A capping mechanism

Abstract

This application discloses a capping mechanism, relating to the field of packaging production technology. The capping mechanism includes a frame, a cap feeding assembly mounted on the frame that is both translatable and liftable, a first drive module for driving the cap feeding assembly, a capping assembly mounted on the frame that is also liftable, and a second drive module for driving the capping assembly to move up and down. The cap feeding assembly can pass directly beneath the capping assembly during its translational stroke. In this capping mechanism, the cap feeding assembly can deliver bottle caps directly beneath the capping assembly, allowing the capping assembly to directly grasp the bottle cap and screw it onto the bottle neck, eliminating the need to pre-place the bottle cap on the bottle neck and effectively improving the capping accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of packaging production, and in particular to a capping mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Bottled packaging is a widely used method for packaging products such as pharmaceuticals and confectionery, and it is highly recognized by the market due to its convenience in use and storage. To improve production efficiency, the industry now generally uses automated equipment for bottle cap screwing. During the screwing process, a robotic arm pre-places the bottle cap at the bottle opening, and then the screwing mechanism completes the screwing.

[0003] However, when the robotic arm places the bottle cap, there is a tendency for positional or angular deviations between the cap and the bottle neck, resulting in inaccurate alignment. Furthermore, when the screwing mechanism screws the cap, uneven force can cause damage to the cap and bottle neck. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a capping mechanism that can improve the screwing accuracy of bottle caps.

[0005] The capping mechanism provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A capping mechanism includes a frame, a cap feeding assembly that is translatable and liftable on the frame, a first drive module for driving the cap feeding assembly to move, a capping assembly that is liftable on the frame, and a second drive module for driving the capping assembly to move up and down. The cap feeding assembly can pass directly under the capping assembly during its translational stroke.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the cap feeding assembly can deliver the cap directly to the bottom of the cap screwing assembly, which can then directly grab the cap and screw it onto the bottle mouth without having to pre-place the cap on the bottle mouth, thus effectively improving the screwing accuracy of the cap.

[0008] In one specific implementation scheme, the cap feeding assembly includes a horizontally arranged cap feeding seat and at least one support platform disposed on the cap feeding seat, and the cap screwing assembly includes a first bracket and at least one cap screwing claw disposed on the first bracket, wherein the at least one support platform can pass directly below the at least one cap screwing claw during the translational stroke of the cap feeding seat.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the carrier platform can extend into the bottle cap and limit the position and angle of the bottle cap, so that the bottle cap can be delivered in the correct position directly below the capping claw, thereby enabling the bottle cap to be properly aligned with the bottle mouth.

[0010] In one specific implementation scheme, there are two carrier platforms and two capping claws. The two carrier platforms correspond one-to-one with the two capping claws. The arrangement direction of the two carrier platforms and the arrangement direction of the two capping claws are the same as the translation direction of the cap feeding seat.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the two support platforms and the two capping claws can cooperate with each other and simultaneously screw on the two sets of bottle caps and bottle mouths, effectively improving the screwing efficiency of the bottle caps.

[0012] In one specific implementation, the capping claw is rotatable about its own axis and its axis of rotation extends vertically, and the capping assembly further includes a third drive module for driving the capping claw to rotate.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the capping claw can screw the bottle cap during its rotation, effectively improving the quality of the cap screwing.

[0014] In one specific implementation, the cap screw-on claw includes multiple claw bodies that can be opened or closed relative to each other, and a fourth drive module for driving the multiple claw bodies to move, wherein the circumferential center line of the multiple claw bodies extends in a vertical direction.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple claws can grip the bottle cap tightly during the relative closing process, preventing the bottle cap from falling off during the twisting process.

[0016] In one specific implementation, the capping mechanism further includes a cap assembly having a cap channel, the outlet of which is located on the translational path of the cap delivery assembly.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the cap feeding component can abut against the bottle cap and carry it outward when it passes through the outlet of the cap channel, eliminating the need for a separate transfer mechanism. This not only improves the cap feeding efficiency but also reduces equipment costs.

[0018] In one specific implementation, the cover channel is arranged to slope downwards along the direction from the cover delivery assembly to the cap screwing assembly.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the bottle cap can slide to the outlet under the action of gravity, which makes it easier for the cap delivery component to hold the bottle cap and bring it out.

[0020] In one specific implementation, the cover assembly includes a second bracket, a first cover seat and a second cover seat disposed on the second bracket, the first cover seat and the second cover seat are arranged along the extension direction of the cover channel, the first cover seat has a first channel, the second cover seat has a second channel, the first channel and the second channel are interconnected to form the cover channel, and the outlet is located at the end of the second cover seat away from the first cover seat.

[0021] In one specific implementation, the second upper cover includes a base, two first retaining plates respectively hinged to opposite sides of the base, and a second retaining plate hinged to the upper side of the base. The arrangement direction of the two first retaining plates is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second channel. The outlet is formed between the two first retaining plates and the second retaining plate. A first reset member is also provided between the first retaining plate and the base, and a second reset member is also provided between the second retaining plate and the base.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the two first and second clamping plates can open or close relative to each other with the cooperation of the cap feeding assembly, the first reset component, and the second reset component. This not only limits the bottle cap but also does not affect the normal output of the bottle cap.

[0023] In one specific implementation, the cover assembly is movably configured in a vertical direction, and the capping mechanism further includes a fifth drive module for driving the cover assembly to move.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the cap assembly can move vertically under the action of the fifth drive module, so as to adjust the distance between the cap channel and the cap delivery assembly according to the height of the cap.

[0025] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] The cap feeding assembly can deliver the cap directly below the cap screwing assembly, which can then directly grab the cap and screw it onto the bottle neck, eliminating the need to pre-place the cap on the bottle neck and effectively improving the screwing accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the capping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover assembly and the cover delivery assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the screw cap assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Rack;

[0032] 2. Lid feeding assembly; 21. Lid feeding base; 22. Support platform; 3. First drive module;

[0033] 4. Capping assembly; 41. First support; 42. Capping claw; 421. Claw body; 422. Fourth drive module; 43. Third drive module; 5. Second drive module;

[0034] 6. Top cover assembly; 61. Top cover channel; 611. First channel; 612. Second channel; 62. Second bracket; 63. First top cover seat; 64. Second top cover seat; 641. Seat body; 642. First retaining plate; 643. Second retaining plate; 65. First reset component; 651. First reset rod; 652. First spring; 66. Second reset component; 661. Second reset rod; 662. Second spring; 7. Fifth drive module; 71. Handwheel;

[0035] 100. Bottle cap. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] See Figure 1-3 As shown, a capping mechanism is illustrated for screwing a bottle cap 100 to the bottle opening, which is the mouth of the bottle body. The bottle cap 100 and the bottle body can be combined to form a bottle structure. The capping mechanism includes a frame 1, a cap feeding assembly 2 that is translatable and liftable and mounted on the frame 1, a first drive module 3 for driving the cap feeding assembly 2 to move, a capping assembly 4 that is liftable and mounted on the frame 1, and a second drive module 5 for driving the capping assembly 4 to move up and down. The cap feeding assembly 2 can pass directly under the capping assembly 4 during its translational stroke.

[0038] The first drive module 3 includes a linear motor extending along the direction from the cap feeding assembly 2 to the cap screwing assembly 4, and a lifting cylinder mounted on the slider of the linear motor. The cap feeding assembly 2 is mounted on the piston rod of the lifting cylinder. The second drive module 5 is a motor screw structure arranged in a vertical direction. The cap screwing assembly 4 is mounted on the slider of the motor screw structure. A belt conveyor for conveying the bottle body is located below the cap screwing assembly 4.

[0039] When screwing on the bottle cap 100, the bottle cap 100 is first placed on the cap feeding assembly 2. Then, the cap feeding assembly 2 moves the bottle cap 100 directly below the cap screwing assembly 4. The cap screwing assembly 4 then descends and picks up the bottle cap 100, while the cap feeding assembly 2 descends and disengages from the bottle cap 100. The cap feeding assembly 2 then returns to its original position away from the cap screwing assembly 4. The cap screwing assembly 4 continues to descend and screws the bottle cap 100 onto the bottle neck. Then, the cap screwing assembly 4 releases the bottle cap 100 and returns to its original position. The above steps are repeated to complete the assembly line screwing of the bottle cap 100. In this way, the cap feeding assembly 2 can deliver the bottle cap 100 directly below the cap screwing assembly 4, and the cap screwing assembly 4 can directly pick up the bottle cap 100 and screw it onto the bottle neck, eliminating the need to pre-place the bottle cap 100 on the bottle neck, effectively improving the screwing accuracy of the bottle cap 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2-3 As shown, the cap feeding assembly 2 includes a horizontally arranged cap feeding seat 21 and two support platforms 22 on the cap feeding seat 21. The cap feeding seat 21 is set on the piston rod of the lifting cylinder, and the support platforms 22 are cylindrical. A circular bottle cap 100 can be fitted onto the support platform 22. The cap screwing assembly 4 includes a first bracket 41 and two cap screwing claws 42 on the first bracket 41. The first bracket 41 is set on the slider of the motor lead screw structure. The two support platforms 22 and the two cap screwing claws 42 correspond one-to-one, and their arrangement direction is the same as the translation direction of the cap feeding seat 21.

[0041] The two support platforms 22 can each support two bottle caps 100 and limit the position and angle of the two bottle caps 100. Then the cap delivery seat 21 drives the two bottle caps 100 to be properly delivered to the bottom of the two capping claws 42. The two capping claws 42 can simultaneously grab the two bottle caps 100 and properly connect with the two bottle mouths below.

[0042] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 As shown, the cap screwing claw 42 is rotatable about its own axis and its rotation axis extends in the vertical direction. The cap screwing assembly 4 also includes a third drive module 43 for driving the cap screwing claw 42 to rotate. The third drive module 43 is a motor.

[0043] Furthermore, the cap screw-on claw 42 includes three claw bodies 421 that can be opened or retracted relative to each other, and a fourth drive module 422 for driving the movement of the three claw bodies 421. The circumferential center line of the three claw bodies 421 extends in the vertical direction. The fourth drive module 422 is a three-claw cylinder, and the three claw bodies 421 are respectively mounted on the three claws of the three-claw cylinder.

[0044] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2As shown, the capping mechanism also includes an upper cover assembly 6. The upper cover assembly 6 includes a second bracket 62, a first upper cover seat 63 and a second upper cover seat 64 disposed on the second bracket 62. A first channel 611 is opened in the first upper cover seat 63, and a second channel 612 is opened in the second upper cover seat 64. The first channel 611 and the second channel 612 are interconnected to form an upper cover channel 61. The upper cover channel 61 is inclined downward along the direction from the capping assembly 2 to the capping assembly 4.

[0045] The inlet of the cover channel 61 is located at the end of the first cover seat 63 away from the second cover seat 64, and it is connected to the outlet of the vibrating feed plate. The outlet of the cover channel 61 is located at the end of the second cover seat 64 away from the first cover seat 63, and the outlet is located on the translation path of the cover feeding seat 21.

[0046] The vibrating feeder sequentially feeds bottle caps 100 into the first channel 611 from the inlet. Under the influence of gravity, the bottle caps 100 slide through the first channel 611 and the second channel 612 to the outlet. As the cap feeding seat 21 passes the outlet, the support platform 22 abuts against the edge of the bottle cap 100 and gradually pulls it outward. During the output process, the bottle cap 100 gradually fits onto the support platform 22. In this way, there is no need to set up a separate transfer mechanism between the cap assembly 6 and the cap feeding assembly 2, which not only improves the cap feeding efficiency but also reduces equipment costs.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second upper cover 64 includes a base 641, two first retaining plates 642 respectively hinged to opposite sides of the base 641, and a second retaining plate 643 hinged to the upper side of the base 641. The arrangement direction of the two first retaining plates 642 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second channel 612. The extension direction of the rotation axis between the first retaining plate 642 and the base 641 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second channel. The rotation axis of the second retaining plate 643 extends horizontally. An outlet is formed between the two first retaining plates 642 and the second retaining plate 643. A first reset member 65 is also provided between the two first retaining plates 642 and the base 641, and a second reset member 66 is also provided between the second retaining plate 643 and the base 641.

[0048] The first reset component 65 includes a first reset rod 651 disposed on the side of the base 641, a first spring 652 sleeved on the first reset rod 651, and a first retaining plate 642 sleeved on the first reset rod 651. The two ends of the first spring 652 are respectively connected to the end of the first reset rod 651 and the first retaining plate 642. The second reset component 66 includes a second reset rod 661 disposed on the upper side of the base 641, a second spring 662 sleeved on the second reset rod 661, and a second retaining plate 643 sleeved on the second reset rod 661. The two ends of the second spring 662 are respectively connected to the end of the second reset rod 661 and the second retaining plate 643.

[0049] During the process of the support platform 22 pressing against the bottle cap 100 and pulling the bottle cap 100 outward, the two first clamping plates 642 and the second clamping plate 643 open outward under the pressure of the bottle cap 100. During the opening process, the two first clamping plates 642 and the second clamping plate 643 respectively compress the first spring 652 and the second spring 662. After the bottle cap 100 is output, the two first clamping plates 642 and the second clamping plate 643 retract under the elastic force of the first spring 652 and the second spring 662 respectively. After retracting, the two first clamping plates 642 and the second clamping plate 643 can still limit the subsequent output of other bottle caps 100. In this way, the two first clamping plates 642 and the second clamping plate 643 can open or retract relative to each other with the cooperation of the cap feeding assembly 2, the first reset member 65 and the second reset member 66, which not only limits the bottle cap 100 but also does not affect the normal output of the bottle cap 100.

[0050] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 1 As shown, the second support 62 is movably mounted in the vertical direction. The capping mechanism also includes a fifth drive module 7 for driving the second support 62 to move. The fifth drive module 7 is a ball screw structure. The second support 62 is mounted on a slider of the ball screw structure. A handwheel 71 is located at the upper end of the screw. The operator can drive the second support 62 to move by rotating the handwheel 71, thereby adjusting the distance between the outlet of the capping channel 61 and the support platform 22 according to the specifications of the cap 100. This allows the support platform 22 to easily contact the cap 100 and pull the cap 100 outwards.

[0051] The implementation principle of a capping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is as follows:

[0052] The vibrating feeder sequentially feeds several bottle caps 100 into the first channel 611 from the inlet. Under the action of gravity, the bottle caps 100 gradually pass through the second channel 612 and slide to the outlet.

[0053] The cap feeding seat 21 moves horizontally along the direction from the upper cap assembly 6 to the cap screwing assembly 4. When the cap feeding seat 21 passes the outlet, the support platform 22 can abut against the edge of the bottle cap 100 and gradually pull the bottle cap 100 outward. During the output process, the bottle cap 100 is gradually fitted onto the support platform 22.

[0054] The cap delivery seat 21 continues to move horizontally and reaches directly below the capping claw 42. Then the capping claw 42 descends and grabs the bottle cap 100. The cap delivery seat 21 descends and causes the support platform 22 to disengage from the bottle cap 100. Then the cap delivery seat 21 moves in the opposite direction and rises to reset. The capping assembly 4 continues to descend and screws the bottle cap 100 onto the bottle mouth. Then the capping assembly 4 releases the bottle cap 100 and rises to reset.

[0055] Repeat the above steps to complete the assembly line screwing of bottle cap 100.

[0056] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A capping mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a frame (1), a cap feeding assembly (2) that can be translated and raised and lowered on the frame (1), a first drive module (3) for driving the cap feeding assembly (2) to move, a cap screwing assembly (4) that can be raised and lowered on the frame (1), and a second drive module (5) for driving the cap screwing assembly (4) to rise and fall. The cap feeding assembly (2) can pass directly under the cap screwing assembly (4) during its translational stroke.

2. The capping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cap feeding assembly (2) includes a horizontally arranged cap feeding seat (21) and at least one support platform (22) disposed on the cap feeding seat (21). The cap screwing assembly (4) includes a first bracket (41) and at least one cap screwing claw (42) disposed on the first bracket (41). The at least one support platform (22) can pass directly below the at least one cap screwing claw (42) during the translational stroke of the cap feeding seat (21).

3. A capping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are two of each of the support platform (22) and the capping claw (42). The two support platforms (22) correspond one-to-one with the two capping claws (42). The arrangement direction of the two support platforms (22) and the arrangement direction of the two capping claws (42) are the same as the translation direction of the cap feeding seat (21).

4. A capping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The capping claw (42) is rotatable about its own axis and its rotation axis extends in the vertical direction. The capping assembly (4) also includes a third drive module (43) for driving the capping claw (42) to rotate.

5. A capping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cap screw-on claw (42) includes multiple claw bodies (421) that can be opened or closed relative to each other, and a fourth drive module (422) for driving the multiple claw bodies (421) to move. The surrounding center line of the multiple claw bodies (421) extends in the vertical direction.

6. A capping mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The capping mechanism further includes a cap assembly (6) having a cap channel (61) with the outlet of the cap channel (61) located on the translation path of the cap delivery assembly (2).

7. A capping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cover channel (61) is inclined downward along the direction from the cover delivery assembly (2) to the cap screwing assembly (4).

8. A capping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper cover assembly (6) includes a second bracket (62), a first upper cover seat (63) and a second upper cover seat (64) disposed on the second bracket (62). The first upper cover seat (63) and the second upper cover seat (64) are arranged along the extension direction of the upper cover channel (61). A first channel (611) is opened in the first upper cover seat (63), and a second channel (612) is opened in the second upper cover seat (64). The first channel (611) and the second channel (612) are interconnected to form the upper cover channel (61). The outlet is opened at the end of the second upper cover seat (64) away from the first upper cover seat (63).

9. A capping mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second upper cover (64) includes a base (641), two first retaining plates (642) respectively hinged to opposite sides of the base (641), and a second retaining plate (643) hinged to the upper side of the base (641). The arrangement direction of the two first retaining plates (642) is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second channel (612). The outlet is formed between the two first retaining plates (642) and the second retaining plate (643). A first reset member (65) is also provided between the first retaining plate (642) and the base (641), and a second reset member (66) is also provided between the second retaining plate (643) and the base (641).

10. A capping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper cover assembly (6) is movably arranged in the vertical direction, and the capping mechanism further includes a fifth drive module (7) for driving the upper cover assembly (6) to move.

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