Plastic bag folding and holding mechanism
By combining a movable gripper with a base plate on the robotic arm, a three-fold effect for plastic bags can be achieved, solving the problems of plastic bags spreading out and being too bulky, improving the folding control accuracy and reducing equipment modification costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 嘉兴海强机械科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, plastic bags are prone to unraveling during the folding process, making it difficult to control the fold size. Furthermore, the folding method does not meet aesthetic requirements, resulting in excessively large plastic bags that affect subsequent packaging and boxing.
The system employs a combination of a movable gripper and a base plate on a robotic arm. Through the relative movement of the gripper and the base plate, the plastic bag is stretched and folded into three sections on the base plate. Combined with the compression of the downward-pressing cylinder, the three-fold effect of the plastic bag is achieved, reducing the folded volume.
It effectively reduces the folded volume of plastic bags, meets aesthetic requirements, improves the control precision of folded dimensions, and reduces equipment modification costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224409877U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plastic bag manufacturing technology, and in particular to a plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] During the manufacturing process of plastic bags, stacks of plastic bags need to be folded to compress the space before packaging. In the existing technology, the folding process of plastic bags requires the cooperation of a robotic arm and a folding station to drag the plastic bags past the folding station and then clamp them a second time to form the folded effect.
[0003] This folding method has problems in two directions. When the plastic bag is too large, the volume of the plastic bag after simply dragging and clamping it is still too large, which is not conducive to subsequent packaging and boxing, and the size needs to be further reduced.
[0004] Meanwhile, there are aesthetic requirements within the industry regarding packaging plastic bags, with a preference for bags where the ends face outwards, ideally folding inwards with the folded portion facing outwards. Therefore, when folding a plastic bag, the fold is often not achieved by clamping the bag in the middle to form a fold.
[0005] After the plastic bag has been folded once in the previous process, the position where the robotic arm grips and drags the plastic bag is itself the fold position. For the sake of the aesthetic requirements of the final folded product, the fold position is not necessarily the middle of the plastic bag. After dragging the fold position past the plastic bag folding station, this part needs to hang down naturally. Then, the robotic arm grips the plastic bag that is still at the plastic bag folding station a second time. When the fold position is closer to the edge, it still remains on the plastic bag folding station. Only part of the plastic bag is overlapped. The plastic bag is easily pulled by the naturally hanging folded part, causing part of the plastic bag on the plastic bag folding platform to fall off, thus causing the folded plastic bag to unravel. In order to prevent the plastic bag from unraveling, it is necessary to increase the folding allowance, which makes it more difficult to control the folded size of the plastic bag.
[0006] Meanwhile, in the existing folding methods described above, the plastic bag relies on natural hanging down and then being clamped twice before being clamped again. The folding size of the plastic bag is affected by multiple factors, making it difficult to actively control the folding size of the plastic bag or to modify it directly and in a timely manner. Utility Model Content
[0007] The technical problem this utility model aims to solve is to address the aforementioned technical deficiencies by providing a plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism. This mechanism employs a clamping part and a base plate that can move relatively on a robotic arm. When the clamping part on the robotic arm grips a folded plastic bag from the feeding mechanism, the relative movement of the clamping part on the base plate stretches the plastic bag onto the base plate. A downward-pressing cylinder on the upper side of the plastic bag folding station can press down and straighten the stretched portion of the plastic bag on the base plate. When the clamping part moves back to the plastic bag folding station to grip and drag the plastic bag to the folding station in the width direction, the plastic bag has achieved a three-fold effect on top of a two-fold. Compared to folding it in half again, this significantly reduces the volume after folding, while also having lower equipment modification costs and being easier to promote.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism, including a frame and a reciprocating robot arm set on the frame. A plastic bag folding station is set under the movement path of the robot arm. The robot arm includes a bracket and a clamping part and a base plate arranged opposite to each other on the bracket. The clamping part is slidably arranged on the bracket along the movement direction of the robot arm. The clamping part is mounted on the bracket through a drive mechanism.
[0009] To further optimize this technical solution, the base plate is arranged along the sliding area of the clamping part.
[0010] To further optimize this technical solution, the clamping part includes an upper clamping cylinder and a clamping plate on one side of the extension end of the clamping cylinder for clamping relative to the clamping cylinder.
[0011] To further optimize this technical solution, the clamping part is arranged parallel to the movement direction of the robotic arm, and a slide rail is provided on the bracket along the movement direction of the clamping part; the lower side of the clamping part is slidably arranged in the slide rail.
[0012] To further optimize this technical solution, the driving mechanism includes a drive motor mounted on the clamping part and a rack mounted on the bracket; the driving end of the drive motor is disposed on one side of the rack through gear meshing.
[0013] To further optimize this technical solution, the folding station can be raised and lowered; a lifting drive mechanism is provided on the lower side of the folding station; a pressing cylinder is provided on the upper side of the frame corresponding to the folding station, which is used to press the plastic bag part onto the folding station when the plastic bag passes by.
[0014] To further optimize this technical solution, a gap corresponding to the downward pressure cylinder is set on the base plate.
[0015] To further optimize this technical solution, a gap is left under the movement path of the robot arm on one side of the plastic bag folding station, so that the robot arm can hold the tail of the plastic bag and hang it down after it leaves the folding station.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages: the gripping part and the base plate on the robotic arm can move relative to each other. After the gripping part on the robotic arm picks up the folded plastic bag from the feeding mechanism, the relative movement of the gripping part on the base plate stretches the plastic bag onto the base plate. The downward pressing cylinder on the upper side of the plastic bag folding station can press down and straighten the stretched part of the plastic bag on the base plate. When the gripping part moves to the plastic bag folding station to pick up the plastic bag and drag it to the folding station in the width direction of the plastic bag, the plastic bag has achieved the effect of being folded three times on the basis of being folded in half. Compared with folding in half and then folding in half again, the volume after folding is significantly reduced. At the same time, the equipment modification cost is lower and it is easier to promote. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm structure for a plastic bag folding and gripping mechanism.
[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the robotic arm of the plastic bag folding and gripping mechanism when dragging a plastic bag.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plastic bag after folding, which is a plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower structure of the robotic arm in a plastic bag folding and gripping mechanism.
[0022] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Robotic arm; 3. Plastic bag folding station; 4. Support; 5. Clamping part; 6. Base plate; 7. Clamping cylinder; 8. Clamping plate; 9. Slide rail; 10. Drive motor; 11. Rack; 12. Gear; 13. Pressing cylinder; 14. Clearance; 15. Plastic bag. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.
[0024] Detailed implementation method: combined with Figure 1-5As shown, the plastic bag folding and gripping mechanism includes a frame 1 and a reciprocating robotic arm 2 mounted on the frame 1. Driving the robotic arm 2 to reciprocate on the frame 1 is existing technology and can be achieved by using a belt drive mechanism in conjunction with a motor. A plastic bag folding station 3 is provided along the movement path of the robotic arm 2. An empty space is left along the movement path of the robotic arm 2 on one side of the folding station 3, allowing the tail of the plastic bag 15 held by the robotic arm 2 to hang suspended after detaching from the folding station. The folding station 3 is height-adjustable; its height adjustment is achieved by using a push cylinder or an electric pull rod.
[0025] Combination Figure 1-5 As shown, a lifting drive mechanism is provided on the lower side of the plastic bag folding station 3; a pressing cylinder 13 is provided on the upper side of the frame 1 at the position corresponding to the folding station, which is used to press part of the plastic bag 15 onto the plastic bag folding station 3 when the plastic bag 15 passes by.
[0026] The robotic arm 2 includes a support 4 and a clamping part 5 and a base plate 6 arranged vertically opposite each other on the support 4. The clamping part 5 is slidably disposed on the support 4 along the movement direction of the robotic arm 2, and the clamping part 5 is mounted on the support 4 by a drive mechanism. The base plate 6 is disposed along the sliding area of the clamping part 5.
[0027] The clamping part 5 includes an upper clamping cylinder 7 and a clamping plate 8 on one side of the telescopic end of the clamping cylinder 7 for clamping opposite to the clamping cylinder 7. The clamping part 5 is arranged parallel to the movement direction of the robot arm 2, and a slide rail 9 is provided on the bracket 4 along the movement direction of the clamping part 5; the lower side of the clamping part 5 is slidably disposed in the slide rail 9. The driving mechanism includes a drive motor 10 mounted on the clamping part 5 and a rack 11 mounted on the bracket 4; the driving end of the drive motor 10 is engaged with a gear 12 on one side of the rack 11. The folding station is height-adjustable; a lifting drive mechanism is provided below the folding station; a pressing cylinder 13 is provided on the upper side of the frame 1 at a position corresponding to the folding station, for pressing part of the plastic bag 15 onto the folding station when the plastic bag 15 passes by. A gap 14 corresponding to the pressing cylinder 13 is provided on the base plate 6.
[0028] Combination Figure 1-5 As shown, in the initial state, the gripping part 5 on the robot arm 2 has already gripped the plastic bag 15. At this time, the gripping part 5 is located near the edge of the base plate 6, forming a fold of the plastic bag 15. Then, the gripping part 5 on the robot arm 2 is driven by the drive mechanism to drag the plastic bag 15 onto the base plate 6. At this time, the gripping part 5 is located on the other side of the base plate 6 near the edge. The plastic bag 15 is dragged by the gripping part 5 and partially lies flat on the base plate 6. After dragging the plastic bag 15 past the plastic bag folding station 3, the part of the plastic bag 15 that is not lying flat on the base plate 6 hangs down to the empty space on one side of the plastic bag folding station 3.
[0029] Then the robotic arm 2 retracts, so that the base plate 6 is positioned between the upper side of the plastic bag folding station 3 and the pressing cylinder 13. At this time, part of the plastic bag 15 is on the base plate 6, part is folded back along the base plate 6 and located below the base plate 6, and part is still hanging in the empty space. The pressing cylinder 13 squeezes and clamps the plastic bag 15 along the gap 14 on the base plate 6 relative to the plastic bag folding station 3, so that the plastic bag 15 is folded at about one-third of the position.
[0030] At this time, the robot arm 2 does not move. The gripping part 5 on the robot arm 2 releases the part of the plastic bag 15 that was originally gripped. Driven by the drive mechanism, it returns to the side near the plastic bag folding station 3. The robot arm 2 withdraws from the upper position of the plastic bag folding station 3. At this time, the platform of the plastic bag folding station 3 rises, so that one side corresponds to the gripping part 5. At this time, the gripping part 5 is located near the plastic bag folding station 3 and directly grips the upper part of the plastic bag 15 of the plastic bag folding station 3. At this time, the plastic bag 15 at the gripping position is a three-layer folded plastic bag 15. Then the robot arm 2 drags it backward again. When dragging the plastic bag 15 to the subsequent working platform, the plastic bag has achieved three-section folding.
[0031] The control method of this utility model is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art, which is common knowledge in the field. Furthermore, this utility model is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, so the control method and circuit connection will not be explained in detail.
[0032] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.
Claims
1. A plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism, comprising a frame (1) and a reciprocating mechanical arm (2) arranged on the frame (1), a plastic bag folding station (3) is arranged below the movement path of the mechanical arm (2), characterized in that: The robotic arm (2) includes a bracket (4) and a clamping part (5) and a base plate (6) arranged opposite to each other on the bracket (4); the clamping part (5) is slidably arranged on the bracket (4) along the movement direction of the robotic arm (2), and the clamping part (5) is mounted on the bracket (4) by a drive mechanism.
2. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The base plate (6) is provided along the sliding area of the clamping part (5).
3. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The clamping part (5) includes an upper clamping cylinder (7) and a clamping plate (8) on the telescopic end side of the clamping cylinder (7) for clamping relative to the clamping cylinder (7).
4. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The clamping part (5) is arranged parallel to the movement direction of the robot (2), and a slide rail (9) is provided on the bracket (4) along the movement direction of the clamping part (5); the lower side of the clamping part (5) is slidably arranged in the slide rail (9).
5. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The driving mechanism includes a drive motor (10) mounted on the clamping part (5) and a rack (11) mounted on the bracket (4); the driving end of the drive motor (10) is engaged with a gear (12) on one side of the rack (11).
6. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The folding station can be raised and lowered; a lifting drive mechanism is provided on the lower side of the folding station; a pressing cylinder (13) is provided on the upper side of the frame (1) corresponding to the folding station, which is used to press part of the plastic bag onto the folding station when the plastic bag passes by.
7. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism of claim 6, wherein: A gap (14) corresponding to the downward pressure cylinder (13) is provided on the base plate (6).
8. The plastic bag folding and clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a gap in the movement path of the robot arm (2) on one side of the plastic bag folding station (3), so that the robot arm (2) can hang down after the tail of the plastic bag is removed from the folding station.