Fixture for box filler

Abstract

The utility model discloses a clamp for a box filling machine, which relates to the field of box filling machine structures and comprises a supporting box body with a supporting function; the mounting piece is arranged above the supporting box body and is used for being connected with a mechanical arm; the N suction cup assemblies are arranged below the bottom of the supporting box body, and the number of the suction cup assemblies is Ngt; 1, and N is an integer; n independent cavities are formed in the supporting box body, and each suction cup assembly communicates with the corresponding independent cavity; at least one vent hole is formed in the supporting box body, each vent hole is communicated with each independent cavity, and the vent holes are communicated with the external atmosphere; a blocking piece is movably arranged on each vent hole and is arranged to prevent the independent cavity from being communicated with the external atmosphere through the vent holes. According to the utility model, the plurality of suction cup assemblies are arranged, and the independent cavities are arranged to be matched with the vent holes to control the single suction cup assembly, so that the purpose of preventing redundant suction cup assemblies from being adsorbed with other articles is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of case packing machine structure, and specifically to a clamp for case packing machines. Background Technology

[0002] Case packing machines are widely used in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries to automatically pack products into cartons, plastic boxes, or other transport packaging. Existing case packing machines typically consist of key components such as robots, control systems, vision systems, and grippers. These components work together to achieve efficient and precise case packing operations.

[0003] Grippers play a crucial role in case packing machines. As the core component of the robot's end effector, they directly contact the products, responsible for gripping, handling, and releasing them. The design and performance of the grippers directly affect the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of the case packing machine. Existing grippers include claw grippers, suction cup grippers, magnetic grippers, and flexible grippers. Claw grippers are suitable for regularly shaped products, such as cardboard boxes and plastic bottles; the gripper firmly holds the product through the opening and closing action of the mechanical claws. Suction cup grippers are suitable for products with flat surfaces, such as glass bottles and plastic sheets; the suction cup can attract and lift the product through vacuum adsorption. Magnetic grippers are suitable for metal products, such as metal parts and steel cylinders; the gripper can quickly grasp metal products through magnetic adsorption. Flexible grippers are suitable for irregularly shaped or fragile products, such as fruits and eggs. Flexible grippers, using soft materials or pneumatic devices, can adapt to products of different shapes, avoiding damage.

[0004] Existing suction cup clamps often have multiple suction cups arranged in a row to increase the coverage area of ​​the suction cups and improve the clamping force. However, due to the diversity of products, the required coverage area of ​​the suction cups varies. If the coverage area of ​​the suction cups is larger than the area required by the product, the excess suction cups may adhere to other items (such as support platforms or conveyor belts), resulting in clamping failure or damage to other equipment.

[0005] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a clamp for a case packing machine. This clamp uses the pressure difference formed by the suction cup assembly to grip the product. By setting multiple suction cup assemblies and setting independent cavities with ventilation holes to control individual suction cup assemblies, the problem that existing clamps cannot adapt to the diversity of products they can grip is solved.

[0007] This utility model embodiment is achieved through the following technical solution: providing a clamp for a case packing machine, comprising:

[0008] The supporting box provides support.

[0009] The mounting component is located above the support box and is used to connect to the robotic arm;

[0010] N suction cup components are set below the bottom of the support box, where N>1 and N is an integer;

[0011] The suction cup assembly is designed to squeeze the internal gas out after pressing against the surface of the product being gripped, thus creating a pressure difference between the internal and external atmospheric pressure.

[0012] The support box contains N independent cavities, and each suction cup assembly is connected to a single independent cavity;

[0013] The support box is provided with at least one vent hole, each vent hole is connected to a single independent cavity, and the vent hole is connected to the outside atmosphere.

[0014] A blocking element is movable on each vent hole, and the blocking element is designed to prevent the independent cavity from communicating with the outside atmosphere through the vent hole.

[0015] Optionally, a suction cup assembly is provided at the center of the bottom of the support box, and N-1 suction cup assemblies are arranged to extend outward around the center of the bottom of the support box;

[0016] Each suction cup assembly surrounding the center of the bottom of the support box is connected to a vent.

[0017] Optionally, the bottom of the support box is rectangular, and five suction cup components are provided, one of which is located in the center of the rectangle, and the other four suction cup components are located at opposite corners of the rectangle.

[0018] Optionally, a single suction cup assembly includes a connector, a first flexible body, a second flexible body, and a third flexible body connected in sequence. The connector is made of a rigid material, while the first flexible body, the second flexible body, and the third flexible body are all made of flexible materials.

[0019] Both the first and second flexible bodies are "pancake-shaped structures", and the diameter of the connection surface between the first and second flexible bodies is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first and second flexible bodies, while the outer diameter of the third flexible body is larger than the maximum diameter of the first and second flexible bodies.

[0020] The top of the connector has a through hole that connects to an independent cavity.

[0021] Optionally, the third flexible body is a horizontally arranged ring structure.

[0022] Optionally, the third flexible body is an inwardly inclined ring structure.

[0023] Optionally, the connector is a tapered structure whose diameter gradually decreases from bottom to top.

[0024] Optionally, the bottom of a single independent cavity is provided with an installation tube, the bottom of the installation tube is provided with an external thread, the through hole is provided with an internal thread, and the top of the connector is threadedly connected to the installation tube.

[0025] Optionally, the plugging component includes a top cover and a screw, with an internal thread on the top of the vent hole, and the screw is threadedly connected to the vent hole.

[0026] Optionally, one end of the mounting component is detachably connected to the support housing, and the other end is detachably connected to the robotic arm.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0028] The clamp for the packing machine provided in this embodiment of the utility model has an installation component that can be fixed to the support box by bolts or other fasteners. The interface of the installation component matches the end effector of the robotic arm to ensure that the clamp can be firmly installed. The suction cup assembly is fixed to the bottom of the support box, and each suction cup assembly is connected to its own independent cavity. Each independent cavity is connected to the outside atmosphere through a vent hole, and the opening and closing of the vent hole is controlled by a plug.

[0029] During clamping, the suction cup assembly with ventilation holes can be independently controlled according to the surface size of the product. The ventilation holes of the suction cup assembly to be used are kept closed by a plug or are kept closed even if no ventilation holes are provided. In the initial state, the air pressure in the independent cavity is equal to the external atmospheric pressure. Then, the robotic arm moves the clamp above the target product, and the suction cup assembly contacts the product surface. Pushing the suction cup assembly to squeeze the product surface expels the internal gas and forms a negative pressure. Since the ventilation holes are closed or no ventilation holes are provided, the negative pressure is maintained, and the suction cup assembly firmly adsorbs the product. Then, the robotic arm moves the adsorbed product to the target position.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, by providing an independent cavity for each suction cup assembly, at least one vent can be provided according to actual needs, or one vent can be provided on each independent cavity. The adsorption capacity of each suction cup assembly can be independently controlled by the blocking component. Simultaneously, when the clamping force is too strong, the blocking component can be partially opened during the product release process, allowing the vent to connect with the external atmosphere, enabling the robotic arm to smoothly remove the gripper and successfully place the product in the target position. This structure can flexibly activate or deactivate specific suction cup assemblies according to the shape and size of the specific product, avoiding accidental adsorption of excess suction cups onto other objects (such as support platforms or conveyor belts). The independently controlled suction cup assemblies and the fast-responding blocking component ensure the high efficiency of the adsorption and release process, improving the overall working efficiency of the case packing machine.

[0031] In general, the clamp for the packing machine provided by the embodiments of this utility model uses the pressure difference formed by the suction cup assembly to clamp. By setting multiple suction cup assemblies and setting independent cavities with ventilation holes to control individual suction cup assemblies, the purpose of avoiding the adsorption of excess suction cup assemblies with other items (such as support platforms and conveyor belts) can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure for a packing machine provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the jig for a packing machine provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the suction cup assembly arrangement provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the suction cup assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0038] 1-Support box, 2-Mounting component, 3-Suction cup assembly, 4-Independent cavity, 5-Ventilation hole, 6-Blocking component, 7-Connector, 8-First flexible body, 9-Second flexible body, 10-Third flexible body, 11-Through hole, 12-Mounting tube, 13-Top cover, 14-Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] Example

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a clamp for a case packing machine, including a support box 1, a mounting component 2, and N suction cup assemblies 3. The support box 1 provides support; the mounting component 2 is located above the support box 1 for connection with a robotic arm; the N suction cup assemblies 3 are located below the bottom of the support box 1, where N>1 and N is an integer; the suction cup assemblies 3 are configured to squeeze the surface of the product being gripped, squeezing out internal gas to create a pressure difference between the internal and external atmospheric pressure; the support box 1 contains N independent cavities 4, and each suction cup assembly 3 connects to a single independent cavity 4; the support box 1 has at least one vent 5, which connects to a single independent cavity 4 and is connected to the external atmosphere; a blocking component 6 is movably disposed on each vent 5, preventing the independent cavity 4 from connecting to the external atmosphere through the vent 5.

[0045] Specifically, the support housing 1 is made of high-strength materials (such as aluminum alloy or steel), possessing good rigidity and durability. It provides mechanical support and internal space for mounting other components, and has sufficient strength and stability to withstand the load during gripping and handling. The mounting component 2 ensures that the clamp can be securely mounted at the end of the robotic arm and can be precisely positioned with the movement of the robotic arm. Preferably, one end of the mounting component 2 is detachably connected to the support housing 1, and the other end is detachably connected to the robotic arm. For example, the mounting component 2 can be detachably connected to the support housing 1 and the robotic arm using other existing mechanisms such as threaded holes and flanges. The suction cup assembly 3 is used to contact the product surface, achieving gripping by forming a pressure difference. Each suction cup assembly 3 can squeeze the internal gas out after being pressed against the product surface, forming a pressure difference, thereby generating suction force. Each suction cup assembly 3 is independently connected to an independent cavity 4. The independent cavity 4 ensures that the internal air pressure of each suction cup can be controlled independently, thereby realizing flexible gripping of products of different sizes and shapes. Operators can set vent holes 5 in the independent cavity 4 to connect with the external atmosphere according to actual needs, and control the opening and closing of the vent holes 5 through the plug 6.

[0046] Vent 5 connects the independent cavity 4 to the external atmosphere and is used to regulate the air pressure inside the cavity. By controlling the opening and closing of vent 5, the suction cup can be adsorbed and released. The plug 6 is used to control the opening and closing of vent 5. It can be an existing solenoid valve, pneumatic valve or other movable mechanical parts that can quickly respond to control signals to ensure the efficiency of the adsorption and release process. Manual control can also be used. There are no restrictions here, as long as the purpose of controlling the opening or closing of vent 5 can be achieved.

[0047] It should be noted that it is not necessary to provide vents 5 on every independent cavity 4. The specific vents can be set according to actual needs, as long as the actual adjustment requirements are met. For ease of understanding, one vent 5 can be provided on each independent cavity 4, allowing for independent control of each suction cup assembly 3. Specifically, during the adsorption process, initially all vents 5 are kept closed by the plugs 6, and the air pressure inside the independent cavity 4 is equal to the external atmospheric pressure. The robotic arm moves the gripper above the target product, and the suction cup assembly 3 contacts the product surface. Pushing the suction cup assembly 3 against the product surface expels internal gas, creating a negative pressure. Because the vents 5 are closed, the negative pressure is maintained, and the suction cup assembly 3 firmly adsorbs the product. The robotic arm moves the adsorbed product to the target position. Upon reaching the target position, some or all of the plugs 6 can be selectively opened, allowing the vents 5 to connect with the external atmosphere. The negative pressure inside the independent cavity 4 quickly balances with the external atmospheric pressure, the adsorption force of the suction cup assembly 3 disappears, and the robotic arm removes the gripper, placing the product at the target position.

[0048] This utility model embodiment, by independently controlling each suction cup assembly 3, allows for flexible activation or deactivation of specific suction cup assemblies 3 according to the shape and size of the product. This avoids the accidental adsorption of excess suction cups onto other objects (such as support platforms or conveyor belts). The independently controlled suction cup assemblies 3 and the fast-responding blocking components 6 ensure the high efficiency of the adsorption and release process, improve the overall working efficiency of the case packing machine, and make the clamps more stable during gripping and handling, reducing malfunctions caused by insufficient adsorption force or accidental adsorption.

[0049] It should also be noted that the number and arrangement of the suction cup components 3 are not limited in this embodiment of the invention, and can be set according to the actual product. For ease of understanding, this embodiment of the invention provides the following... Figure 3 The arrangement structure is shown. Specifically, the bottom of the support box 1 is rectangular, and five suction cup assemblies 3 are provided. One suction cup assembly 3 is located in the center of the rectangle, and the other four suction cup assemblies 3 are located at opposite corners of the rectangle. The four outer suction cup assemblies 3 are connected to a vent hole 5, while the central suction cup assembly 3 does not have a vent hole 5. This is because in some scenarios, the clamping force of one suction cup assembly 3 or a small number of suction cup assemblies 3 is insufficient. When the vent holes 5 of some suction cup assemblies 3 are opened, the mobile robotic arm can smoothly transfer the product.

[0050] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a suction cup assembly 3 can be provided at the center of the bottom of the support box 1, and N-1 suction cup assemblies 3 are arranged outwards around the center of the bottom of the support box 1; each suction cup assembly 3 around the center of the bottom of the support box 1 is connected to a vent hole 5. In this structure, each peripheral suction cup assembly 3 is connected to an independent vent hole 5. This allows the peripheral suction cups to be flexibly activated or deactivated according to the shape and size of the specific product, providing auxiliary gripping force, ensuring the stability and uniformity of gripping, and when releasing the product, opening some or all of the vent holes 5 of the peripheral suction cup assemblies 3 as needed to balance their internal air pressure, thereby releasing the product, to adapt to the needs of different products, and to avoid malfunctions caused by excess suction cups accidentally adsorbing other objects.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, a single suction cup assembly 3 includes a connector 7, a first flexible body 8, a second flexible body 9, and a third flexible body 10 connected in sequence. The connector 7 is made of a rigid material, while the first flexible body 8, the second flexible body 9, and the third flexible body 10 are all made of flexible materials. The first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 are both "pancake-shaped structures," and the diameter of the connection surface between the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9. The outer diameter of the third flexible body 10 is larger than the maximum diameter of the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9. A through hole 11 is provided at the top of the connector 7, and the through hole 11 connects to the independent cavity 4.

[0052] Specifically, the connector 7 serves as the supporting part of the suction cup assembly 3. The connector 7 is made of a rigid material (such as metal or hard plastic) to ensure the structural strength and stability of the entire suction cup assembly 3. A through hole 11 is provided at the top of the connector 7, connecting to the independent cavity 4 for transmitting air pressure changes. The first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 are made of flexible materials (such as rubber or silicone), possessing a certain degree of elasticity and deformation capability. The diameter of the connecting surface between the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 is smaller than their maximum diameter, allowing for a certain amount of space between the two flexible bodies. During compression, this reduces mutual interference between the two flexible bodies, further improving the uniformity of compression deformation. Simultaneously, the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 can achieve more uniform deformation during compression, while reducing stress concentration and protecting themselves. Importantly, the high elasticity of the first flexible body 8 and the second flexible body 9 allows for a certain buffering effect when subjected to force. This buffering effect reduces the impact force generated when contacting the product surface, protecting the product from damage.

[0053] The large size of the third flexible body 10 provides a larger contact area, enhancing the adsorption force between the suction cup assembly 3 and the product, and reducing malfunctions caused by insufficient adsorption force. Preferably, the third flexible body 10 is a horizontally arranged annular structure or an inwardly inclined annular structure. The annular structure can form a larger sealing area when in contact with the product, thereby improving adsorption efficiency. However, the horizontally arranged annular structure can distribute pressure more evenly, reducing the problem of excessive local pressure and protecting the product surface. The inclined arrangement allows the third flexible body 10 to better conform to the product surface when in contact with the product, especially when the product surface is uneven, improving the stability and reliability of adsorption. It should be noted that both of the above-mentioned structures of the third flexible body 10 can achieve the purpose of this utility model embodiment. In actual operation, the choice can be made according to the situation. For example, a horizontally arranged annular structure is used when gripping a product with a flat surface, and an inwardly inclined annular structure is used when the product surface is uneven.

[0054] More preferably, the connector 7 is a conical structure with a diameter that gradually decreases from bottom to top. The conical structure of the connector 7 can distribute stress more evenly during compression, reducing local stress concentration and thus lowering the risk of material damage caused by excessive local stress. At the same time, it can also reduce the direct contact area with the flexible body, thereby reducing wear and damage to the flexible body.

[0055] Reference Figure 2The bottom of each independent cavity 4 is provided with an installation tube 12, which has an external thread at its bottom and an internal thread in the through hole 11. The top of the connecting body 7 is threadedly connected to the installation tube 12. To improve connection stability, the installation tube 12 can be made into a straight tube, and a straight tube section can be provided at the top of the connecting body 7. This way, the straight tube section at the through hole 11 can better fit with the external thread of the installation tube 12. This embodiment of the utility model provides good sealing performance by setting the installation tube 12 and the connecting body 7 to a threaded connection, preventing gas leakage. It is simple to operate, easy to install and disassemble, and suitable for quick assembly and maintenance.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the plugging component 6 includes a top cover 13 and a screw 14. The top of the vent hole 5 is provided with an internal thread, and the screw 14 is threadedly connected to the vent hole 5. Specifically, the top cover 13 is part of the plugging component 6, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the vent hole 5. It is used to cover the opening of the vent hole 5 to prevent external impurities from entering the interior of the vent hole 5. One end of the screw 14 is connected to the top cover 13, and the other end engages with the internal thread inside the vent hole 5. By tightly engaging the external thread of the screw 14 with the internal thread inside the vent hole 5, sealing performance and removability are ensured.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. It should be noted that the structures or components illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and descriptions of well-known components, processing techniques, and processes are omitted to avoid unnecessarily limiting the utility model.

Claims

1. A clamp for a case packing machine, characterized in that, include: The supporting box (1) has a supporting function; Mounting component (2) is disposed above the support box (1) and is used to connect with the robotic arm; N suction cup components (3) are disposed below the bottom of the support box (1), where N>1 and N is an integer; The suction cup assembly (3) is configured to squeeze the internal gas out after being pressed against the surface of the product being gripped, so that a pressure difference is formed between the internal and external atmospheric pressure. The support box (1) is provided with N independent cavities (4), and a single suction cup assembly (3) is connected to a single independent cavity (4); The support box (1) is provided with at least one vent (5), and a single vent (5) is connected to a single independent cavity (4). The vent (5) is connected to the outside atmosphere. A blocking element (6) is movably provided on the single vent (5). The blocking element (6) is configured to prevent the independent cavity (4) from communicating with the outside atmosphere through the vent (5).

2. The clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A suction cup assembly (3) is provided at the center of the bottom of the support box (1), and N-1 suction cup assemblies (3) are arranged to extend outward around the center of the bottom of the support box (1); Each suction cup assembly (3) surrounding the center of the bottom of the support box (1) is connected to a vent (5).

3. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the support box (1) is rectangular. Five suction cup components (3) are provided, one of which is located in the center of the rectangle, and the other four are located at opposite corners of the rectangle.

4. The clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each suction cup assembly (3) includes a connector (7), a first flexible body (8), a second flexible body (9), and a third flexible body (10) connected in sequence. The connector (7) is made of a rigid material, while the first flexible body (8), the second flexible body (9), and the third flexible body (10) are all made of flexible materials. The first flexible body (8) and the second flexible body (9) are both "pancake-shaped structures", and the diameter of the connection surface between the first flexible body (8) and the second flexible body (9) is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first flexible body (8) and the second flexible body (9). The outer diameter of the third flexible body (10) is larger than the maximum diameter of the first flexible body (8) and the second flexible body (9). The top of the connector (7) is provided with a through hole (11), which connects to the independent cavity (4).

5. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third flexible body (10) is a horizontally arranged ring structure.

6. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third flexible body (10) is an inwardly inclined ring structure.

7. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector (7) is a conical structure whose diameter gradually decreases from bottom to top.

8. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of each independent cavity (4) is provided with an installation tube (12), the bottom of the installation tube (12) is provided with an external thread, the through hole (11) is provided with an internal thread, and the top of the connector (7) is threadedly connected to the installation tube (12).

9. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plug (6) includes a top cover (13) and a screw (14). The top of the vent (5) is provided with an internal thread, and the screw (14) is threadedly connected to the vent (5).

10. A clamp for a case packing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the mounting component (2) is detachably connected to the support box (1), and the other end is detachably connected to the robotic arm.

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