Flattening device and flattening method

Abstract

A flattening device according to the present invention comprises: a transfer device, which can move so as to move products; and a pushing device capable of pressing the products such that the products have a uniform height while the products are transferred by means of the transfer device, wherein the pushing device tracks the products and presses the products on the basis that the positions of the products are recognized.

Description

Flattening device and flattening method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0152894 filed on October 31, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a flattening device and a flattening method. More specifically, it relates to a flattening device and a flattening method configured to make the height of an irregular product, such as a pouch, uniform.

[0005] In selling products, enhancing their aesthetic appeal is directly linked to sales. Therefore, the finished contents are packaged in packaging materials that enhance the product's aesthetics and sold.

[0006] There may be cases where the packaging material containing the contents has an irregular shape, such as a pouch. In such cases, sales volume can be increased by adjusting the shape and color formed on the packaging material. However, even in such cases, sales volume may be increased by making the shape of the product packaging material uniform.

[0007] However, in this case, a problem may arise where it is difficult to fix the shape because the product's packaging material is not standardized. More specifically, when the product is to have a uniform height, the irregular packaging material can cause problems that make this difficult.

[0008] If the product has a uniform height, the contents located inside the packaging are evenly distributed, reducing interference between the contents. Additionally, when bundling multiple products together for repackaging, flat products become easier to tie together, making the process easier.

[0009] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the content of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a flattening device and a flattening method for flattening a product.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0012] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a conveying device configured to be movable for moving a product, and a pushing device capable of pressing the product to have a uniform height while the product is conveyed by the conveying device, wherein the pushing device is configured to track the product and press the product based on recognizing the position of the product.

[0013] The transfer device includes a support member that supports the product and can move together with the product, and the pushing device may include a first pusher whose end can move toward the product from the upper side of the support member to apply impact to the product.

[0014] The direction of movement of the product is defined as the direction of product movement, and the first pusher may be configured to move in the direction of product movement to be positioned above the product based on the position of the product.

[0015] The first pusher can be configured to return to its original position when there is a newly inserted product in the support member.

[0016] The first pusher can be configured so that its end comes closer to the product as its length increases.

[0017] The first pusher can be configured to repeatedly press the product.

[0018] The first pusher is located upstream with respect to the product movement direction, and the pushing device may include a second pusher located downstream with respect to the product movement direction compared to the first pusher.

[0019] The second pusher can be configured to press the product to a depth less than the depth to which the first pusher presses the product.

[0020] It may further include a first frame supporting a first pusher and a second frame supporting a second pusher and positioned adjacent to the first frame.

[0021] The transfer device may include a support member defined as a belt configured to move in a circular motion, and a roller located within the support member and configured to transmit a driving force to the support member to move the support member in a circular motion.

[0022] It may further include a vibration device configured to vibrate the support member in order to vibrate a product located on the support member.

[0023] The vibration device may include a rotating part configured to be located within a support member and rotate, and a protrusion that protrudes radially from the rotating part and vibrates the support member by applying impact to the support member.

[0024] To prevent the product from detaching from the support member, it may further include a support roller located on the opposite side facing the vibration device of the support member.

[0025] It may further include a guiding device configured to guide the product toward the conveying device.

[0026] It may further include an input device that grasps and moves the product so that the product falls and receives an impact using a guiding device.

[0027] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a conveying device configured to be movable to move a product formed by including a plurality of contents in a pouch in a product movement direction, a first pusher capable of pressing the product to have a uniform height while the product is being conveyed by the conveying device, and a second pusher located downstream of the first pusher with respect to the product movement direction, wherein the second pusher is configured to press the product to a depth less than the depth to which the first pusher presses the product.

[0028] The first pusher and the second pusher may be configured to track the product and apply pressure to the product based on recognizing the position of the product.

[0029] It may further include an input device that grips and moves the product so that the product is dropped and receives an impact.

[0030] The conveying device includes a support member defined as a belt configured to move in a circular motion, and may further include a vibration device configured to vibrate the support member in order to vibrate a product located on the support member.

[0031] A flattening method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a moving step for moving a product and

[0032] It includes a pressurizing step for pressurizing a product so that the product being moved by the moving step is flattened, and the pressurizing step is performed by a first pusher that tracks and moves the product.

[0033] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention can flatten a product by applying pressure.

[0034] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention can track and pressurize a product while the product is being transported, thereby allowing for greater pressure on the product.

[0035] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention can efficiently flatten a product by having a second pusher, which applies pressure later, apply less pressure than a first pusher, which applies pressure first.

[0036] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention can promote the flattening of a product by including a vibration device that applies vibration to the product while the product is being transported by a transport device.

[0037] A flattening device according to one embodiment of the present invention can promote the flattening of a product by including an input device that is configured to apply impact when a product is placed.

[0038] The flattening method of one embodiment according to the present invention can have the above effects by being performed using the flattening device above.

[0039] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a post-process after product completion according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a flattening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention configured to perform the product flattening step illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the first pushing device shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first pushing device shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first pushing device shown in FIG. 3 pressing a product.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first pushing device and the second pushing device shown in FIG. 2 pressing a product.

[0046] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the vibration device shown in Figure 2 applying vibration to a product.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the feeding device shown in FIG. 2 feeding a product.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram related to the first pusher and the second pusher shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the product flattening step shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pushing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pushing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0053] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0054] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0055] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0056] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0057] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0059] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0060] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other aspects (130a-1) (e.g., importance or order).

[0061] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0062] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0063] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0064] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0065] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] First embodiment

[0068] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the post-processing steps after the completion of the product (2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, the post-processing of the product (2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0070] After producing the product (2), a subsequent process may be performed on the product (2). As shown in FIG. 5, the product (2) may include contents (2b) (see FIG. 5) and a pouch (2a) containing the contents (2b) (see FIG. 5). Here, the contents (2b) may be frozen dumplings, etc. However, if necessary, the contents (2b) may be other solid-state components, and the pouch (2a) may be a rigid case. Furthermore, the product (2) may require flattening while omitting the pouch (2a).

[0071] The production of the product (2) can be completed by receiving the contents (2b) into the pouch (2a) and sealing the pouch (2a). The finished product (2) may undergo the steps of product (2) flattening, product (2) alignment, product (2) supply, box supply, box pressing, and / or loading, as shown in FIG. 1. Among these, the product (2) flattening step may be performed to facilitate the alignment of the product (2) before the product (2) alignment step.

[0072] Flattening the product (2) not only facilitates alignment of the product (2), but also reduces interference between contents (2b) located inside the pouch (2a), thereby helping to prevent the contents (2b) from sticking together and making the appearance of the product (2) neat.

[0073] However, when the contents (2b) are contained in the pouch (2a), the pouch (2a) may not have a regular shape because it is manufactured with a composition such as thin vinyl. In other words, a pouch (2a) having an irregular shape may require a separate process to flatten the product (2).

[0074] A flattening device (1) for flattening a product (2) will be explained further below.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a flattening device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention configured to perform a flattening step of the product (2) illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a first pushing device (500) illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first pushing device (500) illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, a flattening device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the flattening device (1) may include a guiding device (100) configured to induce movement so that a product (2) is positioned at a conveying device (300), a conveying device (300) configured to convey the product (2), and / or a pushing device (PA) configured to flatten the product (2) by applying pressure. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the flattening device (1) may further include an input device (100) configured to input the product (2) into the guiding device (100). The input device (100) may pick up the finished product (2) and move it to the upper side of the guiding device (100) so that the product (2) is placed on the flow device. At this time, the flattening device (1) may omit the guiding device (100) as needed. Furthermore, the pushing device (PA) may be defined as a first pushing device (500) and a second pushing device (600).

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the induction device (100), the first pushing device (500), and the second pushing device (600) can be arranged in that order. At this time, the movement of the product (2) of the first pushing device (500) and the second pushing device (600) can be carried out by a transfer device (300) positioned overlapping the first pushing device (500) and the second pushing device (600). In other words, the transfer device (300) can be extended from the first pushing device (500) to the pushing device (PA), or if multiple transfer devices (300) are provided, they can be arranged in a direction from the first pushing device (500) toward the second pushing device (600). At this time, the transfer device (300) extending beyond the second pushing device (600) can accommodate a vibration device (400). However, as needed, the first pushing device (500), the second pushing device (600), and the vibration device (400) may be swapped with each other.

[0079] The first pushing device (500) may include a first frame (510) forming the exterior of the first pushing device (500), and a first pusher (520) coupled to the first frame (510) and configured to press the product (2). At this time, the first frame (510) may be omitted as necessary.

[0080] A transfer device (300) may be positioned below the first pusher (520). A product (2) may be positioned between the first pusher (520) and the transfer device (300), and the product (2) may be pressed and flattened as the first pusher (520) moves toward the transfer device (300).

[0081] The second pushing device (600) may be provided to correspond to the first pushing device (500). In other words, the second pushing device (600) may include a second frame (610) forming the exterior of the second pushing device (600), and a second pusher (620) coupled to the second frame (610) and configured to press the product (2). At this time, the second frame (610) may be omitted as necessary.

[0082] A transfer device (300) may be positioned below the second pusher (620). A product (2) may be positioned between the second pusher (620) and the transfer device (300), and the product (2) may be pressed and flattened as the second pusher (620) moves toward the transfer device (300). The transfer device (300) may be formed separately as a transfer device (300) corresponding to the first pusher (520) and a transfer device (300) corresponding to the second pusher (620). However, if necessary, the transfer device (300) corresponding to the first pusher (520) and the transfer device (300) corresponding to the second pusher (620) may be a single device.

[0083] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first pushing device (500) will be described in more detail. For reference, the description of the first pushing device (500) in this disclosure is considered to also apply to the second pushing device (600).

[0084] The first pusher (520) can be movably coupled to the first frame (510). At this time, the flattening device (1) is provided with a driving device (30) to provide a driving force to move the first pusher (520). In other words, the first pusher (520) can be moved in the up-and-down direction and also in the left-and-right direction, based on FIG. 3.

[0085] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the flattening device (1) may include a control unit (20) configured to control the first pusher (520). As described with reference to FIG. 9, it may be any configuration including a processor (21) and a memory (22), or a configuration providing a mechanism to control the operation of the first pusher (520) using the processor (21) and the memory (22). The first pusher (520) may include a first piston (521) (Fig. 5) operated by air pressure. An air pipe (not shown in the drawing) that provides air pressure by the first pusher (520) may be provided. At this time, the control unit (20) may be configured to control the entry of air into the air pipe. More specifically, the control unit (20) may include a control module (20a) and a control valve (20b). The control valve (20b) is exposed on the outside of the first frame (510) so that it is visible to the user, allowing the user to easily check and, furthermore, easily control it. When the control valve (20b) is rotated in a specific rotational direction, an electrical signal is generated and transmitted to a processor (21), and the degree to which the air pipe is opened can be determined by the transmitted signal. Accordingly, the amount of pressurization applied by the first pusher (520) and the force applied by the first pusher (520) can be determined. At this time, the control module (20a) may be a configuration that transmits the signal generated by the control valve (20b) or includes other components necessary for the above operation.

[0086] Additionally, the first pushing device (500) may include a drive guide (31) configured to guide the movement of the drive device (30). If necessary, the drive device (30) may generate only the driving force without moving, and the first pusher (520) may be moved by a device that transmits the driving force. Assuming the drive device (30) is a motor, the pusher may advance when the motor rotates in the forward direction and move backward when it rotates in the reverse direction. The first pusher (520) may be moved by a pulley and a timing belt. The pulley of the drive shaft receiving power from the drive device (30) and the pulley of the driven shaft may be connected by a timing belt to allow the first pusher (520) to move. Furthermore, a pusher movement guide (511) may be provided to guide the movement of the first pusher (520). The pusher movement guide (511) may extend in the direction of movement of the first pusher (520). The pusher movement guide (511) can guide the movement of the first pusher (520) so that the first pusher (520) moves smoothly and without shaking, preventing the first pusher (520) from coming off when the first pusher (520) moves forward or backward.

[0087] The flattening of the product (2) of the flattening device (1) will be explained in more detail below.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first pushing device (500) shown in FIG. 3 pressing the product (2). FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first pushing device (500) and the second pushing device (600) shown in FIG. 2 pressing the product (2). FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the vibration device (400) shown in FIG. 2 applying vibration to the product (2). FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the insertion device (100) shown in FIG. 2 inserting the product (2).

[0089] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the flattening of a product (2) of a flattening device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0090] As described above, the flattening device (1) may include a transfer device (300) configured to be movable to move the product (2) and a pushing device (PA) capable of pressing the product (2) to have a uniform height while the product (2) is being transferred by the transfer device (300). At this time, the meaning of pressing the product (2) to have a uniform height does not mean that the entire product (2) must have the same height, but rather that the product (2) is pressed with the goal of having a uniform height. Furthermore, having the product (2) have a uniform height can also be interpreted in another sense as preventing the product (2) from having a height exceeding a specific height. In particular, when the product (2) contains contents (2b) contained in the pouch (2a), the height of the sealed side of the pouch (2a) cannot be the same as the height of the center thereof; therefore, in such a case, the flattening device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be understood as not being for uniformly adjusting the height of the sealed side of the pouch (2a), but for uniformly adjusting the height of the part corresponding to the center of the pouch (2a).

[0091] At this time, the transfer device (300) may include a support member (310) that supports the product (2) and can move together with the product (2). The support member (310) may be defined as a belt configured to move in a circular motion, as shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the transfer device (300) may include a roller (320) configured to move the support member (310). In other words, the roller (320) may be located within the support member (310) and configured to transmit driving force to the support member (310) to move the support member (310) in a circular motion. As shown in FIG. 7, the roller (320) may be positioned at both ends of the belt and rotated, thereby rotating the roller (320) by means of frictional force with the roller (320).

[0092] As previously mentioned, the pushing device (PA) may include a first pusher (520) whose end is movable toward the product (2) from the upper side of the support member (310) to apply impact to the product (2). Furthermore, the first pusher (520) may include a first piston (521) and a first cushioning member (522) located at the end of the first piston (521). For reference, the second pusher (620) may include a second piston (621) and a second cushioning member (622) corresponding to the first pusher (520). The first cushioning member (522) has a larger cross-sectional area than the end of the first piston (521) and is made of a soft material so as to reduce the impact on the product (2) while the first pusher (520) presses the product (2), thereby preventing damage to the contents (2b).

[0093] At this time, the first pusher (520) can be configured so that its end approaches the product (2) by extending its length. More specifically, the first cushioning member (522) can impact the product (2) by extending the length of the first piston (521). However, if necessary, the first pusher (520) may impact the product (2) in a manner other than extending its length. This will be further explained in the second and third embodiments.

[0094] At this time, the pushing device (PA) may be configured to track the product (2) and press the product (2) based on recognizing the position of the product (2). In other words, the first pusher (520) may be moved along with the product (2), and the first pusher (520) may move along the product (2) by receiving driving force from the driving device (30). At this time, a sensor (10) (see FIG. 9) configured to recognize the product (2) so that the first pusher (520) tracks the product (2) may be provided.

[0095] The first pusher (520) can repeatedly press the product (2). At this time, if the first pusher (520) presses the product (2) while moving along with the product (2), the number of times the product (2) is pressed can be increased, thereby contributing further to the flattening of the product (2). Furthermore, if the first pusher (520) moves at the same speed as the product (2) moves, there is no relative movement between the first pusher (520) and the product (2), so that while the product (2) is moving, the first pusher (520) can continuously press the product (2) from the upper side of the product (2).

[0096] The direction of movement of the product (2) can be defined as the direction of product movement. Based on FIG. 5, the direction of product movement can be to the right. The first pusher (520) can be configured to move in the direction of product movement to be positioned above the product (2) based on the position of the product (2). Although movement in a direction other than the direction of product movement may be considered for tracking and moving the product (2), for efficient tracking, the first pusher (520) can track the product (2) along the direction of product movement.

[0097] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the first pusher (520) may be configured to repeatedly press the product (2). The first pusher (520) repeatedly pressing the product (2) can be distinguished from pressing the product (2) only once. Repeatedly pressing the product (2) can contribute more to the flattening of the product (2) than pressing the product (2) only once. Furthermore, if the product (2) is to be flattened by pressing the product (2) only once, the first pusher (520) needs to apply a large impact to the product (2), which may mean that the likelihood of damage to the contents (2b) increases while the first pusher (520) presses the product (2). By pressing the product (2) multiple times, the magnitude of the force applied to the contents (2b) can be reduced, and accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the contents (2b) can be lowered.

[0098] Additionally, the first pusher (520) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple first pushers (520) may be positioned adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the multiple first pushers (520) can apply force evenly to the contents (2b). At least some of the multiple first pushers (520) may press the product (2) at different timings, thereby leaving space for the contents (2b) to move while the product (2) is pressed. Accordingly, movement of the contents (2b) is allowed while the product (2) is being pressed, thereby preventing damage to the contents (2b).

[0099] The first pusher (520), which has moved to track the product (2), can be configured to return to its original position when there is a newly introduced product (2) in the support member (310). Based on FIG. 5, the first pusher (520) can be moved to the left to return to its original position. After the first pusher (520) returns to its original position, the aforementioned operation can be repeated.

[0100] The first pusher (520) may be located upstream with respect to the product movement direction. The pushing device (PA) may include a second pusher (620) located downstream with respect to the product movement direction compared to the first pusher (520), as shown in FIG. 6. Based on FIG. 6, the second pusher (620) may be located to the right of the first pusher (520).

[0101] At this time, the second pusher (620) may be configured to press the product (2) to a depth less than the depth to which the first pusher (520) presses the product (2). In other words, the thickness (D1) of the product (2) formed at the position pressed by the first pusher (520) may be smaller than the thickness (D2) of the product (2) formed at the position pressed by the second pusher (620). This may be because when the first pusher (520) presses the product (2), the degree of bonding between the contents (2b) is large, and a strong force may be required to release the bonding, and accordingly, the first pusher (520) may have the primary goal of releasing the bonding of the contents (2b). With respect to the product (2) supplied to the second pusher (620) with the contents (2b) partially released, the second pusher (620) can perform work focused on flattening relatively more than the first pusher (520). At this time, the second pusher (620) can press the product (2) to a depth corresponding to the desired height of the product (2).

[0102] The second pusher (620) may be positioned adjacent to the first pusher (520). This is because it is space-efficient for the product (2) to be pressurized by the second pusher (620) after the pressurization by the first pusher (520) has ended. To this end, the second frame (610) supporting the second pusher (620) may be positioned adjacent to the first frame (510). Additionally, the third frame (410) surrounding the vibration device (400) described later may be positioned adjacent to the second frame (610) so that vibration can be applied to the product (2) immediately after the pressurization by the second pusher (620) has ended.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, after the product (2) is pressed by the second pusher (620), the product (2) can be transported by the transport device (300) toward the vibration device (400).

[0104] The flattening device (1) may further include a vibration device (400) configured to vibrate the support member (310) in order to vibrate a product (2) positioned on the support member (310). The vibration device (400) may be positioned between a pair of rollers (320) positioned corresponding to the ends of the support member (310). Accordingly, while the product (2) moves between the pair of rollers (320), the vibration device (400) can vibrate the product (2).

[0105] The vibration device (400) may include a rotating part (401) configured to be positioned within and rotated within a support member (310), and a protruding part (402) that protrudes radially from the rotating part (401) and vibrates the support member (310) by applying impact to the support member (310). Accordingly, the rotating part (401) rotates, and the protruding part (402) may also rotate together with the rotation of the rotating part (401). As the protruding part (402) rotates, it may apply impact to the interior of the support member (310) to cause the support member (310) to move outward. When a product (2) is positioned corresponding to a part of the moving support member (310), the movement of the support member (310) is transmitted to the product (2), and the product (2) may vibrate. The vibration of the product (2) may occur in the up and down direction.

[0106] At this time, to prevent the product (2) from detaching from the support member (310), a support roller (420) (320) located on the opposite side facing the vibration device (400) of the support member (310) may be further included. Based on FIG. 7, the support roller (420) (320) may be located on the upper side of the vibration device (400). The product (2) can be moved upward by the vibration device (400), and the support roller (420) (320) is located on the upper side of the product (2) to prevent the product (2) from moving excessively and moving out of the conveying device (300). Furthermore, while the product (2) is moving upward, the support roller (420) (320) supports the product (2), so the product (2) is pressed downward by the support roller (420) (320), and vibration may occur again in the product (2).

[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a guiding device (100) configured to guide the product (2) toward the transfer device (300) may be further included. More specifically, the guiding device (100) may be a device responsible for transporting the product (2) at the front end of the transfer device (300). The guiding device (100) may have a substantially curved main path. At this time, a guiding frame (210) may be provided at the bending part of the guiding device (100) to prevent the product (2) from moving out of the guiding device (100) due to inertia. The guiding frame (210) may be configured to support the product (2) so that the product (2) is moved in a desired direction.

[0108] At this time, the flattening device (1) may further include an input device (100) that grasps and moves the product (2). The input device (100) may be a robot, as shown in FIG. 8. When the input device (100) moves the product (2) and inputs it into the guiding device (100), the product (2) may fall onto the guiding device (100) and receive an impact. Accordingly, the contents (2b) may be dispersed within the pouch (2a). The height at which the product (2) falls may be a height that prevents damage to the product (2).

[0109] Previously, there was an explanation regarding the operation of the control unit (20). It will be explained in more detail below.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram related to the first pusher (520) and the second pusher (620) shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the product (2) flattening step shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a control unit (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit (20) may include a processor (21) configured to perform calculations. The processor (21) may perform calculations by retrieving information stored in the memory (22) described later, or by performing calculations based on transmitted information. The processor (21) may be implemented by one or more semiconductor chips and related components provided on a substrate. For example, the processor (21) may be a Micro Control Unit (MCU), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Control Unit (GPU), etc.

[0113] The control unit (20) may include a memory (22) configured to store information. For example, the memory (22) may include a volatile type such as SRAM or DRAM. Alternatively, for example, the memory (22) may include a non-volatile type such as flash memory (22) or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The memory (22) may temporarily store the degree transmitted by the vision sensor (10) or store the result calculated by the processor (21).

[0114] The control unit (20) may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (10) and generate a signal that is pre-stored in the memory (22). In particular, the sensor (10) may recognize the product (2) and transmit a signal corresponding to the position of the product (2) to the control unit (20). The control unit (20) may control the driving device (30) based on the signal received from the sensor (10) so that the first pusher (520) or the second pusher (620) moves to a preset position.

[0115] The above control unit (20) can perform the following steps. The following steps relate to the flattening step of the product (2).

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the flattening method may include a moving step for moving the product (2) and a pressing step for pressing the product (2) so that the product (2) moved by the moving step is flattened. Furthermore, the pressing step may include a first pressing step performed by a first pusher (520) and a second pressing step performed by a second pusher (620). The flattening method may include a guiding step for guiding the product (2) to the moving step. The flattening method may include a vibration step performed by a vibration device (400) after the second pressing step.

[0117] At this time, the pressurization step can be performed by a first pusher (520) that tracks and moves the product (2).

[0118]

[0119] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0120] 2nd embodiment

[0121] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pushing device (PA) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 11, a pushing device (PA) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0123] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first pushing device (500-1) does not extend in length to press the product (2).

[0124] The first pushing device (500-1) can press the product (2) by rotating. The first pushing device (500) includes a radially extended portion, and the extended portion may be configured to come into contact with the product (2).

[0125] Third embodiment

[0126] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pushing device (PA) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 12, a pushing device (PA) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0128] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first pushing device (500-2) does not extend in length to press the product (2).

[0129] The first pushing device (500-2) can press the product (2) by moving. The first pushing device (500-2) can be moved toward the transfer device (300-2) to press the product (2). As the product (2) is pressed against the transfer device (300-2) by the first pushing device (500-2), vibration may be generated. The first pushing device (500-2) according to the third embodiment can flatten the product (2) by generating vibration rather than by pounding.

[0130] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0132]

[0133] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0134] 1: Flattening device

[0135] 2: Product

[0136] 2a: Pouch

[0137] 2b: Contents

[0138] 10: Sensor

[0139] 20: Control unit

[0140] 20a: Control module

[0141] 20b: Control valve

[0142] 21: Processor

[0143] 22: Memory

[0144] 30: Driving device

[0145] 100: Input device

[0146] 200: Induction device

[0147] 210: Induction Frame

[0148] 300: Transfer device

[0149] 310: Lack of support

[0150] 320: Roller

[0151] 400: Vibration device

[0152] 401: Rotating part

[0153] 402: Protrusion

[0154] 410: 3rd Frame

[0155] 420: Support roller

[0156] PA: Pushing device

[0157] 500: First pushing device

[0158] 510: 1st Frame

[0159] 520: 1st Pusher

[0160] 521: 1st piston

[0161] 522: First buffer member

[0162] 600: Second pushing device

[0163] 610: Frame 2

[0164] 620: 2nd Pusher

[0165] 621: Second piston

[0166] 622: Second buffer member

Claims

1. A transfer device configured to be movable to move a product; and While the product is being conveyed by the conveying device, the pushing device capable of pressing the product so that the product has a uniform height is included. The above pushing device is a flattening device configured to track the product and apply pressure to the product based on recognizing the position of the product.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above transfer device supports the product and includes a support member that can move together with the product, and The above pushing device is a flattening device comprising a first pusher, the end of which is movable toward the product from the upper side of the support member to apply impact to the product.

3. In Paragraph 2, The direction of movement of the above product is defined as the direction of product movement, and The above-mentioned first pusher is a flattening device configured to move in the direction of product movement to be positioned above the product based on the position of the product.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned first pusher is a flattening device configured to return to its original position when there is a newly introduced product in the support member.

5. In Paragraph 2, A flattening device configured such that the first pusher is extended in length so that the end comes closer to the product.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first pusher is a flattening device configured to repeatedly press the above-mentioned product.

7. In Paragraph 3, The first pusher is located on the upstream side with respect to the product movement direction, and The pushing device is a flattening device comprising a second pusher located downstream of the first pusher with respect to the product movement direction.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned second pusher is a flattening device configured to press the product to a depth less than the depth to which the first pusher presses the product.

9. In Paragraph 7, A first frame supporting the first pusher; and A flattening device that supports the second pusher and further includes a second frame positioned adjacent to the first frame.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above transfer device is, A support member defined as a belt configured to move in a circulating manner; and A flattening device comprising a roller positioned within the support member and configured to transmit a driving force to the support member in order to circulate the support member.

11. In Paragraph 10, A flattening device further comprising a vibration device configured to vibrate the support member in order to vibrate the product located on the support member.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above vibration device is, A rotating part positioned within the above-mentioned support member and configured to rotate; and A flattening device comprising a protrusion that protrudes radially from the above-mentioned rotating part and vibrates the support member by applying impact to the support member.

13. In Paragraph 12, A flattening device further comprising a support roller located on the side opposite to the vibration device of the support member to prevent the above product from detaching from the support member.

14. In Paragraph 1, A flattening device further comprising a guiding device configured to guide the product toward the transfer device.

15. In Paragraph 14, A flattening device further comprising an input device that grips and moves the product so that the product falls to the above-mentioned induction device and receives an impact.

16. A transfer device configured to be movable so as to move a product formed by including multiple contents in a pouch in the direction of product movement; A first pusher capable of pressing the product to have a uniform height while the product is being conveyed by the conveying device; and It includes a second pusher located downstream of the first pusher with respect to the product movement direction, and The above-mentioned second pusher is a flattening device configured to press the product to a depth less than the depth to which the first pusher presses the product.

17. In Paragraph 16, A flattening device configured such that the first pusher and the second pusher track the product and apply pressure to the product based on recognizing the position of the product.

18. In Paragraph 16, A flattening device further comprising an input device that grips and moves the product so that the product falls and receives an impact.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above-mentioned transfer device includes a support member defined as a belt configured to move in a circular motion, and A flattening device further comprising a vibration device configured to vibrate the support member in order to vibrate the product located on the support member.

20. A moving step for moving the product; and It includes a pressurizing step for applying pressure to the product so that the product moved by the above moving step is flattened, and The above-mentioned pressurization step is a flattening method performed by a first pusher that tracks and moves the product.

Images