A grabbing device for plastic meal boxes

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of grabbing devices for plastic meal box, it is related to plastic meal box processing technical field, the utility model includes portal frame and mounting bracket, first supporting arm, second supporting arm and third supporting arm are respectively sleeved from top to bottom outside mounting bracket, third supporting arm bottom is connected with pressing plate, mounting bracket bottom is fixed with screw rod, nut is sleeved outside screw rod.The utility model is provided with mounting bracket, first supporting arm, second supporting arm and third supporting arm, mounting bracket provides stable support base for each supporting arm, and first supporting arm, second supporting arm, third supporting arm can rotate around mounting bracket, the position of vacuum chuck can be adjusted by rotating, with high probability, without reordering or disassembling and replacing mounting bracket, effectively reduce mounting bracket procurement cost and waiting time cost of ordering;It is convenient to grab more specifications plastic meal box, reduce replacement phenomenon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plastic lunch box processing technology, specifically a gripping device for plastic lunch boxes. Background Technology

[0002] Plastic food containers are commonly used in food packaging and food delivery. They are widely used in daily life and the food processing industry because they are lightweight, low-cost, and have a certain degree of airtightness. Their production process mostly relies on thermoforming to achieve mass production in order to meet the needs of large-scale production.

[0003] After plastic lunch boxes are formed by a vacuum forming machine, they need to be picked up from the discharge end of the vacuum forming machine and transferred to a belt conveyor by a special transfer device. After the lunch boxes are stacked in an orderly manner on the belt conveyor, the belt conveyor sends the stacked lunch boxes to subsequent cutting, quality inspection or packaging processes to achieve continuous production.

[0004] In actual production, when it is necessary to switch to producing plastic lunch boxes of different specifications, in addition to customizing new blister molds for the blister forming machine to fit the new specifications, the mounting frame used to support the vacuum suction cups in the transfer equipment also has obvious limitations. The positions of the vacuum suction cups on the existing mounting frame are mostly fixed to fit specific specifications of lunch boxes. After the new specifications of lunch boxes are formed, the suction cup positions on the original mounting frame often cannot accurately adhere to the new specifications of lunch boxes. It is necessary to simultaneously customize mounting frames to match the new specifications of lunch boxes to adjust the arrangement of suction cups. This process not only increases the purchase cost of mounting frames, but also consumes extra time waiting for the customized mounting frames, resulting in reduced production efficiency and a more complicated operation process. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a gripping device for plastic lunch boxes to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a gripping device for plastic lunch boxes, comprising a gantry frame and a mounting frame, wherein a first arm, a second arm and a third arm are respectively sleeved on the outside of the mounting frame from top to bottom, a pressure plate is connected to the bottom of the third arm, a screw is fixed to the bottom of the mounting frame, and a nut is sleeved on the outside of the screw.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the mounting frame is used as the core support carrier. The first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are integrated into the outside of the mounting frame through a sleeve connection to form an integrated support and adjustment structure. At the same time, a limit system is constructed with pressure plates, screws, and nuts to provide a basic structural guarantee for subsequent adjustment of the vacuum suction cup position and avoidance of custom-made mounting frames. This solves the problem of poor adaptability of existing mounting frames from the structural design level.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner rings of the first, second, and third support arms are all rotatably connected to the mounting bracket.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm can rotate freely around the mounting frame. Operators can directly adjust the position of the bottom vacuum suction cup by rotating the arms according to the adsorption requirements of different sizes of plastic lunch boxes, without disassembling or replacing the mounting frame. This effectively reduces the cost of customizing the mounting frame and the waiting time, and improves the equipment's adaptability to different sizes of lunch boxes.

[0010] Furthermore, the top end of the nut abuts against the bottom end of the pressure plate, and the top end of the pressure plate abuts against the bottom of the third arm.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when adjusting the position of the suction cup, loosening the nut can release the clamping force of the pressure plate on the third support arm, making it easier for the support arm to rotate; after adjustment, tightening the nut can allow the nut to transmit the clamping force to the third support arm through the pressure plate, thereby limiting the support arm and preventing it from rotating arbitrarily during the gripping of the lunch box, ensuring the stability of the suction cup position and improving the gripping reliability.

[0012] Furthermore, the third arm abuts against the second arm, and the first arm abuts against the second arm.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the second arm can only rotate behind the first arm, and the third arm can only rotate behind the second arm. Combined with the size design that the length of the first arm is greater than the length of the second arm, which is greater than the length of the third arm, the six arms can be prevented from overlapping. At the same time, the vacuum suction cups at the bottom of each arm are dispersed, reducing the probability of the suction cups colliding with each other and the hoses at the top of the suction cups getting tangled, thus ensuring the smoothness of the adjustment and gripping process.

[0014] Furthermore, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are each provided in pairs, and the screws and nuts are each provided in groups of eight, in total, in two groups of four.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the two first arms, two second arms, and two third arms can adjust the position of the suction cups from both sides of the mounting frame, thereby increasing the coverage of suction points for different sizes of lunch boxes and ensuring that the lunch boxes are subjected to uniform force during gripping. The eight screws and nuts are set in two groups, which can clamp and limit the arms from multiple points at the bottom of the mounting frame, avoiding uneven force at a single point that could cause the arms to shift, and further improving the stability of the arm limit.

[0016] Furthermore, vacuum suction cups are installed at the bottom of the first arm, the two second arms, and the two third arms, and the six vacuum suction cups are detachably connected to the two first arms, the two second arms, and the two third arms, respectively.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, when the suction cups are worn or damaged, the corresponding suction cups can be replaced individually without replacing the entire support arm, thus reducing maintenance costs. At the same time, combined with the rotation adjustment function of the support arm, the six suction cups can adapt to the suction needs of different sizes of lunch boxes, ensuring stable gripping of the lunch boxes and preventing them from falling off during transplanting.

[0018] Furthermore, a first electric slide is installed on the top of the gantry frame, and a second electric slide is installed at the output end of the first electric slide.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the first electric slide table drives the second electric slide table and the mounting frame below to move laterally, and the second electric slide table drives the mounting frame to move longitudinally, so as to achieve precise displacement of the mounting frame and vacuum suction cup between the material outlet of the blister packaging machine and the belt conveyor, complete the transfer operation of plastic lunch boxes, ensure the continuity of the production process, and meet the needs of large-scale production.

[0020] Furthermore, an anti-loosening washer is provided between the nut and the pressure plate, and the anti-loosening washer is a double-disc self-locking washer or a spring washer combined with a flat washer.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the impact of equipment operation vibration on the nut is offset, the probability of nut loosening is reduced, the clamping and limiting state of the pressure plate on the support arm is kept stable for a long time, and the position of the suction cup is avoided due to nut loosening.

[0022] Furthermore, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are all detachably connected to the mounting bracket.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, when producing small-sized plastic lunch boxes or when six suction cups are not required, the extra support arms and corresponding suction cups can be removed, avoiding redundancy caused by redundant structures and improving the flexibility of equipment use; at the same time, disassembly and connection also facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the support arms, further reducing equipment operation and maintenance costs.

[0024] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages: 1. This utility model, through the arrangement of a mounting frame, a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm, provides a stable support foundation for each arm. All three arms can rotate around the mounting frame, allowing adjustment of the vacuum suction cup's position. This largely eliminates the need for custom-made or replaced mounting frames, effectively reducing procurement costs and waiting time. Furthermore, the first arm's length is greater than the second arm's, and the second arm's length is greater than the third arm, distributing the vacuum suction cups more evenly and reducing the probability of collisions. Due to the abutting arrangement between the arms, the second arm can only rotate behind the first arm, and the third arm can only rotate behind the second arm, preventing the arms from crossing and reducing the possibility of the suction cup's top hoses tangling. In addition, the two first arms, two second arms, and two third arms can all be adjusted independently, further enhancing the flexibility of the suction cup's position to accommodate more sizes of plastic lunch boxes. This facilitates gripping more sizes of plastic lunch boxes and reduces the need for replacements. 2. This utility model, through the setting of screws and nuts, allows for the adjustment of the vacuum suction cup position. Loosening the nuts before adjustment prevents the pressure plate from clamping the third arm, facilitating the operator to rotate each arm for position adjustment. After adjustment, tightening the nuts applies a downward force to the pressure plate, which transmits the force to each arm, creating a clamping limit on the arms. This reduces the possibility of the arms rotating arbitrarily during the gripping of food containers, ensuring the stability of the suction cup position and improving the reliability of adjustment operations when switching between different sizes of food containers. It also facilitates limiting the adjustable structure, improving stability during gripping and transplanting. 3. This utility model, through the setting of the pressure plate, can evenly transmit the clamping force of the nut to the third arm when tightening the nut, and further transmit it to the second arm and the first arm in sequence, realizing the synchronous limiting of multiple arms and avoiding positional displacement of a single arm due to uneven force. At the same time, the pressure plate increases the contact area with the third arm, which can reduce the damage of local pressure to the arm and protect the structural integrity of the arm. Moreover, through the force transmission effect of the pressure plate, the stability of clamping and limiting each arm can be improved, ensuring that the adjusted arm position is not easily changed during the gripping of plastic lunch boxes, ensuring the smooth operation of the gripping operation; and further facilitating use. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the mounting bracket structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a top view of the mounting bracket structure according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Gantry frame; 2. First electric slide; 3. Second electric slide; 4. Vacuum suction cup; 5. Mounting bracket; 6. First support arm; 7. Second support arm; 8. Third support arm; 9. Pressure plate; 10. Screw; 11. Nut; 12. Anti-loosening washer. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] A gripping device for plastic lunch boxes, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the system includes a gantry frame 1 and a mounting frame 5. From top to bottom, a first support arm 6, a second support arm 7, and a third support arm 8 are respectively fitted onto the outside of the mounting frame 5. The inner rings of the first support arm 6, the second support arm 7, and the third support arm 8 are rotatably connected to the mounting frame 5. The third support arm 8 abuts against the second support arm 7, and the first support arm 6 abuts against the second support arm 7. There are two of each of the first support arm 6, the second support arm 7, and the third support arm 8, and the two versions of each are mirror images of each other. The third support arm 8 is connected to a pressure plate 9 at its bottom. The top of the pressure plate 9 abuts against the bottom of the third support arm 8. A screw 10 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting bracket 5. Nuts 11 are sleeved on the outside of the screw 10. There are eight screws 10 and eight nuts 11, arranged in two groups of four. The top of the nut 11 abuts against the bottom of the pressure plate 9. The operator first loosens the nuts 11 so that the pressure plate 9, which was originally abutting against the top of the nut 11, no longer exerts a clamping force on the bottom of the third support arm 8. At this time, the first arm 6, the second arm 7, and the third arm 8, which are rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 5, are all in a movable state. The operator can rotate the two first arms 6, the two second arms 7, and the two third arms 8 respectively according to the size of the new specification lunch box and the suction requirements. Since the length of the first arm 6 is greater than that of the second arm 7, and the length of the second arm 7 is greater than that of the third arm 8, the vacuum suction cups 4 at the bottom of each arm can be naturally dispersed during rotation adjustment, reducing the probability of collision between different suction cups. At the same time, since the third arm 8 abuts against the second arm 7 and the first arm 6 abuts against the second arm 7, the second arm 7 can only rotate behind the first arm 6, and the third arm 8 can only rotate behind the second arm 7, effectively avoiding the six arms from crossing each other, thereby reducing the phenomenon of the hoses connected to the top of the vacuum suction cups 4 getting tangled. Moreover, the two first arms 6, the two second arms 7, and the two third arms 8 can all be adjusted independently, greatly improving the flexibility of adaptation.

[0031] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the above embodiment, a first electric slide 2 is installed on the top of the gantry frame 1, and a second electric slide 3 is installed at the output end of the first electric slide 2. Vacuum suction cups 4 are installed at the bottom of the two first supports 6, the two second supports 7, and the two third supports 8. The first electric slide 2 on the top of the gantry frame 1 and the second electric slide 3 connected to the output end of the first electric slide 2 work together. According to the position of the plastic lunch box at the discharge end of the vacuum forming machine and the stacking position of the belt conveyor, the first electric slide 2 drives the second electric slide 3 and the mounting frame 5 connected below to move laterally. Then, the second electric slide 3 drives the mounting frame 5 to move longitudinally until the vacuum suction cups 4 below the mounting frame 5 move to the top of the vacuum-formed plastic lunch box, so as to prepare for the subsequent gripping operation. The six vacuum suction cups 4 are detached and connected to the two first supports 6, the two second supports 7, and the two third supports 8 respectively. This is a prior art disassembly method, that is, through the threaded structure, which facilitates the replacement of damaged vacuum suction cups 4.

[0032] Example 2:

[0033] Based on the above embodiment 1, in order to increase stability and reduce the phenomenon of nut 11 loosening and falling off, the following settings are now adopted.

[0034] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the above embodiment, an anti-loosening washer 12 is provided between the nut 11 and the pressure plate 9. The anti-loosening washer 12 is a double-disc self-locking washer or a spring washer combined with a flat washer. After tightening the nut 11, the anti-loosening washer 12 can reduce the probability of the nut 11 loosening through its own structural characteristics, ensuring that the clamping and limiting state of the pressure plate 9 on the support arm is stable for a long time, and avoiding the position displacement of the support arm due to the loosening of the nut 11, which would affect the gripping effect.

[0035] Example 3:

[0036] Based on the above embodiment one, the following settings are now adopted to further improve flexibility.

[0037] See Figure 5 In the above embodiments, the first arm 6, the second arm 7, and the third arm 8 are all detachably connected to the mounting frame 5. When production needs do not require six vacuum suction cups 4, such as gripping small-sized food containers or reducing the number of suction points, the detachable connection characteristics of the first arm 6, the second arm 7, and the third arm 8 to the mounting frame 5 can be utilized to allow workers to remove the unnecessary arms from the mounting frame 5. (See reference...) Figure 5 As shown, the number of vacuum suction cups 4 connected to it is reduced accordingly. After disassembly, the remaining support arms can still be adapted to the specifications of the lunch box through the above-mentioned rotation adjustment method, which not only meets more adsorption needs, but also avoids structural redundancy caused by extra support arms and suction cups, and improves the flexibility of equipment use.

[0038] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the first electric slide 2 at the top of the gantry frame 1 and the second electric slide 3 connected to the output end of the first electric slide 2 work together. According to the position of the plastic lunch box at the discharge end of the vacuum forming machine and the stacking position of the belt conveyor, the first electric slide 2 drives the second electric slide 3 and the mounting frame 5 connected below to move laterally. Then, the second electric slide 3 drives the mounting frame 5 to move longitudinally until each vacuum suction cup 4 below the mounting frame 5 moves to the top of the vacuum-formed plastic lunch box, so as to prepare for the subsequent gripping operation. At this time, the vacuum suction cups 4, which are connected to the two first arms 6, the two second arms 7, and the two third arms 8, are activated. They use vacuum suction force to firmly adhere the plastic lunch boxes sent out by the vacuum forming machine. Then, the first electric slide 2 and the second electric slide 3 work together again to move the mounting frame 5 with the lunch boxes attached to it to the top of the belt conveyor. After the vacuum suction cups 4 release their suction force, the plastic lunch boxes fall into the belt conveyor and are stacked in an orderly manner, completing one lunch box transfer operation. The belt conveyor then sends the stacked lunch boxes to the next process, realizing the continuity of the production process. When switching to produce plastic lunch boxes of different specifications, it is highly unlikely that a new mounting frame 5 needs to be customized. Instead, the nut 11, which is fitted onto the outside of the screw 10, needs to be operated first. The operator loosens the nut 11 so that the pressure plate 9, which was originally abutting against the top of the nut 11, no longer exerts clamping force on the third support arm 8 at the bottom. At this time, the first support arm 6, the second support arm 7, and the third support arm 8, which are rotatably connected to the mounting frame 5, are all in a movable state. The operator can rotate the two first support arms 6, the two second support arms 7, and the two third support arms 8 respectively according to the size of the new lunch box and the suction requirements. Because the length of the first support arm 6 is greater than that of the second support arm 7, the operator can proceed with the rotation of the first support arm 6. 7. The second arm 7 is longer than the third arm 8. When rotating and adjusting, it can naturally disperse the vacuum suction cups 4 at the bottom of each arm, reducing the probability of collisions between different suction cups. At the same time, since the third arm 8 abuts against the second arm 7 and the first arm 6 abuts against the second arm 7, the second arm 7 can only rotate behind the first arm 6, and the third arm 8 can only rotate behind the second arm 7. This effectively avoids the six arms from crossing each other, thereby reducing the phenomenon of the hoses connected to the top of the vacuum suction cups 4 getting tangled. In addition, the two first arms 6, the two second arms 7, and the two third arms 8 can all be adjusted independently, greatly improving the flexibility of adaptation. After the positions of each support arm and vacuum suction cup 4 are adjusted, the staff tightens the nut 11 on the screw 10. The top of the nut 11 applies a downward force to the pressure plate 9. The pressure plate 9 evenly transmits this force to the third support arm 8 at the bottom. The third support arm 8 then transmits the force to the second support arm 7 that it abuts against. The second support arm 7 further transmits the force to the first support arm 6 that it abuts against, forming an interlocking clamping limit for all the support arms. This reduces the possibility of the support arms rotating randomly due to equipment vibration or external force during the subsequent grabbing of the lunch box, ensuring the stability of the vacuum suction cup 4 and guaranteeing the reliability of grabbing the new specification lunch box. The entire adjustment process does not require disassembly and replacement of the mounting frame 5, effectively reducing the purchase cost of the mounting frame 5 and the time cost of waiting for customization. Furthermore, an anti-loosening washer 12 is installed between the nut 11 and the pressure plate 9. The anti-loosening washer 12 can be a double-disc self-locking washer or a spring washer in combination with a flat washer. After tightening the nut 11, the anti-loosening washer 12 can reduce the probability of the nut 11 loosening through its own structural characteristics, ensuring that the clamping and limiting state of the pressure plate 9 on the support arm is stable for a long time, and avoiding the support arm position shift due to the loosening of the nut 11, which would affect the gripping effect. When production requirements do not necessitate six vacuum suction cups 4, such as gripping small food containers or reducing the number of suction points, the detachable connection characteristics of the first arm 6, second arm 7, third arm 8, and mounting frame 5 can be utilized. Workers can then remove the unnecessary arms from the mounting frame 5. (See reference...) Figure 5 As shown, the number of vacuum suction cups 4 connected to it is reduced accordingly. After disassembly, the remaining support arms can still be adapted to the specifications of the lunch box through the above-mentioned rotation adjustment method, which not only meets more adsorption needs, but also avoids structural redundancy caused by extra support arms and suction cups, and improves the flexibility of equipment use.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. A gripping device for plastic lunch boxes, comprising a gantry (1) and a mounting frame (5), characterized in that: The mounting bracket (5) is fitted with a first arm (6), a second arm (7) and a third arm (8) from top to bottom. The bottom of the third arm (8) is connected to a pressure plate (9). The bottom of the mounting bracket (5) is fixed with a screw (10). The screw (10) is fitted with a nut (11).

2. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner rings of the first arm (6), the second arm (7) and the third arm (8) are rotatably connected to the mounting bracket (5).

3. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top end of the nut (11) abuts against the bottom end of the pressure plate (9), and the top end of the pressure plate (9) abuts against the bottom of the third arm (8).

4. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third arm (8) abuts against the second arm (7), and the first arm (6) abuts against the second arm (7).

5. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first arm (6), the second arm (7) and the third arm (8) are each provided in twos, and the screw (10) and the nut (11) are each provided in eights, four in a group, and are divided into two groups.

6. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 5, characterized in that: Vacuum suction cups (4) are installed at the bottom of the two first arms (6), the two second arms (7) and the two third arms (8), and the six vacuum suction cups (4) are detached and connected to the two first arms (6), the two second arms (7) and the two third arms (8) respectively.

7. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the gantry (1) is equipped with a first electric slide (2), and the output end of the first electric slide (2) is equipped with a second electric slide (3).

8. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 2, characterized in that: An anti-loosening washer (12) is provided between the nut (11) and the pressure plate (9), and the anti-loosening washer (12) is a double-disc self-locking washer or a spring washer combined with a flat washer.

9. The gripping device for plastic lunch boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first arm (6), the second arm (7) and the third arm (8) are all detached from the mounting bracket (5).

Images