Automatic fork throwing device

Abstract

This application discloses an automatic fork-dispensing device, belonging to the field of food packaging technology. It includes a centrifugal separator turntable and a return assembly, as well as a fork-dispensing assembly, a height-limiting assembly, a detection assembly, a conveying assembly, and a return assembly. A feeding track is formed on the centrifugal separator turntable, and the fork-dispensing assembly is positioned close to the feeding track. The height-limiting assembly and the detection assembly are both positioned above the feeding track. A conveying assembly is located at the discharge port, and a return assembly is movably mounted on the opposite side of the conveying assembly. This invention uses the fork-dispensing assembly to push the fork block to automatically disperse multiple forks, ensuring efficient fork dispensing. The height-limiting assembly intercepts stacked forks, effectively preventing blockages at the discharge port or poor conveying caused by multiple stacked forks. This ensures the forks remain flat on the feeding track, improving the stability of the forks during conveying and guaranteeing stable fork dispensing and dispensing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food packaging technology, and in particular to an automatic forklift dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] In the production and packaging of ready-to-eat foods in buckets, bowls, or cups, disposable plastic forks or biodegradable cutlery are usually pre-placed inside the packaging box. This improves the convenience for consumers, allowing them to enjoy hot food anytime, anywhere, whether outdoors, in the office, or in other situations where it is inconvenient to use regular cutlery. To improve fork-feeding efficiency, automatic fork-feeding devices are typically used during the placement process.

[0003] The applicant obtained the following prior art through searching, specifically, patent publication number CN211766798U discloses an automatic fork-throwing mechanism, characterized by: a frame, a centrifugal separation turntable, a feeding conveyor belt, a return conveyor belt, a fork-throwing device, and a conveying device; the centrifugal separation turntable is mounted on the frame; the discharge port of the centrifugal separation turntable is connected to the feeding conveyor belt; the feeding conveyor belt is connected to the conveying device; the return conveyor belt is located on the side of the feeding conveyor belt and is connected to the feeding conveyor belt using an inclined plate; the return conveyor belt is connected to the centrifugal separation turntable; the fork-throwing device is mounted on the frame and located above the conveying device. This utility model is equipped with a fork-in detection sensor II and a fork-out detection sensor, realizing the function of supplementing forks in the material box on the collector, and at the same time, the fork-out detection sensor ensures that there are no forks missing in the bucket or bowl-type ready-to-eat foods after fork-throwing.

[0004] As can be seen from the patent above, although this automatic fork-dispensing mechanism can fulfill the function of replenishing forks in the feeder and avoid the situation of missing forks in bucket or bowl-type fast food, in actual use, the centrifugal separator rotates at high speed, causing the forks to be thrown to the edge of the separator and discharged from the outlet under the action of centrifugal force. However, due to the size and structure limitations of the outlet, forks are prone to accumulate at the outlet, especially when there are many forks. The throughput capacity of the outlet is difficult to meet the needs of rapid fork discharge, which not only easily leads to blockage and affects the fork-dispensing efficiency, but also reduces the stability and reliability of fork-dispensing. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic fork-feeding device, which aims to solve the problems of existing automatic fork-feeding devices being prone to clogging, affecting fork-feeding efficiency, and reducing fork-feeding stability and reliability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automatic forklift dispensing device, including a centrifugal separation turntable and a return assembly, as well as a forklift splitting assembly, a height limiting assembly, a detection assembly, a conveying assembly, and a forklift return assembly. The centrifugal separation turntable has a feeding track flush with the discharge port. The forklift splitting assembly is positioned near the feeding track and is used to push and separate the forks. The height limiting assembly and the detection assembly are both positioned above the feeding track. The height limiting assembly is used to prevent overlapping forks, and the detection assembly is used to monitor the discharge length of the forks. The conveying assembly is located at the discharge port, and the forklift return assembly, which is movably mounted on the opposite side of the conveying assembly, is used to return the forks to the return assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the fork assembly includes a first drive member and a rolling member, the rolling member being rotatably mounted above the feed rail via the first drive member and used to peel off stacked forks.

[0008] Preferably, the fork assembly further includes a second drive member and a pusher block, the pusher block being movably mounted above the feed rail via the second drive member and used to push the fork back.

[0009] Preferably, the height limiting component includes a plurality of height limiting blocks, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track, and the installation height of the plurality of height limiting blocks decreases gradually along the direction closer to the discharge port.

[0010] Preferably, the detection component includes a plurality of sensors, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track, and the distance between any two adjacent sensors is not less than the length of a single fork.

[0011] Preferably, the material conveying assembly includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit for conveying forks. The first conveying unit is connected to the discharge port, the second conveying unit is disposed on one side of the second conveying unit and forms a notch groove communicating with the return material assembly, and the return fork assembly is disposed on the opposite side of the second conveying unit.

[0012] Preferably, the return fork assembly includes a baffle and a plurality of air nozzles. The baffle is movably mounted on the first conveying unit, and the plurality of air nozzles are detachably mounted on the baffle and are provided corresponding to the notch and the discharge port.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the material conveying component away from the discharge port is provided with a feeding pipe.

[0014] Beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. In the automatic fork-feeding device of this utility model, the fork-split assembly can push multiple interlocking forks and make them fall back into the centrifugal separation turntable, thereby not only avoiding the fork blocks from blocking the discharge port, but also automatically dispersing the multiple interlocking forks by pushing the fork blocks, thus ensuring the fork-feeding efficiency.

[0016] 2. In the automatic fork-feeding device of this utility model, since a height limiting component is set above the feeding track, when multiple forks falling onto the feeding track are stacked vertically, the height limiting component can intercept the upper fork and allow it to fall back into the centrifugal separator turntable. This effectively avoids blockage of the discharge port or poor conveying caused by multiple stacked forks, ensuring stable delivery and accurate placement of forks, and improving reliability.

[0017] 3. In the automatic fork delivery device of this utility model, the height limiting component ensures that the forks are always in a flat position on the feeding track. This not only improves the stability of the forks during the conveying process, but also ensures the stable feeding and delivery of the forks, and reduces conveying jams or malfunctions caused by abnormal fork posture.

[0018] 4. In the automatic fork-dispensing device of this utility model, the detection component and the return fork component work together to accurately and quickly identify and separate the forks that are stuck together at the front and rear ends, and push the forks at the rear back into the centrifugal separation turntable. This ensures that each fork can pass through the discharge port smoothly and independently to achieve fast and efficient dispensing, thereby improving the continuity and accuracy of dispensing.

[0019] 5. In the automatic fork-feeding device of this utility model, the detection component can also monitor whether the forks about to pass through the discharge port are in an abnormal state such as stacking, jamming or damage. If the fork is in an abnormal state, the return fork component will send the fork back to the centrifugal separation turntable, thereby preventing abnormal forks from entering the subsequent production process and affecting product quality, and preventing the discharge port or material conveying component from being blocked, thus reducing the fork-feeding efficiency and improving the operational stability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic fork-throwing device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a first-view perspective;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic fork-throwing device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a second perspective;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic fork-throwing device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a third-person perspective.

[0025] In the diagram: 1-Centrifugal separation turntable; 2-Return assembly; 3-Bifurcation assembly; 4-Height limiting assembly; 5-Detection assembly; 6-Conveying assembly; 7-Return fork assembly; 8-Discharge port; 9-Feeding track; 10-First driving component; 11-Rolling component; 12-Second driving component; 13-Push block; 14-Height limiting block; 15-Sensor; 16-First conveying unit; 17-Second conveying unit; 18-Notch; 19-Air nozzle; 20-Baffle; 21-Feeding pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationships commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, 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 application. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in the description of this application is only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this application does not imply that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it may be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it may be slightly tilted.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] This utility model proposes an automatic fork-throwing device.

[0034] In one embodiment of this utility model, an automatic fork-feeding device includes a centrifugal separation turntable 1 and a return assembly 2, and further includes a fork-splitting assembly 3, a height limiting assembly 4, a detection assembly 5, a conveying assembly 6, and a fork-returning assembly 7. A feeding track 9 flush with the discharge port 8 is formed on the centrifugal separation turntable 1. The fork-splitting assembly 3 is located near the feeding track 9 and is used to push and separate the forks. The height limiting assembly 4 and the detection assembly 5 are both located above the feeding track 9. The height limiting assembly 4 is used to block overlapping forks, and the detection assembly 5 is used to monitor the discharge length of the forks. A conveying assembly 6 is provided at the discharge port 8, and a fork-returning assembly 7 for sending the forks back to the return assembly 2 is movably installed on the opposite side of the conveying assembly 6.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, in this automatic fork-feeding device, a centrifugal dispersing tray holds the forks, and the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the tray causes the forks to fall onto the feeding track 9 and be conveyed along it to the discharge port 8. This achieves automatic fork feeding and meets fork-feeding requirements, with a simple and reasonable structural design. Furthermore, when multiple forks in the centrifugal separation turntable 1 become interlocked, they fall onto the feeding track 9 under centrifugal force. Since the fork-splitting assembly 3 is located close to the feeding track 9, it can push the interlocked forks back into the centrifugal separation turntable 1. This not only prevents the fork blocks from clogging the discharge port 8 but also automatically disperses the interlocked forks, ensuring fork-feeding efficiency. Simultaneously, a height limiting component 4 is installed above the feeding track 9, preventing the multiple forks falling onto the track from becoming stuck. When stacked, the height limiting component 4 can intercept the upper fork and allow it to fall back into the centrifugal separator turntable 1. This effectively prevents blockage of the discharge port 8 or poor conveying caused by multiple stacked forks, ensuring stable delivery and accurate placement of the forks and improving reliability. Furthermore, the height limiting component 4 ensures that the forks are always placed flat on the feeding track 9. This not only improves the stability of the forks during the conveying process but also ensures stable discharge and placement of the forks, and reduces conveying jams or malfunctions caused by abnormal fork posture.

[0036] Understandably, since a detection component 5 is also installed above the feeding track 9, the detection component 5 can monitor the discharge length of the forks at the discharge port 8, thereby determining whether two adjacent forks are stuck together end-to-end during discharge. The detection component 5 can be a camera or similar device. When the detection component 5 issues an alarm (indicating an abnormality in the forks passing through the discharge port 8), the feedback from the detection component 5 causes the return fork component 7 (which can be an electric push rod) to accurately push the rear fork back into the centrifugal separator turntable 1, thus quickly identifying and separating the front and rear forks. The snap-fit ​​forks ensure that each fork can pass smoothly and independently through the discharge port 8 for fast and efficient feeding, improving the continuity and accuracy of feeding. At the same time, the detection component 5 can also monitor whether the forks about to pass through the discharge port 8 are in an abnormal state such as stacking, snapping, or damage. If the fork is in an abnormal state, the return fork component 7 will send the fork back to the centrifugal separator turntable 1, thereby preventing abnormal forks from entering the subsequent production process and affecting product quality, and preventing the discharge port 8 or the material conveying component 6 from becoming blocked, which would reduce the feeding efficiency and improve the operational stability of the equipment.

[0037] It should be noted that, since a conveying component 6 is installed at the discharge port 8, the forks passing through the discharge port 8 can be conveyed to the next process. When the forks on the conveying component 6 become clogged, the return fork component 7, which is positioned opposite to the conveying component 6, can push the forks on the conveying component 6 and cause them to fall into the return component 2. The return component 2 then conveys the forks back to the centrifugal separator turntable 1 for secondary fork feeding, thus realizing the cyclic feeding of forks and avoiding equipment downtime caused by forks accumulating on the conveying component 6. This ensures the continuity and efficiency of the production process and improves overall production efficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment, the fork assembly 3 includes a first drive member 10 and a roller member 11. The roller member 11 is rotatably mounted above the feed rail 9 via the first drive member 10 and is used to peel stacked forks. Specifically, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first driving component 10 can be a motor or servo driver, and the rolling component 11 can be a roller or drum. When the fork comes into contact with the rolling component 11, the rolling component 11 rotates under the drive of the first driving component 10, so that the rolling component 11 can peel off the stacked or jammed forks and let them fall back into the centrifugal separation turntable 1. This avoids blockage of the discharge port 8 or interruption of conveying due to stacked or jammed forks, thereby reducing the reliance on manual intervention, reducing the equipment failure rate and maintenance requirements, and improving the operational reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fork assembly 3 further includes a second drive member 12 and a pusher block 13, the pusher block 13 being movably mounted above the feed rail 9 via the second drive member 12 and used to push the fork back. Specifically, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the second driving component 12 can be a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or other linear drive device, thereby enabling the pusher block 13 to reciprocate relative to the feeding guide rail under the action of the second driving component 12. The structural design is simple and reasonable. Furthermore, when the detection component 5 detects that the forks are jammed or stacked on the feeding rail 9, the pusher block 13 moves under the control of the second driving component 12 and applies a pushing force to the jammed or stacked forks, causing them to fall back into the centrifugal separation turntable 1 for secondary feeding. This not only effectively avoids blockage of the discharge port 8, but also improves the conveying stability, reliability, and production efficiency.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the height limiting component 4 includes several height limiting blocks 14, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track 9, and the installation height of the height limiting blocks 14 gradually decreases along the direction closer to the discharge port 8. Understandably, when the forks pass through the height limiting blocks 14, forks that are stacked or tilted will be intercepted by the height limiting blocks 14 and fall back into the centrifugal separator turntable 1, thereby effectively preventing the forks from stacking and exhibiting abnormal posture during conveying. This ensures that the forks are always conveyed to the discharge port 8 in a single layer and flat position, significantly improving the conveying stability of the forks and ensuring reliable use.

[0041] In one embodiment, the detection component 5 includes a plurality of sensors 15, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track 9. The distance between any two adjacent sensors 15 is not less than the length of a single fork. Specifically, the plurality of sensors 15 can be photoelectric sensors 15. By arranging the plurality of sensors 15 spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track 9, the position, attitude, and conveying status of the fork can be monitored in real time. If there is an abnormality in the fork, it can be returned to the centrifugal separator turntable 1 by the fork splitting component 3 or the fork return component 7, ensuring the smooth passage of the fork through the discharge port 8 and avoiding blockage.

[0042] Furthermore, when the forks are conveyed on the feeding track 9, if two forks jam at their ends, their total length will exceed the length of a single fork. Since the distance between any two adjacent sensors 15 is not less than the length of a single fork, the two adjacent sensors 15 will detect the forks simultaneously and send signals back to the external control system. The external control system will determine whether the forks are jammed based on the feedback information from the sensors 15 and trigger the return fork assembly 7 or the split fork assembly 3 to return the jammed fork at the rear to the centrifugal separation turntable 1. This achieves the separation of the forks and re-feeding, effectively avoiding blockage of the discharge port 8 or interruption of conveying due to jamming of the forks at their ends, and improving the stability and smoothness of conveying.

[0043] In one embodiment, the feeding assembly 6 includes a first conveying unit 16 and a second conveying unit 17 for conveying forks. The first conveying unit 16 is connected to the discharge port 8. The second conveying unit 17 is disposed on one side and forms a notch 18 communicating with the return assembly 2. A return fork assembly 7 is disposed on the opposite side of the second conveying unit 17. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, since the first conveying unit 16 is connected to the discharge port 8, and the second conveying unit 17 is located on one side of the second conveying unit 17, the forks can be efficiently and smoothly conveyed to the next process through the first conveying unit 16 and the second conveying unit 17 after passing through the discharge port 8. The structural design is simple and reasonable. At the same time, both the first conveying unit 16 and the second conveying unit 17 can be belt conveyors. Belt conveyors have smooth transmission, which can stably convey the forks. Furthermore, since the second conveying unit 17 and the first conveying unit 16 form a notch 18 that communicates with the return material assembly 2, when the forks on the first conveying unit 16 and the second conveying unit 17 become blocked, the return fork assembly 7 can push the forks so that they pass through the notch 18 and fall into the return material assembly 2 to be sent back to the centrifugal separator turntable 1 for secondary conveying and feeding. This can quickly clear the blocked forks, avoid equipment downtime or production interruption caused by blockage, and significantly improve the operating efficiency of the equipment and the continuity of production. It should be noted that the detection component 5 can detect whether the forks on the first conveying unit 16 and the second conveying unit 17 are blocked.

[0044] In one embodiment, the return fork assembly 7 includes a baffle 20 and a plurality of air nozzles 19. The baffle 20 is movably mounted on the first conveying unit 16, and the plurality of air nozzles 19 are detachably mounted on the baffle 20 and are provided corresponding to the notch 18 and the discharge port 8. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the baffle 20 prevents the forks on the first conveying unit 16 and the second conveying unit 17 from falling off, ensuring that the forks can be stably conveyed to the next process. At the same time, since the baffle 20 is movably installed on the first conveying unit 16, the driving method for the baffle 20 and the first conveying unit 16 to move in a limited manner can be a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder or electric push rod, etc., so that the baffle 20 can reciprocate relative to the first conveying unit 16, thereby adjusting the distance between the baffle 20 and the second conveying unit 17, thereby improving the stability and smoothness of the forks in the conveying process, reducing the probability of the forks getting blocked or stuck, and making it reliable in use.

[0045] In one embodiment, a feeding pipe 21 is provided at the end of the material conveying component 6 away from the discharge port 8. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the feed tube 21 can transport the forks from the feed assembly 6 to the next process, ensuring an efficient and smooth transition of the forks from the feed assembly 6 to the next process.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic forklift dispensing device, comprising a centrifugal separation turntable (1) and a return assembly (2), characterized in that, It also includes a fork splitting assembly (3), a height limiting assembly (4), a detection assembly (5), a material conveying assembly (6), and a return fork assembly (7). A feeding track (9) flush with the discharge port (8) is formed on the centrifugal separation turntable (1). The fork splitting assembly (3) is set close to the feeding track (9) and is used to push and separate the forks. The height limiting assembly (4) and the detection assembly (5) are both set above the feeding track (9). The height limiting assembly (4) is used to block overlapping forks, and the detection assembly (5) is used to monitor the discharge length of the forks. The material conveying assembly (6) is set at the discharge port (8). The return fork assembly (7) for sending the forks back to the return assembly (2) is movably installed on the opposite side of the material conveying assembly (6).

2. The automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fork assembly (3) includes a first drive member (10) and a roller member (11), the roller member (11) being rotatably mounted above the feed rail (9) via the first drive member (10) and used to peel off stacked forks.

3. The automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fork assembly (3) further includes a second drive member (12) and a pusher (13), the pusher (13) being movably mounted above the feed rail (9) via the second drive member (12) and used to push back the fork.

4. The automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The height limiting component (4) includes a plurality of height limiting blocks (14), which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track (9), and the installation height of the plurality of height limiting blocks (14) decreases gradually along the direction closer to the discharge port (8).

5. An automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection component (5) includes a plurality of sensors (15), which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the feeding track (9), and the distance between any two adjacent sensors (15) is not less than the length of a single fork.

6. An automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The material conveying assembly (6) includes a first conveying unit (16) and a second conveying unit (17) for conveying forks. The first conveying unit (16) is connected to the discharge port (8). The second conveying unit (17) is disposed on one side of the second conveying unit (17) and forms a notch (18) that communicates with the return assembly (2). The return fork assembly (7) is disposed on the opposite side of the second conveying unit (17).

7. An automatic forklift dispensing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The return fork assembly (7) includes a baffle (20) and a plurality of air nozzles (19). The baffle (20) is movably mounted on the first conveying unit (16), and the plurality of air nozzles (19) are detachably mounted on the baffle (20) and are provided corresponding to the notch (18) and the discharge port (8).

8. An automatic forklift dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The material conveying component (6) is provided with a feeding pipe (21) at the end away from the discharge port (8).

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