A continuous packaging material feeding mechanism and an automatic beverage machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the specification provides a continuous packaging material feeding mechanism and an automatic beverage machine. The feeding mechanism comprises: a feeding bin, the continuous packaging material is stored in the feeding bin, and a discharge port is formed in the bottom plate of the feeding bin; a clamping conveying mechanism, which is used for clamping and conveying the continuous packaging material; a cutting mechanism, which cuts the continuous packaging material conveyed to a specified position by the clamping conveying mechanism; and a grabbing mechanism, which grabs the cut packaging material and feeds it out through the discharge port. Through the cooperative work of the clamping conveying mechanism, the cutting mechanism and the grabbing mechanism, the automatic continuous operation of the continuous packaging material is realized, the feeding efficiency is significantly improved, the design of the clamping conveying belt and the mechanical hand ensures the accurate clamping and cutting of the packaging material, avoids the waste or pollution of the material, the accurate control of the cutting position improves the utilization rate of the material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of material dispensing technology, specifically to a continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism and an automatic beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] During the beverage making process of beverage machines, some beverages require the addition of packaging materials. Currently, the addition of continuous bagged packaging materials relies on manual operation or simple unloading devices. Manual operation depends on workers to grab, position, and add materials, which is labor-intensive and the accuracy of addition is significantly affected by human factors. On the other hand, some simple unloading devices lack automation in the addition process and are difficult to achieve continuous operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of this specification provide a continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism and an automatic beverage machine. Through the coordinated work of the clamping conveyor mechanism, the cutting mechanism and the gripping mechanism, the automated continuous operation of continuously packaged materials is realized, which significantly improves the dispensing efficiency. The design of the clamping conveyor belt and the robotic arm ensures the precise clamping and cutting of the material packaging, avoiding material waste or contamination. The precise control of the cutting position improves the utilization rate of the material.

[0004] This specification provides the following technical solution through its embodiments: a continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism, comprising:

[0005] A feeding hopper, which stores continuously packaged materials, has a discharge port on its bottom plate;

[0006] A clamping and conveying mechanism is used to clamp and convey the continuous packaged materials;

[0007] A cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous packaged material conveyed to a designated position by the clamping and conveying mechanism.

[0008] The gripping mechanism grips the cut packaging material and discharges it through the discharge port.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping conveyor mechanism includes a first clamping conveyor belt and a second clamping conveyor belt distributed vertically. A first clamping connecting plate is provided above the first clamping conveyor belt, and a second clamping connecting plate is provided below the second clamping conveyor belt. The distance between the first clamping connecting plate and the second clamping connecting plate is adjustable to ensure that the first clamping conveyor belt and the second clamping conveyor belt can clamp continuous packaging materials of different specifications.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first drive motor, a first cylindrical gear, a second cylindrical gear, an idler wheel, a first transmission shaft, and a second transmission shaft. The first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear are respectively mounted on the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft. The first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear are meshed together by the idler wheel. The first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are respectively engaged with the first clamping conveyor belt and the second clamping conveyor belt. The drive motor is connected to the first transmission shaft or the second transmission shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first movable support and a second movable support, wherein the first movable support cooperates with the first clamping conveyor belt and the second movable support cooperates with the second clamping conveyor belt.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping conveying mechanism further includes a base plate, which is disposed below the second clamping conveyor belt and supports the second clamping conveyor belt.

[0013] Preferably, the gripping mechanism includes a robotic arm, which is used to grip the packaging material cut off by the cutting mechanism and transport it to the discharge port.

[0014] Preferably, the gripping mechanism further includes a guide rail assembly, on which the robotic arm is mounted and moves along a specified direction via the guide rail assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the guide rail assembly includes a guide rail body, a connecting block, a mounting base, and an end cap. The robot arm is connected to the guide rail body via the connecting block. The guide rail body is mounted on the mounting base, and the end cap is disposed at the end of the guide rail body.

[0016] Preferably, the cutting mechanism includes a blade holder, a circular blade, and a second drive motor, wherein the second drive motor is mounted on the blade holder and its output end is connected to the circular blade.

[0017] An automatic beverage machine includes a dispensing mechanism as described in any of the preceding claims, the dispensing mechanism being used to dispense packaging materials during the automatic preparation of a beverage.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve include at least:

[0019] The clamping and conveying mechanism clamps and conveys continuously packaged materials to a designated position. The cutting mechanism cuts the continuously packaged materials, and the gripping mechanism grabs the cut packaging materials and then discharges them through the outlet. Through the coordinated work of the clamping and conveying mechanism, the cutting mechanism, and the gripping mechanism, the automated continuous operation of continuously packaged materials is realized, which significantly improves the discharge efficiency. The design of the clamping conveyor belt and the robotic arm ensures the precise clamping and cutting of the packaging materials, avoiding material waste or contamination. The precise control of the cutting position improves the utilization rate of materials. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments 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 continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism provided in this application.

[0022] In the diagram, 1. Base plate; 2. Discharge port; 3. Continuous packaging material; 4. First clamping conveyor belt; 5. Second clamping conveyor belt; 6. First clamping connecting plate; 7. Second clamping connecting plate; 8. First cylindrical gear; 9. Second cylindrical gear; 10. Idler gear; 11. First moving bracket; 12. Second moving bracket; 13. Base plate; 14. Circular knife; 15. Knife holder; 16. Guide rail; 17. Robotic arm; 18. Mounting base; 19. End cap; 20. Connecting block. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0026] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0027] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism includes...

[0030] The feeding bin stores continuously packaged materials 3, and the bottom plate 1 of the feeding bin has a discharge port 2.

[0031] A clamping and conveying mechanism is used to clamp and convey the continuous packaged material 3.

[0032] A cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous packaged material 3 conveyed to a designated position by the clamping and conveying mechanism.

[0033] The gripping mechanism grips the cut packaging material and discharges it through the discharge port 2.

[0034] The feeding hopper is the basic component of this mechanism, used to store continuously packaged materials 3. A discharge port 2 is provided on the bottom plate 1 of the feeding hopper for material feeding. The feeding hopper ensures stable material storage and provides an initial position for subsequent clamping and conveying. The continuously packaged material 3 is placed on the clamping and conveying mechanism, which clamps and conveys the material according to a preset speed and trajectory. When the continuously packaged material 3 is conveyed to the cutting mechanism by the clamping conveyor belt, the cutting mechanism cuts the continuously packaged material 3. After the material is cut, the gripping mechanism pulls out the cut material and releases it through the discharge port 2 of the feeding hopper, ensuring the stability and accuracy of material feeding.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping conveyor mechanism includes a first clamping conveyor belt 4 and a second clamping conveyor belt 5 distributed vertically. A first clamping connecting plate 6 is disposed above the first clamping conveyor belt 4, and a second clamping connecting plate 7 is disposed below the second clamping conveyor belt 5. The distance between the first clamping connecting plate 6 and the second clamping connecting plate 7 is adjustable to ensure that the first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5 can clamp continuous packaging materials 3 of different specifications. The first clamping conveyor belt 4 is located above and is used to contact the upper surface of the continuous packaging material 3, while the second clamping conveyor belt 5 is located below and is used to contact the lower surface of the continuous packaging material 3. The distance between the first clamping connecting plate 6 and the second clamping connecting plate 7 is adjustable. This design allows users to adjust the clamping force and spacing between the two clamping conveyor belts according to the specifications of the continuous packaging material 3 (such as thickness, width, etc.), ensuring that the material is neither crushed nor slips due to insufficient clamping force during the conveying process. When the specifications of the continuous packaging material 3 to be delivered change, first adjust the distance between the first clamping connecting plate 6 and the second clamping connecting plate 7 to adapt to the new material specifications. After the adjustment is completed, start the clamping conveyor belt. The first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5 move synchronously at the same speed, clamp the continuous packaging material 3 and convey it along the preset track.

[0036] By adjusting the distance between the first clamping connecting plate 6 and the second clamping connecting plate 7, the clamping and conveying mechanism can clamp continuous packaged materials 3 of different specifications, significantly improving the adaptability and flexibility of the equipment. The precise clamping force and spacing adjustment mechanism prevents material damage due to over-clamping during conveying, ensuring the quality and integrity of the material. The stable clamping and conveying mechanism ensures the stability and accuracy of the material during conveying, providing a foundation for subsequent cutting operations. Simply adjusting the distance between the clamping connecting plates is sufficient to accommodate materials of different specifications, simplifying the operation process and improving work efficiency.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first drive motor, a first cylindrical gear 8, a second cylindrical gear 9, an idler wheel 10, a first transmission shaft, and a second transmission shaft. The first cylindrical gear 8 and the second cylindrical gear 9 are respectively mounted on the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft, and are meshed together by the idler wheel 10. The first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are respectively engaged with the first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5. The drive motor is connected to either the first transmission shaft or the second transmission shaft. When the first drive motor starts, it drives the connected first transmission shaft (or the second transmission shaft, depending on the specific design) to rotate. The first cylindrical gear 8 on the first transmission shaft rotates accordingly and meshes with the second cylindrical gear 9 through the idler wheel 10, thereby driving the second transmission shaft to rotate. The first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft respectively drive the upper and lower first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5 to move synchronously at the same speed or a preset speed ratio. Under the action of the driving force, the clamping conveyor belts clamp the continuous packaged material 3 and convey it along a preset trajectory.

[0038] The meshing transmission of cylindrical gears and idler wheels 10 ensures stable power transmission and reduces the possibility of conveyor belt vibration or material slippage caused by transmission instability. The first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5 are synchronously driven by the same drive system via gear transmission, ensuring the stability and accuracy of material conveying. The gear transmission system has a relatively simple structure and is easy to maintain and repair. In case of a fault, the problem can be quickly located and resolved, reducing downtime. This drive system can be adjusted according to different material specifications and conveying speed requirements. By changing the speed of the drive motor or adjusting the gear ratio, precise control of the conveyor belt speed can be achieved, thereby meeting different needs.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first movable support 11 and a second movable support 12. The first movable support 11 cooperates with the first clamping conveyor belt 4, and the second movable support 12 cooperates with the second clamping conveyor belt 5. By setting the first movable support 11 and the second movable support 12, the first clamping conveyor belt 4 and the second clamping conveyor belt 5 are fixed, adjusted, and supported, ensuring the stability, accuracy, and safety of the clamping and conveying mechanism during dynamic operation.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping conveyor mechanism further includes a base plate 13, which is disposed below the second clamping conveyor belt 5 and supports the second clamping conveyor belt 5. By setting the base plate 13 as the "skeleton" of the conveyor belt system, the installation of the clamping conveyor mechanism is facilitated.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the gripping mechanism includes a robotic arm 17, which is used to grip the packaging material cut by the cutting mechanism and transport it to the discharge port 2. After the material is cut, the robotic arm 17 pulls out the cut material and discharges it through the discharge port 2 of the feeding bin, completing the material feeding operation.

[0042] It should be noted that the robotic arm 17 uses pneumatically driven grippers or vacuum suction cups, and selects contact gripping or non-contact adsorption according to the characteristics of the material. The gripping position is located by photoelectric sensors to ensure synchronization with the cutting process.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the gripping mechanism further includes a guide rail assembly, on which the robotic arm 17 is mounted, and the robotic arm 17 moves along a specified direction via the guide rail assembly. By setting the guide rail assembly, the robotic arm 17 can only move along a specific direction, ensuring that the robotic arm 17 can only release the gripped material through the discharge port 2.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the guide rail assembly includes a guide rail body 16, a connecting block 20, a mounting base 18, and an end cap 19. The robotic arm 17 is connected to the guide rail body 16 via the connecting block 20. The guide rail body 16 is mounted on the mounting base 18, and the end cap 19 is disposed at the end of the guide rail body 16. After the material is cut, the robotic arm 17 clamps the other side of the material, and guided by the guide rail body 16, pulls out the cut material and discharges it through the discharge port 2 of the feeding bin, ensuring the stability and accuracy of material feeding.

[0045] It should be noted that the guide rail body 16 and the mounting base 18 are CCM40 models.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the cutting mechanism includes a blade holder 15, a circular blade 14, and a second drive motor. The second drive motor is mounted on the blade holder 15, and its output end is connected to the circular blade 14. The circular blade holder 14 and the circular blade 14 cooperate to achieve high-speed cutting of thin materials (such as fabric or film). The second drive motor drives the blade to rotate, ensuring cutting efficiency and quality.

[0047] The following will describe the specific work process of the placement agency:

[0048] The continuously packaged material 3 is placed on a clamping conveyor belt, which clamps and conveys the material according to a preset speed and trajectory. The combination of cylindrical gears and idler pulleys 10 allows the conveyor belt to be flexibly adjusted according to the shape of the packaged material, ensuring that the continuously packaged material 3 is not damaged during conveying. When the continuously packaged material 3 is conveyed to the position of the circular cutter 14 by the clamping conveyor belt, the sensor detects the material arrival signal, and the second drive motor drives the circular cutter 14 to rotate and cut the material at high speed. The cutting position is precise, ensuring the cutting quality of the material. After the material is cut, the clamping robot 17 fixes the other side of the material, and guided by the guide rail 16, the cut material is pulled out and discharged through the discharge port 2 of the feeding bin, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the material feeding.

[0049] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this specification provide an automatic beverage machine, including a dispensing mechanism as described in any of the above claims, the dispensing mechanism being used to dispense packaging materials during the automatic beverage preparation process.

[0050] In practice, the aforementioned dispensing mechanism is used to dispense continuous packaged materials 3 (such as tea bags). Through the coordinated operation of components such as the clamping conveyor belt, the circular knife 14, and the clamping robot 17, as well as the automated control of the control system, efficient, accurate, and automated dispensing of continuous bagged packaged materials is achieved.

[0051] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the method embodiments described later are relatively simple in description since they correspond to the system, and relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the system embodiments.

[0052] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism, characterized in that, include: A feeding hopper, which stores continuously packaged materials, has a discharge port on its bottom plate; A clamping conveyor mechanism is used to clamp and convey the continuous packaged materials. The clamping conveyor mechanism includes a first clamping conveyor belt and a second clamping conveyor belt distributed vertically. A first clamping connecting plate is provided above the first clamping conveyor belt, and a second clamping connecting plate is provided below the second clamping conveyor belt. The distance between the first clamping connecting plate and the second clamping connecting plate is adjustable to ensure that the first clamping conveyor belt and the second clamping conveyor belt can clamp continuous packaged materials of different specifications. A cutting mechanism that cuts the continuous packaged material conveyed to a designated position by the clamping and conveying mechanism. The gripping mechanism grips the cut packaging material and discharges it through the discharge port.

2. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first drive motor, a first cylindrical gear, a second cylindrical gear, an idler wheel, a first transmission shaft, and a second transmission shaft. The first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear are respectively mounted on the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft. The first cylindrical gear and the second cylindrical gear are meshed together through the idler wheel. The first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are respectively engaged with the first clamping conveyor belt and the second clamping conveyor belt. The drive motor is connected to the first transmission shaft or the second transmission shaft.

3. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping and conveying mechanism further includes a first movable support and a second movable support, wherein the first movable support cooperates with the first clamping conveyor belt and the second movable support cooperates with the second clamping conveyor belt.

4. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping conveying mechanism also includes a base plate, which is disposed below the second clamping conveyor belt and supports the second clamping conveyor belt.

5. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism includes a robotic arm, which is used to grip the packaging material cut off by the cutting mechanism and transport it to the discharge port.

6. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism also includes a guide rail assembly, on which the robotic arm is mounted and moves along a specified direction via the guide rail assembly.

7. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide rail assembly includes a guide rail body, a connecting block, a mounting base, and an end cap. The robot arm is connected to the guide rail body via the connecting block. The guide rail body is mounted on the mounting base, and the end cap is disposed at the end of the guide rail body.

8. The continuous packaging material dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism includes a blade holder, a circular blade, and a second drive motor. The second drive motor is mounted on the blade holder, and its output end is connected to the circular blade.

9. An automatic beverage machine, characterized in that, Includes a dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8, the dispensing mechanism being used to dispense packaging materials during the automatic preparation of beverages.

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