• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    container sizing method and system. a card sizing system (1) that has a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operably connected to the controller (4), one or more markers (61) mounted mobile to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4). the packaging sizing system (1) also has a measuring medium (7) that is operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, the footprint of an open top carton and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the carton. the controller (4) is configured to position the one or more cutters (51) based on the determined footprint and cut vertical edges of the carton based on the determined height and also position the one or more markers (61) based on the footprint height and height and mark or crease vertical walls of the packaging between the vertical edges to define, at least partially, folding panels.
    公开号:BR112014030724B1
    申请号:R112014030724-5
    申请日:2013-06-04
    公开日:2021-04-06
    发明作者:Daniel Benterman；David Hayward
    申请人:Westrock Linkx Systems Limited；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [0001] This invention relates generally to a method and device or device for sizing the container to modify the dimensions of a container. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a method and device or system for sizing a container or carton or carton to change the size of a carton or carton to suit its contents.
    [0002] [0002] An application in which cardboard packaging sizing devices are particularly useful is in the field of packaging made for delivery, in which deliveries are placed for different types of products and quantities and packages containing these products must be prepared for shipment. These applications result in an infinite number of product combinations that are placed in standard sized cartons and so they occupy different heights and volumes within those boxes. Shipping costs for packaging are generally dependent on both the weight and dimensions of the package being shipped. The wide variation in filling level often results in a void at the top of the carton, requiring additional packaging materials, leading to waste, and unnecessarily large carton sizes, leading to high shipping costs.
    [0003] [0003] Known solutions to this problem involve the use of a single carton void size that is modified in some way to suit the contents to be packaged. EP0645309, for example, discloses a carton forming system in which the assembled carton is cut to a height equivalent to the contents to be packaged. The excess material is then discarded and a lid is placed over the open top, which results in waste of material.
    [0004] [0004] FR2612885 proposes a cardboard packaging void in which upper folding panels are provided with a plurality of fold lines so that the most appropriate fold line can be selected to suit the height of the contents to be packed. The adaptability of such cartons is limited to the intervals between the fold lines, custom-made carton voids are required, which can be expensive, and the various fold lines can cause problems in assembling and closing the cartons. in use.
    [0005] [0005] FR2606367 discloses a cardboard packaging formation system in which the cardboard packaging voids are creased before being assembled and filled based on a known configuration of contents to be packed. This arrangement requires prior knowledge of the contents to be packaged and is particularly suitable for shorter production cycles of the same content configuration, where a plurality of such carton configurations will be required. In the aforementioned made-to-order packages, the contents of each package tend to be tailor-made and the products are not generally collected and stacked before the carton package is assembled in such a way that it would serve this system.
    [0006] [0006] US3953956 describes a carton forming system in which a preloaded open top carton is marked at the height of the contents, the upper portion of the vertical corners are cut up to the level of the marking lines to create flaps defined by the marking lines, cut corners and top edge and the side flaps are cut less than half the width of the carton so that they do not overlap when folded down. The carton forming system is reconfigurable to accommodate different carton sizes by removing and replacing the marking and pressure blades of the mounted members for a subframe using screws to adjust the carton size and subframe adjustment using adjustment screws. As with FR260367, this arrangement is particularly suitable for short production runs, where a plurality of such carton configurations will be required, but it is not very suitable for made-to-order packaging where the required packaging configuration varies widely. and from one package to the next.
    [0007] [0007] Therefore, it is a first non-exclusive objective of the present invention, to provide a container sizing device that is particularly suitable for custom packaging applications. It is still a non-exclusive, more general objective of the invention to provide an improved container sizing device, preferably one that at least mitigates one or more problems with the prior art devices.
    [0008] [0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a container or carton sizing system is provided which comprises a frame or gantry, a controller, one or more cutters movably mounted to the frame or gantry and operably connected to the controller, one or more movable markers mounted on the frame or gantry and operably connected to the controller and measurement means operatively connected to the controller and configured to determine, in use, the width of an open top carton or container and to determine the height of one or more objects contained within the container or carton, where the controller is arranged or configured or programmed to position the one or more cutters based on the determined width and to cut vertical edges of the container or carton with based on the determined height, the controller being arranged or still configured or programmed to position or m or more markers based on the determined width and height and to mark or crease vertical walls of the container or carton between the vertical edges, for example, to define foldable panels.
    [0009] [0009] This arrangement provides a more flexible yet simple adaptable solution to dynamically adapt containers or cartons of different sizes.
    [0010] [0010] The one or more cutters are preferably movable along two or more, preferably three or more axes, for example, to selectively position and / or orient one or more or each cutter. At least one of the cutters can comprise a cutting edge and / or be mounted on an assembly or template, for example, which is movably mounted in relation to the frame or gantry.
    [0011] [0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one element or cutting edge or cutter is mounted on an arm, such as a robotic or articulated arm, for example, to the end of a robotic or articulated arm, which can be moving on multiple axes, for example, three or more axes. The arm may comprise three, four, five or six articulated-axis robotic arms. Additionally or alternatively, the arm can be part of or be comprised in a Cartesian robot or robotic gantry system.
    [0012] [0012] In some modalities, the controller is arranged or configured or programmed to position, in use, the cutter or one of the cutters to cut a first vertical edge and then position the same cutter to cut a second, different vertical edge of the first vertical border. The controller can also be arranged or configured or programmed to position the same cutter to cut a third vertical edge, different from the first and second vertical edges. The controller can also be arranged or configured or programmed to position the same cutter to cut a fourth vertical edge and / or one or more other vertical edges, different from the first, second, third and / or any other vertical edges.
    [0013] [0013] The one or more markers are preferably movable along two or more, preferably three or more axes, for example, to selectively position and / or orient one or more or each marker. At least one of the markers can be mounted on an assembly or template that is movably mounted in relation to the frame or gantry.
    [0014] [0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one marker or marking element or marking surface or marking edge is mounted to an arm, such as a robotic or articulated arm, for example, to the end of a robotic arm or articulated, which can be movable on multiple axes, for example, three or more axes. The arm may comprise a three, four, five or six axis robotic arm. Additionally or alternatively, the arm can be part of or be comprised in a Cartesian robot or robotic gantry system.
    [0015] [0015] In some modalities, the controller is arranged or configured or programmed to position, in use, the marker or one of the markers to mark or crease a first vertical wall, for example, between a first pair of vertical edges, and, in then, position the same marker to crease a second vertical wall, different from the first vertical wall, for example, between a second pair of vertical edges. The controller can also be arranged or configured or programmed to position the same marker to mark or crease a third vertical wall, different from the first and second vertical walls, for example, between a third pair of vertical edges. The controller can also be arranged or configured or programmed to position the same marker to mark or crease a fourth vertical wall and / or one or more other vertical walls, different from the first, second, third and / or any other vertical walls, for example , between a fourth and / or one or more other pairs of vertical borders.
    [0016] [0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the measurement means comprise a measurement system or image formation system or camera, which can be configured to capture one or more images from one or more positions and angles. The controller or controller or processor of the metering system or image formation system or camera is preferably arranged or configured or programmed to determine or measure, in use, for example, from a captured image or images, one or more characteristics or dimensions of the carton or carton or its contents, for example, any or more of the height of one or more objects contained in the carton or carton, a width and / or length and / or height of the carton or carton cardboard and a thickness of the container or carton.
    [0017] [0017] In addition or alternatively, the measuring means may comprise one or more sensors to measure or determine, in use, one or more of the dimensions of the cardboard container or packaging or its contents, for example, any one or more of height one or more objects contained in the carton or carton, a width and / or length and / or height of the carton or carton and a thickness of the carton or carton. The one or more sensors can comprise any suitable measurement sensors.
    [0018] [0018] The controller is preferably arranged or configured or programmed to determine or calculate the cutter position and / or orientation required to cut one or more, for example, each, from the vertical edges of the container or carton, for example for example, based on one or more measured or determined dimensions of the carton or carton or its contents, for example, based on any one or more of the measured or determined height of one or more objects contained in the carton or carton, width and / or length and / or height of the container or carton and the thickness of the container or carton.
    [0019] [0019] Additionally or alternatively, the controller is arranged or preferably configured or programmed to determine or calculate the marker position and / or orientation necessary to mark or crease one or more, for example, each, of the vertical walls of the container or cardboard packaging, for example, based on one or more measured or determined dimensions of the container or packaging or its contents, for example, based on any one or more of the measured or determined height of one or more objects contained in the container or carton packaging, the width and / or length and / or height of the container or carton and the thickness of the container or carton.
    [0020] [0020] The cutter preferably comprises a blade that can be hingedly or movably mounted to a support or support block and / or a guard that can also be mounted or attached to the support or support block, for example, wherein the blade may be movable or pivotable between a projected position or condition where a corner or edge of the blade is exposed for cutting and / or a retracted position or condition, for example, where it is at least partially covered or concealed by or inside the guard. The cutter most preferably includes an actuator or driving means, for example, for moving the blade between retracted and implanted positions or conditions. The actuator or actuating means can be operatively connected, for example, hingedly connected, to the support block or support and / or to the blade, for example, by an extension arm that can be integral with or fixed to the blade and / or that can extend at an angle or orthogonally with respect to a cutting edge of the blade. The actuator or actuating means may comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator or cylinder or an electromechanical actuator or any other suitable actuator or actuating means.
    [0021] [0021] In an alternative embodiment, the cutter may comprise an anvil member or member that can be mounted to an articulated arm, for example, to the end of an articulated arm, which can be movable around several axes, for example , three or more axes, and a blade that is mounted on an articulated arm, for example, to the end of an articulated arm, which can be movable around several axes, for example, three or more axes. The articulated arm (s) can comprise a three, four, five or six axis articulated arm, such as a robotic arm. The robotic arm can be part of a gantry robot positioning system, for example, a four-axis gantry robot positioning system. Such a cutter may be suitable for cutting corners, for example, where the anvil member or member can be moved relative to the outer surface of the carton or container and the blade remains inside the carton or container and the carton or container packaging can be cut when the blade is moved towards the anvil member or member.
    [0022] [0022] The marker may comprise crease maker and / or a marker to crease and / or mark the or each or one of the vertical walls of the container or carton. In some embodiments, the marker comprises an element or projection member or blade, which can be stopped, such as to crease the vertical or sharp wall, such as to mark the vertical wall, and / or an anvil member or, for example , against which the member or projection element or blade can be installed in order to create a marking or crease or line. The blade or projection member or member may comprise a creasing or marking edge and / or the anvil member or member may comprise a flat anvil surface or, preferably, a depression within which the creasing or marking edge is. limb or projection element or blade is received in use. The blade or projection member or element and / or the creasing or marking edge and / or anvil element or member and / or the anvil surface or depression can be sized and / or configured to be smaller than a packaging of carton to be creased, for example, in which each carton wall to be creased is folded several times. In some embodiments, the marker comprises a pair of rollers between which the wall is compressed and marked or creased by moving the rollers, for example, the arm, along the wall. One of the rollers may comprise the projection or blade member or member and / or the anvil member or member.
    [0023] [0023] The marker may comprise a base from which to extend a pair of arms, each of which incorporates or includes a member or element of projection or blade and the member or member of the anvil. One of the arms can be fixed or secured in relation to the base and / or the other of the arms can be connected or articulated coupled to or in relation to the base. The marker may further comprise an actuator or actuating means, for example, for moving the articulating arm in relation to the fixed or clamped arm, such as for selectively separating or assembling the projection member or member or blade and the anvil member or member . The actuator or actuating means can be operatively connected, for example, hingedly connected, to the fixed or attached base or arm, for example, by an extension arm that can be integral with or fixed to the fixed or attached arm and / or which can extend at an angle or orthogonally with respect to the anvil member, for example with respect to the anvil surface. The actuator or actuating means can be operatively connected, for example, articulated connected, to the articulating arm, for example, by an extension arm that can be integral with or fixed to the articulated arm and / or that can extend at an angle or orthogonally, with respect to the member or projection element or blade, for example with respect to the crease or marking edge. The actuator or actuating means may comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator or cylinder or an electromechanical actuator or any other suitable actuator or actuating means.
    [0024] [0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, a container or carton assembly system or a carton forming system comprising a container or carton sizing system as described above is provided. The container or carton assembly system or a carton forming system may further comprise any one or more of a carton empty feed station, an assembly station, a folding station and / or closing and / or gluing and / or engraving, a counting station, a stacking station and a palletizing station.
    [0025] [0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of forming a container or carton is provided, for example, using a device as described above, the method comprising determining the presence of a container or carton of cardboard. open top with measuring means, determine the height of one or more objects contained within the container or carton using the measuring means, automatically determine the position of the vertical edges of the container or carton based on the determined width using a controller , automatically determine the desired height of the container or carton based on a determined height of one or more objects using the controller, make the controller position one or more cutters to a position adjacent to each of the vertical edges, cut each of the edges vertical between an upper edge of the container or carton and a position on or adjacent to the height of container or carton required, have the controller place one or more markers to a position adjacent to each of the vertical walls and mark or crease each of the vertical walls between the vertical edges in a position at or adjacent to the height of container or cardboard packaging required, for example, in such a way that one or more folding flaps or panels are defined on the vertical walls, for example, between the crease or fold lines and / or the vertical cutting edges and / or the top edge of the container or carton.
    [0026] [0026] The method according to this aspect of the invention can comprise one or more steps related to the application of any of the configuration functions of the device according to the first aspect of the invention.
    [0027] [0027] The cutting step may comprise the implantation of a cutting blade from a retracted position or condition to a projected position or condition. The cutting step may comprise a single cutting element moving from a first vertical edge adjacent to a second vertical edge, for example, different from the first vertical edge, for example, such that the single cutting element cuts two or more, for example, all, the vertical edges.
    [0028] [0028] The step of marking or creasing may comprise actuation of the marker, for example, to bring elements of the blade and anvil together, for example, to mark coming from a first of the vertical walls or just a portion of the first vertical wall . The marker can then be operated to separate the blade and anvil elements and / or can be moved along the first carton wall, such as to an adjacent portion there, for example, which can then be marked or scored. The marker can then be moved and / or reoriented, such as to repeat one or more of the steps mentioned above in relation to one or more other vertical carton walls, for example, all vertical carton walls.
    [0029] [0029] The method preferably further comprises the step of folding one or more, preferably each, of the foldable flaps or panels, for example, using a or a folding and / or closing and / or gluing and / or engraving station .
    [0030] [0030] For the avoidance of doubt, the term "vertical" as used herein is intended to mean that it generally extends vertically, rather than a specific orientation. Likewise, the term "controller" is intended to mean any suitable control system, including, but not limited to, a single unit with a single or multiple processors, multiple units with one or more processors that do not need to be physically connected to each other.
    [0031] [0031] Modalities of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    [0032] [0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carton sizing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with the front guards omitted for illustrative purposes;
    [0033] [0033] Figure 2 is a partial front view of the device of Figure 1, showing the die and die stations;
    [0034] [0034] Figure 3 is a more detailed view of the cutting station of Figures 1 and 2;
    [0035] [0035] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 with the carton omitted to show the cutting device;
    [0036] [0036] Figure 5 is a more detailed view of the crease station of Figures 1 and 2 with the carton omitted to show the marker;
    [0037] [0037] Figure 6 is a more detailed view of the marker in Figure 5;
    [0038] [0038] Figure 7 is a detailed view of a gantry robot positioning system;
    [0039] [0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cutting station according to an alternative mode; and
    [0040] [0040] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a creasing station according to an alternative mode.
    [0041] [0041] Referring now to the Figures, a card sizing system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown to adapt the size or configuration of a carton 10 partially filled with one or more products (not shown) . The package sizing system 1 includes a frame 2, a belt conveyor 3, a controller 4 housed in an upper portion 20 of the frame 2, a cutting station 5, a crease station 6 and a measuring system 7.
    [0042] [0042] The frame 2 includes a plurality of interlocking frame members 21 to form a rectangular frame assembly 2 with four adjustable feet 22 at its outer corners and a plurality of panels 23a, 23b extending between the frame members to enclose the system for sizing carton 1. Frame 2 includes two sections, namely a cutting section 24 and a crease section 25, with a mounting block 26 attached to the upper frame members 21 and extending the entire length of the frame 2 to form a roof of it. The conveyor 3 is mounted on the frame 2 in a vertically raised position and extends between and through the short sides of the wrap to provide an inward feed section 30 and an outward feed section 31, each of which is closed by a respective inverted U-shaped guard 32, 33 extending from a respective end panel 23a of frame 2 to a respective end of the conveyor 3.
    [0043] [0043] The cutting station 5 is housed within the cutting section 24 of table 2 and includes a six-axis articulated robotic arm 50 with a cutter 51 mounted on the end thereof, such that the position and orientation of the cutting device 51 can be varied according to an infinite number of configurations. The robotic arm 50 is attached to the underside of the mounting block 26 and extends downwards from it to the cutting section 24 of the frame 2 towards the conveyor 3.
    [0044] [0044] Cutter 51, shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 4, includes a hook-shaped blade 52 hingedly mounted to a support block 53 and a pair of guard members 54 attached to the support block 53 and which extends downwards from it on both sides of the blade 52. The blade 52 is articulated between an implanted position in which the front hook and cutting edge of the blade 52 are exposed for cutting and a retracted position (not shown) in which the hook and cutting edge of the blade 52 are hidden and located between the guard members 54. The blade 52 in this embodiment includes an integral extension arm 55 extending from a rear portion of the blade 52 substantially orthogonal to the edge cutting edge. The cutter 51 also includes a pneumatic cylinder 56 for moving the blade 52 between the stowed and implanted positions. The cylinder 56 is pivotally connected to the support block 53 at one end and to the extension arm 55 at its other end. Cylinder 56 is operatively connected to and controlled by controller 4.
    [0045] [0045] The crease station 6 is housed within the crease section 25 of table 2 and includes a six-axis articulated robotic arm 60 with a crease maker 61 mounted on the end thereof, such that the position and orientation of the creamer crease 61 can be varied according to an infinite number of configurations. The robotic arm 60 is attached to the underside of the mounting block 26 and extends downwardly from it to the crease section 25 of the frame 2 towards the conveyor 3.
    [0046] [0046] The crease maker 61, shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, includes a blade element 62 with a creasing edge 63, an anvil member 64 with a depression 65 to receive the creasing edge 63 of the creasing element blade 62 and a base 66. The creasing edge 63 of the blade element 62 is stopped in this embodiment for creasing instead of marking by crushing a carton wall to be creased against the anvil member 64 to create a crease line . The crease former also includes an L-shaped blade arm 67 hinged in its corner to the base 66 and having an end that the blade element 62 is mounted to, an anvil arm 68 fixed or secured in relation to the base 66 with an end on which the anvil member 64 is mounted and a pneumatic cylinder 69 to move the blade arm 67 relative to the anvil arm 68 and base 66 to selectively separate or join the creasing edge 63 and depression 65. The cylinder 69 is pivotally connected to an extension portion of the anvil arm 68 extending orthogonally from the anvil member 64 and the other end of the L-shaped blade arm 67.
    [0047] [0047] The measuring system 7 includes first and second cameras 70 and 71 for capturing images of cartons 8 that enter the feed section into 30 of the conveyor 3 from different respective angles. The first camera 70 is mounted on the top of the inverted U-shaped guard 32 of the inward feeding section 30 of the conveyor 3 and arranged to take an image of the top of a carton 8 as it enters the inward feeding section 30 of the carrier 3. The second camera 71 is mounted on one side of the inverted U-shaped guard 32 of the feed section into 30 of the carrier 3 and arranged to take an image of the side of a carton 8, a once it enters the feed section into 30 of the conveyor 3.
    [0048] [0048] The measurement system 7 is configured to determine from the captured images the height of the contents (not shown) of the carton 8 as well as the width, length and height of the carton 8. These parameters are then sent to controller 4, which calculates each of the four starting positions and required cutting paths and cutting paths 51 to cut the required portions of the vertical edges 80 of the carton 8. Controller 4 also calculates each of the creasing positions and orientations necessary for the crease 61 to crease the vertical walls 81 of the carton 8.
    [0049] [0049] In use, a partially filled carton 8 enters the feed section into 30 of the conveyor, images are captured by cameras 70, 71 of the measurement system 7 and the parameters mentioned above are sent to the controller 4, which then automatically calculates the aforementioned starting positions, orientations and cutting paths. The carton 8 advances along the conveyor 4 to the cutting station 5 and the controller 4 sends the necessary command signals to the robotic arms 50, 60. With the carton 8 on the cutting station 5, the cutter 50 moves cutter 51 to the first starting position and orientation, deploys cutter blade 52 and cuts first vertical edge 80. cutter arm 50 then moves cutter 51 to each of the other vertical edges and cuts them in turn. The cutter arm 50 then retracts out of the carton 8, which advances to the crease station 6.
    [0050] [0050] The crease 61 is moved by the crease arm 60 to the first starting and orientation position, where the blade element 62 is positioned adjacent an internal surface of a first of the carton walls 81 between a first of the two vertical edges 80 with the anvil member 64 adjacent to a corresponding outer surface of the first wall of the carton 81. The cylinder 69 then drives the crease arms 67, 68 to bring the blade and the stop elements 62, 64 together to crease the wall portion 81 between them. It will be appreciated that the width of the crease 61 is significantly less than the width of the wall of the carton 81 and thus the crease 61 is then operated to separate the blade and stop elements 62, 64, the creamer crease 61 is then moved along the next portion of wall 81 and the creasing process is repeated. This process is repeated until the crease is formed across the entire wall 81 and is then repeated for each of the other carton walls 81. The crease arm 60 then retracts out of the carton. card 8, which advances to the external feed section 31 to be sent to a folding and gluing station and / or marking and / or strapping (not shown).
    [0051] [0051] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a four axis gantry robot positioning system 200 having a vertical support 202 and housing 250 to adjust the position of the cutter (s) (not shown) and / or former creases (not shown). The arms (not shown) of the cutter (s) (not shown) and / or creaser (not shown) are connected to the positioning system 200 by a rotating assembly 240 which is connected to the vertical support 202 within frame 2. A rotating assembly 240 allows the position of the cutter (not shown) or crease maker (not shown) to be rotated or twisted in use.
    [0052] [0052] The vertical support 202 and housing 250 are mounted on a first pair of guide rails 210a, 210b in such a way that, in use, the position of the vertical support 202 (and, therefore, that of the cutter or former arm crease) can be adjusted on a first vertical axis.
    [0053] [0053] The positioning system 200 also has a second pair of guide rails 220a, 220b, along which the position of the vertical support 202 and housing 250 (and therefore that of the cutter or crease arm) can be adjusted on a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
    [0054] [0054] The positioning system 200 has a third pair of additional guide rails 230a, 230b, along which the position of the vertical support 202, housing 250 and the second pair of guide rails 220a, 220b can be adjusted in one direction third axis. This allows, in use, the position of the cutter or crease arm (not shown) to be adjusted in a forward or backward direction in relation to the travel direction of the belt conveyor (not shown).
    [0055] [0055] Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative cutter 510 is shown which is suitable for cutting the corners of a carton 8. The cutter 510 includes a blade 511 hingedly mounted to a first arm portion 512 and an anvil member 514 hingedly mounted to a second arm portion 516. The anvil member 514 has a depression 515 to receive the blade 511 and the cutter 510 is operated by a first actuator 513, while the anvil member 514 it is operated by a second actuator 517. Cutter 510 is mounted to a rotating joint 502 so that it can be oriented in any direction. Actuators 513, 517 and rotary joint 502 are operatively connected to the controller (not shown). In use, blade 511 is positioned inside a carton or carton (not shown) to be cut, and anvil element 514 is positioned outside the carton or carton (not shown). The actuators 513 and 517 are operable individually or together to close the blade 511 and an anvil member 514 together, thereby cutting any box or carton (not shown) positioned between the two parts.
    [0056] [0056] Referring now to Figure 9, an alternative crease maker 610 is shown. The crease maker 610 comprises first and second rollers 620 and 640 assembled for respective first and second arm portions 622, 642. A first roll 620 is pivotally mounted to a fixed extension 622a of the first arm portion 622 and includes a crease edge 621. A second roll 640 is pivotally mounted to a movable extension 642 which is pivotally mounted to the second portion of arm 642 and is operated by an actuator 643. The second roller 640 provides an anvil member with a depression 641 to receive the crease edge 621 of the first roller 620. The crease edge 621 of the roller 620 is stopped in this mode for crease, instead of crushing a carton wall to be creased against anvil member 641 to create a crease line. The actuator 643 is operatively connected to the controller (not shown) and drives the anvil member 640 towards the roller 620 to perform a crease. Both the roller 620 and anvil member 640 are circular and rotating, so that in use the two can be brought together to form a crease and moved along a carton 8 to form a single crease without the need for opening movements repeated closing. In another alternative embodiment, the roller 620 has a series of sharp blades (not shown) around its perimeter at regular intervals so that when the blade is run along the carton surface it creates a perforated line.
    [0057] [0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations are foreseen for the modalities described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, while the marker of this modality is a crease maker 61, it can be replaced with a marker or marking means, for example, a sharp blade (not shown) that can include a plurality of teeth (not shown) for creating perforations inside the carton 10. In addition or alternatively, the measuring means need not be provided by a measuring system 7. It can, for example, comprise one or more sensors to measure or determine, in use, one or more dimensions container or carton or its contents. The container need not be a carton 8, which can be any other suitable container for which the present invention can be useful.
    [0058] [0058] System 1 may also include any one or more of a cardboard packaging empty feeding station, an assembly station, a folding and / or closing and / or gluing and / or engraving station, a storage station strapping, a stacking station and a palletizing station.
    [0059] [0059] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the characteristics mentioned above and / or those shown in the accompanying drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are, therefore, within the scope of the invention described herein.
    [0060] [0060] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to numerous directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "side", "end", "top", "inward", "upward", "vertical", etc. It should be understood that these directional terms are used exclusively for the benefit of helping to clarify the description of the exemplary modalities and are in no way limiting the scope of the disclosure.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    Package sizing system (1) for sizing open top cartons (8) with different widths and lengths, comprising: a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51, 510) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), the one or more cutters being movably mounted in a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second horizontal directions, so that the same cutter (s) (51, 510) can be repositioned to accommodate different card widths and lengths; one or more markers (61, 610) movably mounted on the frame (2), each marker being mounted to a robotic arm and comprising a pair of marker elements (61, 610) to compress and mark a card wall (8) open top to create a marking or crease on the cardboard wall (8), the system being characterized by the fact that the robotic arm (s) are operatively connected to the controller and configured to move, in use, the pair of marker elements (61, 610) mounted to them in the first horizontal direction , in the second horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, so that the same pair of marker elements (61, 610) can be repositioned to accommodate different card widths and lengths; and a measuring system (7) operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, a width and length of an open top carton (8) and to determine a height of one or more objects contained in the open top carton (8); where the controller (4) is configured to: moving the one or more cutters (51, 510) and the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) in the first horizontal direction based on the determined width of the open top card (8); moving the one or more cutters (51, 510) and the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) in the second horizontal direction based on the determined length of the open top carton (8); causing the one or more cutters (51, 510) to cut vertical edges (80) of the open top cardboard (8) based on the determined height of one or more objects contained in the open top cardboard package (8); causing the arm (s) to move the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) in the vertical direction based on the determined height of the one or more objects contained in the open top card (8); and make the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) create marking or crease on the vertical walls (81) of the open top carton (8) between the vertical edges (80) to at least partially define folding flaps or panels .
    [0002]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of the one or more cutters (51, 510) is mounted to a robotic arm, the robotic arm (s) ) to which the marker (s) and cutter (s) are mounted each comprise an articulated and movable arm on three or more axes.
    [0003]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of the one or more cutters (51, 510) is mounted to a robotic arm of a Cartesian robot or a robotic gantry system.
    [0004]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of the one or more cutters (51) comprises a movable blade (52) mounted on a support (53) and a guard (54) mounted to the support (53), where the blade (52) is movable between an implanted position in which a corner or edge of the blade (52) is exposed for cutting and a retracted position in which they are at least partially hidden or located by or on guard (54).
    [0005]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to position, in use, the cutter (51, 510) or one of the cutters to cut a first vertical edge (80) of the open top carton (8) and then position the same cutter (51, 510) to cut a second vertical edge (80) from the same open top carton (8), different from the first vertical edge (80).
    [0006]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to position, in use, the same cutter (51, 510) to cut each of the vertical edges (80 ) of the same open top carton (8) in sequence.
    [0007]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the robotic arm (s) comprises (s) part of a Cartesian robot or a robotic gantry system.
    [0008]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of marker elements (61) comprises a blade element (62) and an anvil element (64) against which the blade (62) can be made to create a crease or marking or line, the blade element (62) or the anvil element (64) having a width that is less than that of a wall (81) of the package of open top cardboard (8) to be creased so that each wall of the cardboard package (81) to be creased is creased several times.
    [0009]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring system (7) comprises one or more sensors to determine, in use, one or more dimensions of the carton package (8) of open top.
    [0010]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to position, in use, the marker (61, 610) or one of the markers to mark or crease a first wall vertical (81) of the open top carton (8) and then position the same marker (61, 610) to mark or crease a second vertical wall (81) of the same open top carton (8) , different from the first vertical wall (81).
    [0011]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to position, in use, the same marker (61, 610) to mark or crease each of the vertical walls (81) of the same carton (8) of open top in sequence.
    [0012]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to position, in use, the same marker (61, 610) to mark or crease different portions of the first or of each vertical wall (81) of the open top carton (8) in sequence.
    [0013]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the measurement system (7) comprises an image formation system (7) configured to capture, in use, one or more images from one or more positions or angles and to determine or measure from one or more captured images one or more characteristics or dimensions of the open top carton (8) or one or more of its objects contained in the carton (8) open top.
    [0014]
    Packaging sizing system, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the image formation system (7) is configured to measure or determine, from each of the one or more images captured, a height of one or more objects contained within the open top carton (8) and a width and length of the open top carton (8).
    [0015]
    Cardboard sizing system, according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to determine or calculate one or more cutting positions and one or more cutting orientations necessary to cut each of the vertical edges (80) of the open-top carton (8) based on the characteristic or characteristics or determined dimension or dimensions or measurements of the open-top carton (8) or the one or more objects contained in the carton ( 8) open top.
    [0016]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the controller (4) is configured to determine or calculate one or more positions and one or more marker orientations necessary to mark or crease each one vertical walls (81) of the open top carton (8) based on the characteristic or characteristics or determined dimension or dimensions or measurements of the open top carton (8) or the one or more objects contained in the carton pack ( 8) open top.
    [0017]
    Method of forming a carton package (8) by means of a carton sizing system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises the steps of determine a width and length of an open top carton (8) using a measuring system (7), determine a height of one or more objects contained within the open top carton (8) using the measurement system (7), automatically determining a position of the vertical edges (80) of the open-top carton (8) based on the determined width and length of the open-top carton (8) using a controller (4), automatically determine a required height of the open top carton (8) based on the determined height of one or more objects using the controller (4), make the controller (4): move the one or more cutters in a first horizontal direction based on the determined width of the open top carton (8) and in a second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction based on the determined length of the carton ( 8) with an open top to a position adjacent to each of the vertical edges (80); cause the one or more cutters to cut each of the vertical edges (80) between an upper edge of the open top carton (8) and a position at or adjacent to a required carton height based on a specified height of the one or more objects contained in the open top carton (8); cause one or more robotic arms to move a respective pair of marker elements (61, 610) in the first horizontal direction based on the width determined in the open top carton (8) and in the second horizontal direction based on the determined length of the open top carton (8); and mark or crease vertical walls (81) between the vertical edges (80) of the open top carton (8) using the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) compressing and marking each vertical wall (81) with each other in a position at or adjacent the required height of the card, so that one or more flaps or folding panels are defined on the vertical walls (81).
    [0018]
    Sizing system for a cardboard package, comprising: a frame (2), a controller (4), one or more cutters (51, 510) movably mounted to the frame (2) and operatively connected to the controller (4), each of the one or more markers (51, 510) movably mounted on three or more axes so that the same cutter (s) (4) can be repositioned to accommodate different card widths and lengths; one or more markers (61, 610) movably mounted to the frame (2), each marker (61, 610) being mounted to a robotic arm and comprising a pair of opposing marker elements (61, 610), the robotic arm (s) being operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured (s) to move, in use, the pair of marker elements (61, 610) mounted to it on three or more axes so that the same pair of marker elements (61, 610) can be repositioned to accommodate different card widths and lengths; and the system being characterized by the fact that one or more sensors operatively connected to the controller (4) and configured to determine, in use, a width and length of an open top cardboard package (8) and to determine a height of one or more objects contained in the open top carton (8), where the controller (4) is configured to: move the one or more cutters (51, 510) along the three axes based on the determined width and length of the open top carton (8) and based on the determined height of the one or more objects contained in the carton ( 8) open top; causing the one or more cutters (51, 510) to cut vertical edges (80) of the carton pack (8) based on the determined height of the one or more objects contained in the open top carton pack (8); and make the one or more pairs of marker elements (61, 610) create marking or crease on the vertical walls (81) of the open top carton (8) between the vertical edges (80) by compressing and marking each vertical wall (81) each other to at least partially define folding flaps or panels.
    [0019]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that each of the one or more cutters (51, 510) is mounted to a robotic arm, the robotic arm (s) ) to which the marker (s) and cutter (s) are mounted each comprise an articulated and movable arm on three or more axes.
    [0020]
    Cardboard sizing system according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that each of the one or more cutters (51, 510) is mounted to a robotic arm, the robotic arm (s) ) to which the marker (s) and cutter (s) are mounted each comprise a robotic arm of a Cartesian robot or a robotic gantry system.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2013182845A1|2013-12-12|
    CN104520201A|2015-04-15|
    EP2858909A1|2015-04-15|
    ES2780548T3|2020-08-26|
    CA3102506A1|2013-12-12|
    EP3656690A1|2020-05-27|
    GB201210170D0|2012-07-25|
    CA2912503C|2021-02-09|
    US20210009297A1|2021-01-14|
    BR112014030724A2|2017-06-27|
    CA2912503A1|2013-12-12|
    US10954018B2|2021-03-23|
    CN104520201B|2017-08-18|
    AU2013273343B2|2016-08-11|
    EP2858909B1|2019-12-25|
    AU2013273343A1|2015-01-29|
    IN2015DN00153A|2015-06-12|
    AU2013273343C1|2017-02-02|
    US20150119216A1|2015-04-30|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-07-16| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: WESTROCK LINKX SYSTEMS LIMITED (GB) |
    2019-10-22| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-07-28| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-10| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2021-03-02| B09W| Decision of grant: rectification|Free format text: REFERENTE A RPI 2601 DE 10/11/2020. |
    2021-04-06| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 04/06/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GB1210170.5|2012-06-08|
    GBGB1210170.5A|GB201210170D0|2012-06-08|2012-06-08|Container sizing method and system|
    PCT/GB2013/051479|WO2013182845A1|2012-06-08|2013-06-04|Container sizing method and system|
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