Real-time monitoring and control mechanism for inter-box spacing

Abstract

This application relates to a real-time monitoring and control mechanism for box spacing. A cylinder is mounted on the side of the conveying mechanism in the feeding direction of the barcode scanner. A first sensor and a second sensor are also movably mounted on the side of the conveying mechanism, located between the barcode scanner and the cylinder. The first and second sensors cooperate to determine the distance between the boxes to be measured. A third sensor is also mounted on the side of the conveying mechanism in the discharging direction of the barcode scanner. When the third sensor is triggered for a prolonged period exceeding a preset time T, the cylinder squeezes the box and prevents subsequent boxes from being conveyed. This application uses flexible stops to individually adjust boxes that do not meet the spacing requirements. A mechanical linkage structure can temporarily block subsequent boxes. When the relevant sensors detect that the spacing between two boxes meets the conditions, the subsequent boxes are automatically released. This allows for seamless connection of production line processes and improves the overall efficiency of the packaging production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of barcode scanning and recognition technology, and in particular to a real-time monitoring and control mechanism for box spacing. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of identification code technology, regulatory code assignment technology has emerged. In pharmaceutical production lines, the regulatory code assignment system assigns traceability codes to small boxes as they pass over scanning docks fixed to the side of the conveyor belt. However, if the boxes are too close together when passing the scanning docks, scanning and rejection errors can occur. In such cases, the entire line must be stopped to locate the incorrectly coded boxes and re-code them before production can continue.

[0003] Related technologies improve the drug conveyor belt by using a sponge roller box-separating mechanism and adjust the spacing of the cartons using related roller equipment. However, the aforementioned sponge roller box-separating device has a relatively complex structure, requires significant modifications to the equipment, and the box-separating process requires squeezing all cartons, which poses a risk of damaging the cartons and affecting the production speed of the original production line, thus impacting production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a box spacing real-time monitoring and control mechanism to address the problems that traditional box-separating devices have relatively complex structures, require significant modifications to the equipment, and require squeezing intervention on all boxes during the box-separating process, which poses the risk of damaging the boxes and affecting the production speed of the original production line.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a real-time monitoring and control mechanism for box spacing is provided, comprising a conveying mechanism and a barcode scanning device, characterized in that the conveying mechanism includes a conveying channel, the conveying channel including a first sub-channel, a second sub-channel and a third sub-channel connected in sequence, the barcode scanning device is installed in the second sub-channel, and the cylinder is installed on one side of the first sub-channel; a first sensor and a second sensor located between the barcode scanning device and the cylinder are also movably installed on one side of the second sub-channel.

[0006] The first sensor and the second sensor work together to determine the distance between two adjacent test boxes; when the first sensor is triggered by one of the two adjacent test boxes and the second sensor is triggered by the other of the two adjacent test boxes, the cylinder squeezes the latter of the two adjacent test boxes and stops the test box from moving forward.

[0007] A third sensor is also installed on the side of the third sub-channel. When the third sensor is triggered for a long time and exceeds a preset time T, the cylinder squeezes the current box and prevents the subsequent boxes from continuing to be transported.

[0008] In one embodiment, a fixed base is provided on the side of the conveying mechanism, and the cylinder is detachably mounted on the fixed base.

[0009] In one embodiment, a stop block for pressing the box body is installed at the output end of the cylinder, and a clamping plate that cooperates with the stop block is fixedly provided on the other side of the conveying mechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment, a control valve is also installed on the cylinder, the control valve being electrically connected to the cylinder, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor.

[0011] In one embodiment, the side of the conveying mechanism is also equipped with a first reflector and a second reflector that cooperate with the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment, the real-time monitoring and control mechanism for the inter-cell spacing further includes a third reflector located on the side of the third sub-channel opposite to the third sensor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first, second, and third sensors are also equipped with red warning lights.

[0014] In one embodiment, a slide rail is also included, on which the first and second sensors are slidably mounted. The relative distance between the first sensor, the second sensor, and the cylinder is adjusted to meet the monitoring requirements of boxes of different lengths.

[0015] In one embodiment, the output end of the cylinder has two fixing holes, and the stop block is detachably mounted on the output end of the cylinder through the fixing holes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fixed base has multiple sets of holes and slots, and the cylinder is detachably mounted on the fixed base through the holes and slots.

[0017] This application has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. This application utilizes flexible stops to individually adjust boxes that do not meet spacing requirements, reducing friction between the boxes and the box-separating mechanism, thereby lowering the probability of box deformation and breakage. Furthermore, this monitoring and control mechanism alters the collaborative working method between boxes and barcode scanners on the production line. When two boxes are detected to be too close together, a cleverly designed mechanical linkage structure allows a cylinder to briefly block the following box. When the first and second sensors detect that the spacing between the two boxes meets the requirements, the following box is automatically released. This enables seamless connection between production line processes, reducing waiting time and errors between processes, thus improving the overall efficiency of the packaging production line.

[0019] 2. The equipment described in this application does not require damage to the original production line's conveyor belt guardrails during installation. The required box-separating function can be achieved simply by installing external box-separating devices on both sides of the original conveyor belt, minimizing modifications to the original production line. A third sensor monitors material blockage in subsequent processes. When the blockage time meets predetermined conditions, the cylinder executes a temporary box-feeding command and acts as a buffer. Once the blockage in the subsequent process is cleared, boxes are then fed to the next process in a separate box format, resulting in higher production line operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a box spacing control mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 101. Conveying mechanism; 102. Barcode scanning device; 103. Fixed base; 104. Cylinder; 105. Stop; 106. Control valve; 107. Clamping plate; 108. First sensor; 109. First reflector; 110. Second sensor; 111. Second reflector; 112. Third sensor; 113. Third reflector; 114. First sub-channel; 115. Second sub-channel; 116. Third sub-channel. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0029] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a box spacing control mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, including a conveying mechanism 101 and a barcode scanning device 102. The conveying mechanism 101 includes a conveying channel, which includes a first sub-channel 114, a second sub-channel 115 and a third sub-channel 116 connected in sequence. The barcode scanning device 102 is installed in the second sub-channel 115 and a cylinder 104 is installed on one side of the first sub-channel 114.

[0030] On one side of the second sub-channel 115, a first sensor 108 and a second sensor 110 are also movably installed between the barcode scanning device 102 and the cylinder 104.

[0031] The first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 work together to determine the distance between two adjacent test boxes;

[0032] When the first sensor 108 is triggered by one of the two adjacent test boxes, and the second sensor 110 is triggered by the other of the two adjacent test boxes, the cylinder 104 squeezes the latter of the two adjacent test boxes and stops the test box from moving forward.

[0033] A third sensor 112 is also installed on the side of the third sub-channel 116. When the third sensor 112 is triggered for a long time and exceeds the preset time T, the cylinder 104 squeezes the current box and prevents the subsequent box from continuing to be conveyed.

[0034] During operation, the conveying mechanism 101 transports the boxes to be scanned to the front of the scanning device 102, and then transports the scanned boxes to the next process. In this application, the boxes first pass through the cylinder 104, and then sequentially pass through the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110. When the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 detect that the distance between two adjacent boxes is less than the predetermined standard interval distance L, the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 send the detection result to the control center via an electrical signal. The control center then activates the cylinder 104 to squeeze the next set of boxes, thereby stopping the small boxes. When the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 detect that the distance between these two sets of boxes reaches the predetermined standard interval distance L, the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 send the detection result to the control center via an electrical signal, and the cylinder 104 releases the squeeze on the next set of boxes, thereby controlling the operation of the small boxes.

[0035] When the third sensor 112 is triggered for a long time and exceeds the preset time T, it indicates that a box is blocked between the third sensor 112 and the third reflector 113 for a long time. At this time, the cylinder 104 is activated to squeeze the current group of boxes, thereby controlling the operation of all subsequent small boxes. Only when the third sensor 112 detects that the conditions are met will the boxes be re-separated and released.

[0036] The side of the conveying mechanism 101 is also provided with a fixed base 103, and the fixed base 103 has multiple sets of holes and slots. The cylinder 104 can be detachably installed on the fixed base 103 through the holes and slots.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fixed base 103 is an adjustable-height mounting base, which adaptively adjusts according to the height of the conveying mechanism 101. An elliptical hole structure is designed to facilitate disassembly and replacement of the cylinder 104 and routine maintenance.

[0038] The output end of the cylinder 104 is equipped with a stop 105 that presses the box body, and a clamping plate 107 that cooperates with the stop 105 is fixedly installed on the other side of the conveying mechanism 101.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the stop block 105 presses against the box, a clamping plate 107 structure is designed to further improve the positioning effect and prevent the box from accidentally slipping off.

[0040] A control valve 106 is also installed on the cylinder 104. The cylinder 104 and the control valve 106 are connected through an air pipe. The control valve 106 controls the cylinder 104. The control valve 106 is electrically connected to the cylinder 104, the first sensor 108, the second sensor 110 and the third sensor 112.

[0041] In some embodiments, in order to control the working state of the cylinder 104 in real time based on the monitoring results of the first sensor 108, the second sensor 110 and the third sensor 112, a control valve 106 is designed and connected to the air pipe on the cylinder 104.

[0042] The side of the conveying mechanism 101 is also equipped with a first reflector 109 and a second reflector 111, which respectively cooperate with the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, when detecting the distance between adjacent boxes, the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 send signals to the first reflector 109 and the second reflector 111, respectively. When the first reflector 109 can reflect a signal to the first sensor 108, it indicates that there is no box between the first reflector 109 and the first sensor 108 and that they are not obstructed. When the second reflector 111 can reflect a signal to the second sensor 110, it indicates that there is no box between the second reflector 111 and the second sensor 110 and that they are not obstructed.

[0044] The real-time monitoring and control mechanism for the inter-cell spacing also includes a third reflector 113, which is located on the side of the third sub-channel 116 away from the third sensor 112.

[0045] In some embodiments, when detecting whether there is a blockage in the rear housing, the third sensor 112 sends a signal to the third reflector 113. When the third reflector 113 can reflect the signal back to the third sensor 112, it indicates that there is no housing between the third reflector 113 and the third sensor 112 and that they are not obstructed. If the third sensor 112 does not receive the signal reflected by the third reflector 113 for a predetermined time T, then a blockage is detected in the rear housing.

[0046] Red warning lights are also provided on the first sensor 108, the second sensor 110, and the third sensor 112.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first sensor 108, the second sensor 110, and the third sensor 112 transmit detection information to the control center in real time. When the first reflector 109 can reflect a signal to the first sensor 108, the red warning light on the first sensor 108 is off. When the red warning lights on the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 are on simultaneously, it indicates that the distance between adjacent boxes is too close. When the third sensor 112 does not receive a signal reflected by the third reflector 113 for a predetermined time T, the red warning light on the third sensor 112 flashes.

[0048] It also includes a slide rail, on which the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 are slidably mounted. The relative distance between the first sensor 108, the second sensor 110 and the cylinder 104 can be adjusted to meet the monitoring requirements of boxes of different lengths.

[0049] In some embodiments, assuming the length of the box is L1 and the preset distance between the boxes is L2, then the distance between the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 is L1 + L2. To ensure that the compressive force of the cylinder 104 is applied to the central region of the box, thereby improving the stability of the stop, the distance between the cylinder 104 and the first sensor 108 is approximately L1 / 2. When the box size L1 is adjusted, the distance between the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110, as well as the relative distance between the first sensor 108 and the cylinder 104, can be adaptively adjusted.

[0050] When the length of the box is L1 and the conveying speed of the conveyor is S, the time it takes for each box to pass the third sensor 112 is L1 / S. When the third sensor 112 is blocked for a preset time T, where T is greater than L1 / S, the system detects that the third sensor 112 has been blocked for an extended period, indicating a blockage behind the conveyor 101. The preset blockage time T will be adjusted as the box specifications are changed. The specific time T can be obtained through a limited number of trials.

[0051] Because the distance between the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 is greater than the length of a single box, the two sensors will not be blocked simultaneously. When the distance between two adjacent boxes is too close, the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 110 are blocked synchronously and triggered. At this time, the system determines that the adjacent boxes are too close and starts the cylinder 104 and the control valve 106 for the next step.

[0052] The output end of cylinder 104 has two fixing holes, and the stop block 105 can be detachably installed on the output end of cylinder 104 through the fixing holes.

[0053] In some embodiments, a fixing hole structure is designed to facilitate the replacement of the stop 105 by the operator.

[0054] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cassette distance real-time monitoring control mechanism, comprising a conveying mechanism (101) and a code scanning device (102), characterized in that, The conveying mechanism (101) includes a conveying channel, which includes a first sub-channel (114), a second sub-channel (115) and a third sub-channel (116) connected in sequence. The barcode scanning device (102) is installed in the second sub-channel (115). A cylinder (104) is provided on one side of the first sub-channel (114). A first sensor (108) and a second sensor (110) are also movably installed on one side of the second sub-channel (115) between the barcode scanning device (102) and the cylinder (104). The first sensor (108) and the second sensor (110) work together to determine the distance between two adjacent test boxes; When the first sensor (108) is triggered by one of the two adjacent test boxes, and the second sensor (110) is triggered by the other of the two adjacent test boxes, the cylinder (104) squeezes the latter of the two adjacent test boxes and stops the test box from moving forward. A third sensor (112) is also installed on the side of the third sub-channel (116). When the third sensor (112) is triggered for a long time and exceeds a preset time T, the cylinder (104) squeezes the current box and prevents the subsequent box from continuing to be transported.

2. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The side of the conveying mechanism (101) is also provided with a fixed base (103), and the cylinder (104) is detachably installed on the fixed base (103).

3. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The output end of the cylinder (104) is equipped with a stop (105) to squeeze the box body, and a clamping plate (107) that cooperates with the stop (105) is fixedly provided on the other side of the conveying mechanism (101).

4. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The cylinder (104) is also equipped with a control valve (106), which is electrically connected to the cylinder (104), the first sensor (108), the second sensor (110) and the third sensor (112).

5. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The side of the conveying mechanism (101) is also equipped with a first reflector (109) and a second reflector (111) that cooperate with the first sensor (108) and the second sensor (110) respectively.

6. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The real-time monitoring and control mechanism for the inter-cell spacing also includes a third reflector (113), which is located on the side of the third sub-channel (116) away from the third sensor (112).

7. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The first sensor (108), the second sensor (110), and the third sensor (112) are also equipped with red warning lights.

8. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a slide rail, on which the first sensor (108) and the second sensor (110) are slidably mounted. The relative distance between the first sensor (108), the second sensor (110) and the cylinder (104) is adjusted to meet the monitoring requirements of boxes of different lengths.

9. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The cylinder (104) has two fixing holes at its output end, and the stop block (105) is detachably installed at the output end of the cylinder (104) through the fixing holes.

10. The cassette pitch real-time monitoring control mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, A plurality of groups of holes and grooves are formed in the fixed base (103), and the air cylinder (104) is detachably installed on the fixed base (103) through the holes and grooves.

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