suction cups and hooks are matched to further enhance gripping stability. The drive cylinder on the gripper frame drives the hook to rotate via a hinge structure, flexibly adapting to the gripping needs of paper cups of different sizes. This gripping method ensures that paper cups will not fall or deform during gripping and handling, guaranteeing the quality of the frame and reducing product loss.

[0018] (4) Stable and reliable plastic frame conveying and fixing: The plastic frame conveying device includes a plastic frame conveyor line, a frame pusher, and a lifting interceptor. The plastic frame conveyor line is responsible for the stable conveying of plastic frames. The frame pusher and the lifting interceptor work together to accurately fix the plastic frames in the designated positions, making it easy for the collaborative robot to accurately place the paper cups in them. This design effectively avoids displacement or shaking of the plastic frames during the framing process, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the framing operation, improving framing efficiency and the reliability of the overall system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the paper cup framing system;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping device in this paper cup packing system;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of paper cup stacking in this paper cup packing system;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the paper cup framing system.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of the paper cup framing system.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a front view structural diagram of the paper cup framing system.

[0025] The components include: 1. Paper cups; 2. Paper cup conveyor line; 3. Opening and closing interceptor; 4. Collaborative robot; 5. Gripper; 6. Plastic frame conveyor line; 7. Frame pusher; 8. Lifting interceptor; 9. Plastic frame; 10. PLC control system.

[0026] 501. Connecting flange; 502. Vacuum generator; 503. Needle suction cup; 504. Drive cylinder; 505. Hinge structure; 506. Hook; 507. Solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a paper cup framing system includes a paper cup conveyor line 2 for conveying paper cups 1 and a plastic frame conveyor device for conveying plastic frames 9. An openable interceptor 3 is installed at the end of the paper cup conveyor line. Protective plates are installed on both sides of the paper cup conveyor line corresponding to the openable interceptor. The openable interceptor, in conjunction with the protective plates on both sides of the paper cup conveyor line, positions the paper cups. A gripping device is installed between the paper cup conveyor line and the plastic frame conveyor device. The gripping device grips the paper cups on the paper cup conveyor line into the plastic frames on the plastic frame conveyor device. The gripping device includes a collaborative robot, and the moving end of the assisting robot is equipped with grippers 5 for gripping paper cups.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the paper cup conveyor line, collaborative robot 4, and plastic crate conveying device are connected to the PLC control system 10 via control elements. The paper cup conveyor line, collaborative robot, and plastic crate conveying device, connected to the PLC control system through control elements, achieve fully automated collaboration throughout the entire process. The PLC control system precisely controls the operation timing and rhythm of each device, ensuring close coordination between each stage, from paper cup conveying and gripping to plastic crate filling and conveying, greatly improving production efficiency. Compared to traditional manual or semi-automatic crating methods, production efficiency can be increased several times or even more, effectively meeting the needs of large-scale production.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, the gripper 5 is detachably connected to the moving end of the collaborative robot via a connecting flange; the gripper is detachably connected to the moving end of the collaborative robot via a connecting flange 501. When the gripper wears out due to frequent use, especially when the needle suction cup and hook parts need to be replaced, the staff can quickly replace the gripper without complicated debugging, which greatly shortens the equipment downtime for maintenance, ensures continuous production, and reduces equipment maintenance costs.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the gripper 5 includes a gripping frame. A needle-type suction cup 503 is mounted on one side of the gripping frame to absorb the outer side of the paper cup. The needle-type suction cup is connected to a vacuum generator 502. A hook 506 is rotatably mounted on the gripping frame relative to the other side, and the hook 506 engages with the inner side of the paper cup at the other end. In a preferred embodiment, multiple sets of needle-type suction cups and hooks are installed in combination. In a preferred embodiment, a drive cylinder 504 is mounted on the gripping frame to drive the hook to rotate. The drive end of the drive cylinder 504 is connected to the hook via a hinge structure 505. The gripper has a needle-type suction cup connected to a vacuum generator on one side of the gripping frame, which can firmly adhere to the outer side of the paper cup; the other side has a rotatably mounted hook that engages with the inner side of the paper cup, and multiple sets of needle-type suction cups and hooks are configured in combination. The vacuum generator 502 and cylinder 504 are connected to the solenoid valve 507 and controlled by the PLC. This design allows the gripper to grab multiple rows of paper cups at the same time, improving gripping efficiency. For paper cups of different materials, thicknesses and sizes, stable gripping can be achieved by adjusting the vacuum level of the vacuum generator and controlling the rotation of the hook by the drive cylinder, reducing the drop and deformation of paper cups during transportation and reducing product loss rate.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, the plastic frame conveying device includes a plastic frame conveying line 6, a frame pusher 7, and a lifting interceptor 8. The plastic frame conveying line is used to convey plastic frames, the frame pusher is installed on one side of the plastic frame conveying line, and the lifting interceptor 8 is installed at the bottom of the plastic frame conveying line. The frame pusher and the lifting interceptor work together to fix the plastic frames.

[0035] The plastic crate conveyor system offers the following advantages: ① Stable conveying and fixing: The plastic crate conveyor line uses suitable materials and structures to stably convey plastic crates. The pusher and lifting interceptor work together to precisely fix the plastic crate at the designated position when it reaches the crating point. The positional deviation can be controlled within a very small range, ensuring that the collaborative robot accurately fills the paper cups into the plastic crates, improving crating accuracy and stability, reducing crating errors caused by plastic crate displacement, and improving overall crating efficiency and quality. ② System compatibility: The plastic crate conveyor system is connected to a PLC control system. Its operating speed, pusher, and interceptor actions are uniformly scheduled by the PLC control system. It can work closely with the paper cup conveyor line and gripping device to achieve a high degree of automation in the entire crating system, further reducing labor costs and enhancing the company's production competitiveness.

[0036] Based on the above embodiment, its working process is as follows:

[0037] ① Paper cup conveying process

[0038] The core of the paper cup conveying device consists of the paper cup conveyor line 2, which uses a wear-resistant, anti-static, high-strength rubber belt as the conveying medium. Its width is designed to accommodate the conveying needs of multiple rows of paper cups arranged in parallel. The paper cup conveyor line is driven by a high-precision motor, and the motor speed is precisely controlled by a PLC control system to flexibly adjust the conveying speed of the paper cups and meet the cycle time requirements of different production scales. When the paper cups are conveyed to the end of the conveyor line in a nested, multi-row parallel manner, the opening and closing interceptor 3 is activated.

[0039] The opening and closing interceptor 3 is designed as an electrically controlled metal baffle structure. The baffle is made of sturdy and rust-resistant stainless steel to ensure its durability and reliability. The opening and closing action of this interceptor is precisely controlled by a PLC control system. When a high-precision photoelectric sensor installed at the end of the conveyor line detects that the leading edge of the paper cup has reached the designated position, it immediately sends a signal to the PLC control system. The PLC control system then instructs the baffle of the opening and closing interceptor 3 to close rapidly, preventing the paper cup from continuing to move forward. Simultaneously, the guard plates installed on both sides of the paper cup conveyor line 2 function. The guard plates are made of smooth polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and their height is slightly higher than the stacking height of the paper cups. This effectively prevents the paper cups from shifting laterally due to vibration or external interference during transport, ensuring that the paper cups stop accurately and stably in front of the opening and closing interceptor 3, achieving millimeter-level precise positioning.

[0040] ②Crawling stage

[0041] The gripping device consists of a collaborative robot 4 and a gripper 5 working together. The collaborative robot 4 has multi-axis flexible movement capabilities, and its movement path is precisely planned in advance using professional programming software and stored in the built-in control system. Under the command of the PLC control system, the collaborative robot 4 can quickly and accurately move to the top of the paper cups positioned at the end of the paper cup conveyor line 2.

[0042] The gripper 5 is detachably connected to the collaborative robot 4 via a connecting flange 501. The connecting flange 501 is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and precision-machined to ensure the stability and coaxiality of the connection. Four needle-type suction cups 503 are evenly distributed on one side of the gripper 5's gripping frame. These needle-type suction cups 503 are made of highly elastic, wear-resistant silicone material and, under the action of the vacuum generator 502, can generate a strong and stable suction force, firmly adhering to the outside of the paper cup. The vacuum level of the vacuum generator 502 can be precisely adjusted according to the material and weight of the paper cup via a PLC control system.

[0043] Simultaneously, four hooks 506 symmetrically positioned on the other side of the gripper begin to operate. The hooks 506 are made of high-hardness alloy steel with a rust-proof surface, and their shape is designed to fit snugly against the inner edge of the paper cup. The rotation of the hooks 506 is driven by a cylinder 504, a compact cylinder that achieves precise angle control through a hinge structure 505. When the cylinder 504 receives a command from the PLC control system, its piston rod extends, driving the hooks 506 to rotate via the hinge structure 505, allowing them to quickly and accurately engage with the inner side of the paper cup at the other end. Because the needle-type suction cups 503 and hooks 506 are matched in four sets, four rows of paper cups can be gripped simultaneously, greatly improving gripping efficiency and increasing the number of cups gripped in a single operation several times compared to traditional single-row gripping methods. After gripping, the collaborative robot 4, following a preset path, smoothly and quickly transports the paper cups to the plastic frame 9 on the plastic frame conveyor.

[0044] Vacuum generator 502 and cylinder 504 are connected to solenoid valve 507 via pipelines. Solenoid valve 507, as a key component controlling the gas flow and direction, is also precisely controlled by the PLC control system. Through the precise operation of solenoid valve 507 by the PLC control system, the vacuum generation and release of vacuum generator 502, as well as the piston rod extension and retraction of cylinder 504, can be precisely and synchronously controlled, ensuring the stable and reliable gripping and releasing action of gripper 5.

[0045] ③ Plastic frame conveying and fixing process

[0046] The plastic cup conveyor system mainly consists of a plastic cup conveyor line 6, a pusher 7, and a lifting interceptor 8. The plastic cup conveyor line 6 adopts a belt conveyor structure similar to the paper cup conveyor line 2, but uses a more load-bearing polyurethane material for the belt. The plastic cup conveyor line 6 is also motor-driven, and its operating speed is closely matched to the movement rhythm of the paper cup conveyor line 2 and the collaborative robot 4. This is uniformly coordinated by a PLC control system to ensure smooth connection of the entire cupping process. The speed range can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0047] When the plastic frame 9 is conveyed to the designated position on the plastic frame conveyor line 6, the lifting interceptor 8 starts working. The lifting interceptor 8 adopts an electric push rod structure. The push rod is made of high-strength stainless steel, and its lifting stroke is designed to precisely block the support crossbar at the bottom of the plastic frame 9, ensuring that the plastic frame 9 cannot continue to move forward. The electric push rod is controlled by a PLC control system. When the plastic frame 9 reaches the predetermined position, the position sensor installed at the bottom of the plastic frame conveyor line 6 sends a signal to the PLC control system, which then instructs the electric push rod of the lifting interceptor 8 to rise rapidly. At the same time, the frame pusher 7, located on one side of the plastic frame conveyor line 6, starts. The frame pusher 7 adopts a linear motor-driven push plate structure. The push plate is made of a rubber composite material with a certain degree of elasticity to avoid damage to the plastic frame 9. Under the control of the PLC control system, the frame pusher 7 precisely pushes the plastic frame 9 to the accurate framing position. Through the coordinated operation of the frame pusher 7 and the lifting interceptor 8, millimeter-level precise fixing of the plastic frame 9 is achieved during the framing process.

[0048] ④ Framing process

[0049] The collaborative robot 4 moves the gripper 5, which has picked up the paper cup, precisely above the plastic frame 9. Under the command of the PLC control system, the solenoid valve 507 actuates rapidly, stopping the vacuum generator 502. The suction force of the needle-type suction cup 503 disappears instantly, and simultaneously, the piston rod of the cylinder 504 retracts, causing the hook 506 to rotate and retract via the hinge structure 505, allowing the paper cup to fall accurately and smoothly into the plastic frame 9 under gravity. Throughout the process, the PLC control system precisely controls the timing of each action to ensure the accurate placement of the paper cup.

[0050] The above actions are repeated continuously according to the set program until the plastic frame 9 is full of paper cups. At this point, the PLC control system instructs the pusher 7 and the lifting interceptor 8 to retract, the push plate of the pusher 7 to reset, the electric push rod of the lifting interceptor 8 to descend, and the plastic frame conveyor line 6 to start, transporting the plastic frame 9 full of paper cups to the next process, entering the subsequent packaging, storage, or transportation stages. All devices in the entire paper cup framing system are connected to the PLC control system via control cables, realizing highly automated collaborative operation and greatly improving production efficiency and framing quality.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A paper cup mounting system, characterised in that: The application relates to a paper cup conveying line and a plastic frame conveying device for conveying paper cups and plastic frames, wherein the end of the paper cup conveying line is provided with an open-close type interceptor, the paper cup conveying line is provided with a guard plate on both sides of the open-close type interceptor, the open-close type interceptor cooperates with the guard plates on both sides of the paper cup conveying line to position the paper cups, a grabbing device is arranged between the paper cup conveying line and the plastic frame conveying device, the grabbing device grabs the paper cups on the paper cup conveying line into the plastic frames on the plastic frame conveying device, the grabbing device comprises a collaborative robot, and the moving end of the collaborative robot is provided with a gripper for grabbing the paper cups.

2. A paper cup holder system according to claim 1, wherein: The paper cup conveying line, the collaborative robot and the plastic frame conveying device are connected with a PLC control system through a control element.

3. A paper cup holder system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The gripper is detachably connected with the moving end of the collaborative robot through a connecting flange.

4. A paper cup holder system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The gripper comprises a grabbing frame, one side of the grabbing frame is provided with a needle type suction cup for sucking the outer side of the paper cup, the needle type suction cup is connected with a vacuum generator, and the other side of the grabbing frame is rotatably provided with a hook for clamping the inner side of the paper cup.

5. A paper cup holder system according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of sets of the needle type suction cup and the hook are arranged in a matched mode.

6. A paper cup holder system as claimed in claim 4, wherein: A driving cylinder for driving the hook to rotate is arranged on the grabbing frame, and the driving end of the driving cylinder is connected with the hook through a hinge structure.

7. A paper cup holder system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The plastic frame conveying device comprises a plastic frame conveying line, a frame pushing device and a lifting type interceptor, the plastic frame conveying line is used for conveying plastic frames, the frame pushing device is arranged on one side of the plastic frame conveying line, the lifting type interceptor is arranged at the bottom of the plastic frame conveying line, and the frame pushing device and the lifting type interceptor cooperate to fix the plastic frames.

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