Grooving mechanism and carton forming machine comprising same

Abstract

The utility model provides a grooving mechanism which comprises a grooving module, the grooving module comprises a grooving beam, a power mechanism and a construction beam, the grooving beam is provided with a grooving cutter, the power mechanism is connected with the grooving beam and can drive the grooving beam to reciprocate in the vertical direction, the construction beam is provided with a groove in the length direction of the construction beam, and the grooving cutter is arranged in the groove. The grooving beam is arranged below the construction beam in parallel, and the grooving cutter faces the groove. The utility model further provides a carton forming machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of corrugated cardboard processing equipment, and particularly relates to a slotting mechanism and a carton forming machine including the same. Background Technology

[0002] The background description provided herein serves to give a general overview of the background of this application. The work to the extent described by the currently identified inventors in this background section, and aspects of this description that do not constitute prior art at the time of application, are neither expressly nor impliedly acknowledged as prior art in conflict with this application.

[0003] Currently, automated equipment for cardboard box forming mainly includes die-cutting machines, proofing machines, and cardboard box forming machines. Among them, existing cardboard box forming machines utilize the reciprocating motion of grooving and crease-setting knives to achieve grooving and crease-setting of the cardboard during processing.

[0004] For consistency, cardboard forming machines use blades on the same side of the cardboard for both grooving and stitching, with the face paper facing down and the liner paper facing up. This serves two purposes: first, it ensures optimal processing results, as the face paper is the thickest, hardest, and strongest component in the multi-layered structure of corrugated cardboard. Having the face paper facing down minimizes deformation during cutting, guaranteeing cut quality. Second, it ensures effective stitching, as stitching creates a deeper indentation on the stitching side to facilitate post-processing. To maintain a neat appearance and reduce stitching cracks, the relatively softer liner paper is used for stitching.

[0005] In existing technologies, digital printing on cardboard requires the face paper to face up and the liner paper to face down. When using a carton forming machine to process cardboard, digital printing requires flipping the cardboard 180° after printing so that the face paper faces down and the liner paper faces up. This facilitates slotting and creasing, making the entire carton processing flow complex and inefficient. Furthermore, in existing carton forming machines, the creasing blades lack support, making creasing prone to misalignment.

[0006] Therefore, a new device is needed to solve at least one of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] This section presents the selection of utility model concepts in a simplified form, which will be further illustrated in the detailed description below. This section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a grooving mechanism, which includes a grooving module, a grooving beam, a power mechanism, and a structural beam. The grooving beam is provided with a grooving cutter. The power mechanism is connected to the grooving beam and can drive the grooving beam to reciprocate in the vertical direction. The structural beam is provided with a groove along its length. The grooving beam is arranged parallel to the bottom of the structural beam, and the grooving cutter faces the groove.

[0009] Preferably, the grooving mechanism further includes a wire-contacting knife, which is disposed on the grooving beam and faces the groove.

[0010] Preferably, the slotting module further includes a structural beam lifting mechanism, which is connected to the structural beam.

[0011] Preferably, the structural beam lifting mechanism includes a gantry frame disposed at both ends of the structural beam and a lift disposed on the gantry frame. The lift is connected to the structural beam and can adjust the position of the structural beam in the vertical direction.

[0012] Preferably, the support legs of the gantry frame are equipped with guide rails, and the two ends of the structural beam are equipped with first sliders. The structural beam and the support legs of the gantry frame are slidably connected through the guide rails and the first sliders.

[0013] Preferably, the slotted beam is provided with second sliders at both ends, and the slotted beam and the support legs of the gantry are slidably connected to the second sliders via guide rails.

[0014] Preferably, the structural beam lifting mechanism also includes a motor, which provides power to the lifting platform.

[0015] Preferably, there is one motor, and the motor simultaneously provides power to the lifting platform of the gantry frame located at both ends of the structural beam through a transmission mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, the slotted beam has a hollowed-out design.

[0017] Preferably, the groove is a through groove.

[0018] Preferably, the grooving mechanism also includes a waste discharge module.

[0019] Preferably, the waste removal module includes a waste removal knife, a drive cylinder, a connecting block, and a waste removal knife support structure. The drive cylinder is fixed to the structural beam through the waste removal knife support structure. One end of the waste removal knife is connected to the output end of the drive cylinder through the connecting block, and the other end of the waste removal knife can extend into the through groove from above.

[0020] Preferably, the cutting edge of the waste removal knife is provided with an arc-shaped groove.

[0021] Preferably, the waste discharge module includes a suction hood, a suction channel, and a suction device. The suction hood covers one end of the channel away from the slot knife, and the two ends of the suction channel are connected to the suction hood and the suction device, respectively.

[0022] This application also provides a carton forming machine, which includes the slotting mechanism of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other or additional features, advantages, and details are presented by way of example only in the following detailed description of the embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A front view of a slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A perspective view of a slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A side view of a slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0027] Figure 4 The structural beam of the slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0028] Figure 5 The slotting beam of the slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0029] Figure 6 A perspective view of a waste discharge module according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0030] Figure 7 A side view of a waste discharge module according to the principles of this application is schematically shown;

[0031] Figure 8 An alternative implementation of the waste discharge module based on the principles of this application is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this application, application, or use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be limited by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing description of the technical field, background art, or utility model, or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals identify similar or corresponding parts or features.

[0033] This application will now be further elaborated. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of this application are defined in more detail. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect(s). In particular, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature(s) indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0034] To address at least one problem in the prior art, this application provides a slotting mechanism capable of slotting and grooving the cardboard with the face paper facing down and the liner paper facing up. (See attached document.) Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 This illustration shows a grooving mechanism 700 according to the principles of this application. The grooving mechanism 700 includes a grooving module comprising a grooving beam 718, a power mechanism, and a structural beam 713. The grooving beam 718 is provided with a grooving cutter 726. The power mechanism is connected to the grooving beam 718 to provide power, thereby driving the grooving beam 718 to reciprocate vertically. The structural beam 713 is provided with a groove 727 along its length. The grooving beam 718 is arranged parallel to and below the structural beam 713, with the grooving cutter 726 facing the groove 727. It should be understood that "grooving cutter 726 facing groove 727" means that the side of the grooving cutter 726 that contacts the cardboard during grooving faces the groove 727.

[0035] In some embodiments, the grooving module 700 may further include a thread-feeding knife 728, which may be disposed on the grooving beam 718 and face the groove 727. It should be understood that the thread-feeding knife 728 facing the groove 727 means that the side of the thread-feeding knife that contacts the cardboard when it strikes the thread faces the groove 727. This arrangement allows the grooving mechanism of this application to strike the cardboard from the underside of the cardboard. In some embodiments, the groove 727 may be a blind groove, meaning that the groove 727 does not penetrate the structural beam 713. In some embodiments, the groove 727 may be a through groove, meaning that the groove 727 penetrates the structural beam 713.

[0036] Therefore, when using the grooving mechanism 700 based on the principles of this application, the power mechanism can drive the grooving beam 718, which in turn drives the grooving blade 726 to reciprocate vertically. This allows the grooving blade 726 to groove the cardboard from below, and the creasing blade 728 to crimp the cardboard from below. The structural beam 713 provides support to the cardboard from the other side, i.e., from above, when the grooving mechanism is grooving and / or crimping the cardboard. After the grooving blade 726 penetrates the cardboard, the blade can extend into the groove 727, ensuring that the grooving blade 726 has sufficient stroke and preventing collision between the grooving blade 726 and the structural beam 713. The grooving mechanism of this application can groove and / or crimp the cardboard from below, allowing the cardboard to be processed with the face paper facing up and the liner paper facing down. In this way, for example, in applications used with digital printing equipment, the cardboard can be directly grooved and / or crimped after the printing process without being reversed, thus simplifying the process and improving processing efficiency.

[0037] See attached document Figure 1 and attached Figure 3The grooving mechanism 700 may further include a grooving height adjustment mechanism 702, which is connected to the grooving beam 718 and can adjust the grooving depth of the grooving knife 728 by adjusting the vertical position of the grooving beam 718. The grooving mechanism 700 may also include a grooving knife swing mechanism 706, which is connected to the grooving knife 726 and can drive the grooving knife 726 to move along the length of the grooving beam 718, so that the grooving knife 726 can be in a suitable grooving position when processing cardboard of different sizes.

[0038] See attached document Figure 3 The power mechanism may include a cam mechanism 703 and a main drive mechanism 704. The main drive mechanism 704 is connected to the cam mechanism 703, thereby providing power to the cam mechanism 703. In some embodiments, the main drive mechanism 704 may be an electric motor, thereby providing independent power to the cam mechanism 704; in other embodiments, the main drive mechanism 704 may also be a drive shaft connected to the power source of other mechanisms, thereby allowing the cam mechanism 703 to share a power source with other mechanisms. The cam mechanism 703 may be connected to the main drive mechanism 704 via gears or chains. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the cam mechanism 703 includes a cam assembly and a connecting rod connected to the cam assembly. During rotation, the cam assembly can drive the connecting rod to reciprocate in the vertical direction. The cam mechanism 703 may be connected to the slotted beam 718 at both ends via connecting rods, thereby driving the slotted beam 718 to reciprocate. In some embodiments, the power mechanism may also include other mechanisms capable of reciprocating motion, such as a crank-slider mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0039] See attached document Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 The grooving mechanism 700 of this application may further include a structural beam lifting mechanism 701. The structural beam lifting mechanism 701 includes a gantry frame 725 disposed at both ends of the structural beam 713, and a lift 714 disposed on the gantry frame 725. The lift 714 is connected to the structural beam 713, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the structural beam 713 by raising or lowering the structural beam 713 through the lift 714, and thereby adjusting the gap between the structural beam 713 and the grooving beam 718 to accommodate cardboard of different thicknesses.

[0040] The gantry frame 725 includes a lifting platform base 715 and supporting legs 717. The lifting platform 714 can be mounted on the lifting platform base 715, thus being positioned on the gantry frame 725 via the lifting platform base 715. A lifting platform flange 716 can be fixedly mounted on the structural beam 713, thus connecting to the lifting platform 714 via the lifting platform flange 716. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the lifting platform 714 can be of various types, such as a worm gear type lifting platform, a rack and pinion type lifting platform, or a hydraulic type lifting platform, etc.

[0041] The structural beam lifting mechanism 701 may further include a motor 709 to provide power to the lifting platform. The motor 709 can be fixed to the side of the lifting platform base 715 via a motor mount 710, and the output shaft of the motor 709 can be connected to the input shaft of the lifting platform 714 via a coupling 708, thereby providing power to the lifting platform 714. In some embodiments, two motors 709 may be provided, so that the lifting platforms 714 located at both ends of the structural beam 713 can each be connected to one motor. In some embodiments, a single motor 709 may be provided, and the motor 709 can simultaneously provide power to the lifting platforms 714 at both ends of the structural beam 713 via a transmission mechanism, such as a drive shaft and / or gear set, thereby simplifying the structure of the slotting mechanism and reducing energy consumption.

[0042] The gantry frame's support leg 717 is equipped with a guide rail 712, and the two ends of the structural beam 713 can be equipped with first sliders 711. The structural beam 713 and the support leg 717 are slidably connected through the guide rail 712 and the first sliders 711, so that the structural beam 713 can move up and down along the guide rail 712 under the action of the elevator 714, ensuring its stability.

[0043] See attached document Figure 5 The slotted beam 718 can also be equipped with second sliders 711a at both ends. The slotted beam 718 and the support leg 717 are slidably connected to the second sliders 711a via a guide rail 712, allowing the slotted beam 718 to reciprocate up and down along the guide rail 712 under the action of the power mechanism, thus ensuring its stability. The slotted beam 718 is provided with a hollow 729 to reduce the mass of the slotted beam 718, reduce the work done by the power mechanism to overcome the gravity of the slotted beam 718, and thus reduce energy consumption.

[0044] See attached document Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 The grooving mechanism 700 may also include a waste discharge module 705. (See attached diagram.) Figure 6The waste removal module 705 may include a waste removal blade 724, a drive cylinder 719, a connecting block 723, and a waste removal blade support structure, and the groove 727 is a through groove. The drive cylinder is fixed to the structural beam 713 via the waste removal blade support structure. In some embodiments, the waste removal blade support structure includes a first connecting plate 721 and a second connecting plate 722. The first connecting plate 721 is vertically arranged, and the second connecting plate 722 is horizontally arranged at the bottom of the first connecting plate 721. The drive cylinder 719 is fixed to the upper end of the structural beam 713 via the first connecting plate 721 and the second connecting plate 722. One end of the waste removal blade 724 is connected to the output end of the drive cylinder 719 via the connecting block 723, and the other end can extend into the through groove from above, that is, from the side of the through groove away from the groove beam 718, in order to push out the waste in the through groove. In some embodiments, the waste discharge module 705 may further include a solenoid valve 720 to control the extension or retraction of the output end of the drive cylinder 719. Multiple waste discharge modules 705 may be arranged along the length of the structural beam 713, and each waste discharge module 705 may operate independently. In some alternative embodiments, the drive cylinder 719 may also be controlled by a pneumatic switch or a sensor.

[0045] After the grooving knife 726 makes a groove, the waste generated by grooving will be contained in the through groove. The waste discharge knife 724 can be extended into the through groove from the top of the through groove, that is, the side of the through groove away from the groove beam 718, under the action of the cylinder, and push the waste contained in the through groove out of the through groove. The waste pushed out of the through groove falls onto the cardboard and is carried out of the carton forming equipment as the cardboard moves forward.

[0046] See attached document Figure 3 In some embodiments, the groove 727 is a through groove and includes a first through groove 730 and a second through groove 731 communicating with it. The first through groove 730 is located on the side of the structural beam 713 near the slotting beam 718, and the width of the second through groove 731 is greater than the width of the first through groove 730, thereby forming a step at the connection between the first through groove 730 and the second through groove 731. Thus, when the slotting blade 726 slots the cardboard from below, the blade of the slotting blade 726 enters the first through groove 730 after penetrating the cardboard, and the waste generated by slotting can be contained in the first through groove 730 or fall onto the cardboard as the slotting blade 726 resets. The second through groove 731 can be used as a space to accommodate the waste discharge blade 724 or the waste discharge blade 724 and other waste discharge module components.

[0047] Since both the grooving knife 726 and the crimping knife 728 can be mounted on the grooving beam 718 and both can face the groove 727, in multiple embodiments where the waste removal module 705 is arranged along the length of the structural beam 713, some waste removal modules 705 can be positioned directly opposite the grooving knife 726, while others can be positioned directly opposite the crimping knife 728. When the grooving beam 718 moves towards the structural beam 713 under the drive of the power mechanism, the waste removal modules 705 facing the crimping knife 728 operate simultaneously, causing the waste removal knife 724 to extend into the opening of the slot facing the grooving beam 718, thereby providing support for the cardboard during crimping and preventing excessive deformation of the cardboard under the impact of the crimping knife 728, ensuring the quality of crimping. After grooving and crimping are completed, the waste removal module 705 facing the grooving knife 726 operates to discharge waste material. In some implementations, the waste discharge knife 724, which faces the crimping knife 728, can be in a position that can provide support for the cardboard throughout the entire batch of cardboard processing, and then reset after the entire batch of cardboard has been processed.

[0048] See attached document Figure 7 The waste removal knife 724 has an arc-shaped groove 732 on its blade edge, which can provide support for the cardboard while guiding the crimping knife 728, further improving the crimping effect and solving the problem of corrugation.

[0049] See attached document Figure 8 In some alternative embodiments, the waste discharge module may include a suction hood 733, a suction channel 734, and a suction device (not shown). The suction hood 733 covers the side of the through groove away from the slotting cutter 726, and the suction device may be an air pump or piston or other device capable of suctioning air. The two ends of the suction channel 734 are connected to the suction hood 733 and the suction device, respectively. When the suction device is running, it can create a negative pressure in the through groove, thereby sucking out the waste generated from the slotting process.

[0050] This application also provides a carton forming machine that includes a slotting mechanism according to the principles of this application, thereby giving it the beneficial effects of the slotting mechanism of this application.

[0051] When using the carton forming machine of this application, the structural beam can first be positioned appropriately by adjusting the lifting mechanism to allow the cardboard to pass smoothly; then, the grooving knife swing mechanism can be adjusted to position the grooving knife at the desired grooving position; finally, the grooving beam can be positioned appropriately by adjusting the grooving height adjustment mechanism to control the grooving depth. During cardboard processing, the power mechanism drives the grooving beam to reciprocate up and down, thereby achieving grooving and grooving of the cardboard. Because the grooving mechanism and the carton forming machine including it can groove and groove the cardboard from below, allowing the cardboard to be grooved and grooved with the face paper facing up and the liner paper facing down, when the carton forming machine of this application is used in conjunction with digital printing equipment, it can be processed directly without reversing the cardboard, simplifying the processing flow and improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, the waste removal module of this application can effectively remove waste generated during grooving, preventing waste accumulation. Additionally, the arc-shaped groove on the waste removal knife provides support to the cardboard during grooving while preventing corrugation.

[0052] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the one or more exemplary embodiments described herein are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or construction of this application in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide convenient guidance to those skilled in the art in implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes, modifications, or alterations can be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of this application as set forth by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A grooving mechanism, the grooving mechanism comprising a grooving module, characterized in that, The grooving module includes a grooving beam, a power mechanism, and a structural beam. The grooving beam is equipped with a grooving cutter. The power mechanism is connected to the grooving beam and can drive the grooving beam to reciprocate in the vertical direction. The structural beam is provided with a groove along its length. The grooving beam is arranged parallel to the bottom of the structural beam, and the grooving cutter faces the groove.

2. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The grooving mechanism also includes a wire-contacting knife, which is disposed on the grooving beam and faces the groove.

3. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The slotting module also includes a structural beam lifting mechanism, which is connected to the structural beam.

4. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The structural beam lifting mechanism includes gantry frames disposed at both ends of the structural beam and a lifting machine disposed on the gantry frames. The lifting machine is connected to the structural beam and can adjust the position of the structural beam in the vertical direction.

5. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The gantry frame's support legs are equipped with guide rails, and the structural beam has first sliders at both ends. The structural beam and the gantry frame's support legs are slidably connected via the guide rails and the first sliders.

6. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The slotted beam is provided with second sliders at both ends, and the slotted beam and the support legs of the gantry are slidably connected to the second sliders via guide rails.

7. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The structural beam lifting mechanism also includes a motor, which provides power to the lifting platform.

8. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The number of motors is one, and the motor simultaneously provides power to the lifting machines of the gantry frames located at both ends of the structural beam through a transmission mechanism.

9. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The slotted beam has a hollowed-out design.

10. The grooving mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The groove is a through groove.

11. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The grooving mechanism also includes a waste discharge module.

12. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The waste removal module includes a waste removal knife, a drive cylinder, a connecting block, and a waste removal knife support structure. The drive cylinder is fixed to the structural beam through the waste removal knife support structure. One end of the waste removal knife is connected to the output end of the drive cylinder through the connecting block, and the other end of the waste removal knife can extend into the through groove from above.

13. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The blade of the waste removal knife is provided with an arc-shaped groove.

14. The grooving mechanism as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The waste discharge module includes a suction hood, a suction channel, and a suction device. The suction hood covers the end of the through groove away from the grooving knife, and the two ends of the suction channel are respectively connected to the suction hood and the suction device.

15. A cardboard box forming machine, characterized in that, The carton forming machine includes a slotting mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-14.

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