KR101224851B1 - Packaging system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated packaging system has a plurality of dunnage dispensing stations that can dispense dunnage and a transport network for conveying containers to and from at least two dispensing stations for dunnage to be placed therein. At at least one loading station upstream of a dispensing station articles are placed in the containers for shipping. Optionally, an intermediate void determination station determines how much dunnage to dispense.

Description

Packing device and packing method {PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD}

Application Date Benefit Claims

The present invention discloses US Provisional Application No. 60 / 669,712, filed April 7, 2005, US Provisional Application No. 60 / 665,645, filed February 22, 2005, and US Provisional Application No. 60, filed August 4, 2004. To benefit from the filing date of US / 598,689, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a packaging system that provides a quantity of dunnage material in a container for packaging one or more items for shipment.

In normal use, the packager puts the article recorded in the inventory to be shipped in a container. Prior to shipment of the article, a protective packaging or other type of cushioning material is placed around the article in the container. The cushioning material fills at least a portion of the void space, provides a cushion to the article during shipment to prevent or minimize the movement of the article relative to the container, and prevents or minimizes damage to the article during transportation. Commonly used cushioning materials include peanut shaped plastic foams, plastic bubble packs, air bags and crumpled paper materials.

The operator of the buffer dispenser observes that the container is filled with the buffer and stops the dispenser when the container is considered to be full. The container is then closed for shipment. Some examples of dispensers are peanut-type plastic dispensers, field foam dispensers, airbag devices and boil buffer convertors that are often associated with an air supply system.

Often the dispenser operator overfills the container so that more buffer material enters the container than is needed to adequately protect the article and fill the empty space of the container. As another example, the operator may put too little cushioning material in the container, so there is room for the article to move in the container and be damaged during shipment.

Usually overfilling and underfilling become a bigger problem as the speed of dispensing operation increases. Currently, space-filled dispensers, particularly paper buffer diverters, can provide a band-shaped buffer at speeds in excess of 50 feet per minute (about 1/4 meter per second).

Systems and methods are provided for automatically handling space-filled packaging operations. One embodiment includes a plurality of buffer distribution stations each having one or more buffer distributors capable of dispensing the buffer; And a transport network for transporting containers to and from the at least two distribution stations so that the cushion material is deposited in at least two distribution stations in the buffer distribution station. The plurality of distribution stations may be arranged in series along a portion of the transport network such that one or more containers are in turn delivered to several of the distribution stations. The buffer dispenser may include a buffer convertor for converting raw materials into a relatively low density buffer to supply the buffer to one or more buffer distribution stations. The buffer material source may include one of an air bag, crumpled paper, foam strip, peanut-type foam, and paper foam.

The system may further include a controller to control one or more components of the system. These elements include, for example, one or more loading stations in which one or more items are placed in one or more containers for transport, an intermediate station upstream of one or more of the buffer distribution stations having a sensor for sensing the characteristics of the empty space within the container. And one or more determining devices, such as sensors for determining whether the contour meets a predetermined criterion. As another example, the transport network may route a container that does not meet the predetermined criteria to another route.

The packaging method of the present invention comprises a path determining step of directing a container from a plurality of buffer distribution stations to a selected buffer distribution station according to a path reference; And a buffer supply step of supplying a buffer to the container at the buffer distribution station. The route reference may include, for example, at least one of the availability of the buffer dispensing station, the characteristics of the cushioning material, the characteristics of the container, the characteristics of the empty space of the container, and the characteristics of the article to be loaded in the container. The buffer supply step can include, for example, determining an empty volume in the container.

In one embodiment, the packaging method includes assigning an identifier to each container and tracking the container's movement through the packaging system.

Systems and methods according to another embodiment include one or more sensing stations for sensing features of an empty volume of a container; A plurality of buffer distribution stations for distributing a buffer based on a feature sensed by the sensing station; And a transport network for moving the vessel from one of the sensing stations to a selected dispensing station in the buffer dispensing station.

Optionally, one embodiment of a packaging system includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one of the features of a container; And a controller for determining whether the container is suitable for receiving a buffer therein based on the sensed characteristics of the container. The packaging system includes a plurality of buffer distribution stations in which a buffer is dispensed so as to be disposed in an empty space of the container, wherein at least one of the buffer distribution stations may be capable of dispensing various types of buffers.

According to another embodiment, a packaging method includes a path determining step of directing a container from a plurality of buffer distribution stations to a selected buffer distribution station according to a path reference; And a buffer supply step of supplying a buffer to the container at the buffer distribution station.

Optionally, the path determining step may determine a path in accordance with a path criterion comprising at least one of a feature of the cushioning material, a feature of the empty space of the container, and a feature of the article to be loaded in the container.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides one or more of determining the type of buffer to be dispensed, controlling the amount of buffer to be dispensed, measuring the characteristics of the container, and determining the container volume with reference to a database. It may include.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a packaging system comprises one or more sensing stations for sensing features of an empty volume of a container; A plurality of buffer distribution stations for distributing a buffer based on a feature sensed by the sensing station; And a transport network for moving the vessel from one of the sensing stations to a selected dispensing station in the buffer dispensing station.

In an embodiment of the invention, the packaging method comprises determining an empty volume of the container; Conveying the container to a selected dispensing station of the plurality of buffer dispensing stations; And dispensing the cushioning material based on the empty volume of the container.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a packaging system comprises a sensor for sensing a feature of a container; And a controller for determining whether the container is suitable for receiving a buffer therein based on the sensed characteristics of the container.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the packaging chamber comprises the steps of sensing at least one feature of the container; And determining whether the container is suitable for receiving a buffer therein based on the sensed features.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a packaging system includes a plurality of buffer distribution stations in which a buffer is dispensed so as to be disposed in an empty space of a container, wherein at least one of the buffer distribution stations has the ability to distribute various types of buffers.

In an embodiment of the invention, an automatic packaging system comprises a plurality of loading stations for loading containers; A plurality of buffer distribution stations; A transport network connecting said load station to a plurality of buffer distribution stations for transporting said vessel from said plurality of load stations to at least one buffer distribution station in said buffer distribution station; And a controller, wherein the controller can automatically route the vessel through the transport network to a selected buffer distribution station in the buffer distribution station to fill the empty space of the vessel.

Optionally, the automatic packaging system comprises an empty volume detector disposed upstream of at least one of the buffer dispensing stations to obtain information indicative of the empty volume of the container and to provide the controller with information obtained; A controller that determines the amount of buffer dispensed at the buffer dispensing station as a function of information indicative of the empty volume and instructs the buffer dispense station to automatically dispense the determined volume of buffer, the empty volume detector provides a measurement of the vessel. An empty volume detector includes a sensor to obtain, and a sensor to obtain data indicative of the shape of the contents of the container, wherein the data representing the empty volume can be obtained from one of a bar code, an RFID chip, and data stored in a database.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic packaging system includes a loading station for loading one or more items into a container; Feature identification means for identifying a feature of the container; Volume determining means for determining a volume of a buffer to be dispensed into the vessel; A plurality of buffer distributors; And routing means for routing the container from the loading station to a selected buffer dispenser in the plurality of buffer dispensers, wherein the selected buffer dispenser provides a predetermined buffer material into the container to deliver the article to the container. Can be packed

Optionally, the automatic packaging system comprises means for determining that the container is not suitable for automatic filling of the cushioning material as a function of the identified feature, and at least one buffering dispenser of the buffering distributor dispenses at least one cushioning material that converts the raw material into the buffer product. Include a diverter.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic packaging system includes a loading station for loading a container; A sensor for obtaining characteristics of the loaded container; A buffer dispensing station for automatically loading a buffer into said container; A transport network for moving the vessel from the loading station to the buffer distribution station; And a controller that determines whether a cushion material is to be loaded into the loaded container as a function of the obtained feature.

Optionally, whether or not a buffer is loaded into the loaded vessel is a function of whether the vessel meets a predetermined criterion, and the transport network includes a vessel route diverter for diverting the mismatched vessel to another route, the vessel route diverter And an apparatus for removing the vessel from the transport network, wherein the vessel rerouter includes at least one of a route reversing apparatus for turning the vessel to a manual station.

Various features are described in detail herein and are clearly specified in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail one or more embodiments of the invention. However, these embodiments are only some of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.

1 is a schematic representation of a packaging system according to the present invention.

2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a packaging system according to the present invention.

3 is a schematic side view of a path through which a container passes through a packaging system.

4 is a perspective view of a standard common bore container (RSC) used in the system of FIG.

5 is a side view of a crevice volume scanner for use with the system of FIG.

6 is a side view of the crevice volume scanner of FIG. 5, viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a container in which various articles are accommodated and the remaining empty space is indicated by hatching.

8 is a flowchart of a packaging process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exemplary packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10. System 10 includes one or more container loading stations 12, including, for example, loading stations 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and, for example, buffer distribution stations 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g. Multiple cushioning dispensing station 14 is included. In the loading station 12 one or more articles 16 (FIG. 3) are placed in the vessel 20. Subsequently, in the shock absorber dispensing station 14, the shock absorber is distributed and accumulated in the empty space of the container 20. Empty space refers to the portion of the space within the container 20 that is not occupied by one or more items.

The system 10 may include one or more intermediate stations 22 necessary to assist the buffer dispensing station 14, a transport network 24 that moves the vessel 20 through several stations, and / or the vessel 20. System controller 26 for controlling one or more operations in the system, such as controlling to proceed through. Although a plurality of stations of a certain type (such as a container loading station and an intermediate station) are shown in FIG. 1 for that application, only one station of a certain type may be sufficient or a given type of station may not be needed.

Optionally, the one or more intermediate stations 22 may include a determining device that determines whether the container meets a predetermined criterion prior to receiving the cushioning material. In addition, the one or more intermediate stations may include an empty space determination station or device 30 (FIG. 3) that determines empty space within the vessel 20. The volume of the filler required to fill the void can be calculated by checking the void volume using the void determination device 30. The empty space determining apparatus 30 may perform donation of the apparatus for determining whether the container meets a predetermined criterion.

An embodiment of the system 10 shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more closure stations 102 for closing the vessel 20, and optionally, one or more shipping stations for handling the vessel for shipment. 104).

The system 10 can be configured with embodiments that can minimize or eliminate the need for packaging workers or other workers to achieve at least one of a reduction in the time required for container packaging and increased reliability of the packaging process. For example, the system may use a machine that can reduce packaging time by dispensing and inserting cushioning material into a container at a faster rate than a packaging worker. The various stations of the illustrated system 10 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, where FIG. 2 shows a particular system 300 and FIG. 3 shows the path through which the vessel 20 can proceed. Shows.

Loading station

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shipping station 12 may include a box assembler 32 for assembling a container 20, such as a sheet, from a flat semifinished product 34. Other types of containers may be used with this system 10 and no box assembler is needed. The box assembler can be, for example, a work area for a packaging worker to convert a box semifinished product into a box or an automatic device for automatically converting a box semifinished product into a box. The box assembly machine may be a device for manufacturing a box in the field.

Exemplary container 20 is a standard perforated container (RSC), another form is a shoe box type container. Alternatively, other types of shipping containers may be used in this system 10. RSCs typically have four folds, or flaps, and a set of opposing flaps is usually at least half the distance between them.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the RSC has a specific relationship between the width of the vessel W and the height of the side and end flaps 36, 38. The flaps 36 and 38 usually have a height of half the width W of the container, for example. Therefore, the height H of the side wall 40 and the end wall 42 of the container 20 (ie, the height of the closed container) increases the height of the straight container 20 without the flaps 36 and 38 folded. Can be determined by measurement. The height of the side wall 40 and the end wall 42 (the height of the article receiving portion of the container 20) is part of the height of the container when the flaps 36 and 38 are not straight up and folded. One of ordinary skill in the art (the person skilled in the art) can evaluate the height H in other ways. For example, when the flaps 36 and 38 are folded, the heights of the side walls 40 and the end walls 42 of the vessel 20 can be measured directly.

By placing multiple loading stations in series, one or more articles 16 can be supplied to the container 20 as the containers 20 pass through the multiple loading stations in turn. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first article may be placed in the container at the first station 12c and the container may be transported to the second station 12d to be placed in the second article container. The articles may be different or the same.

Alternatively, multiple loading stations can be arranged in parallel. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, individual containers can be packaged using the loading stations 12a and 12b arranged in parallel at the same time. Alternatively, they can be used independently of one another to remove the particular loading station needed or desired from the line without stopping the entire system 10.

The article 16 can be supplied in several ways for shipment in a container. Prior to loading in the container 20, one or more items 16 are removed from the warehouse and placed in a temporary storage (not shown), such as a tote, from which the item 16 is taken out and placed in the container 20. . It is possible to randomly supply the article 16 rather than the predictable pattern required for placing it in a particular container 20. Alternatively, the loading station may be adapted to supply only one or more articles 16 based on one or more criteria. Several criteria can be used, including vessel dimensions, shipping company, shipping mode, fragile nature of the article, article weight, article size, article relationship, and the like.

The article 16 can be loaded into the vessel 20 in various ways. For example, the packager can put the article 16 into the container 20 by hand. Alternatively, the packer may initiate, control or supervise one or more steps performed by one or more devices to place article 16 into container 20. An example of a device is a pick-and-place robot (not shown) with a catch-and-place function capable of placing an article in a container and optionally directing the orientation to the container. In addition, the operator can put the article 16 into the container 20 regardless of external conditions. In the latter case, one or more machines or other devices controlled by the controller 26 may put the article 16 into the container 20 without the assistance of the packaging worker.

Transport network

The transport network 24 usually transports the vessel 20 between stations in the downstream direction of the system 10. Any method or combination of methods of physically moving the vessel 20 through the system 10 can be used. For example, the transport network 24 may include a transport network that starts, stops, transports and orients the vessel 20 as needed so that as few people as possible are needed. In a highly automated system, only one or a few personnel may be needed to supervise and solve the transport problem for multiple lines in the network.

The transport network 24 may include multiple conveyor lines 68 that determine the path of the system 10. In FIG. 1, these lines 68a-68z are shown schematically, dispersing and combining the vessels to selectively move the vessels along one path, such as the paths 68b, 68f, 68m, 68t of the system 10. Lose. In FIG. 3, the transport network 24 comprises a conveyor 60, for example a zero pressure accumulation conveyor. In a zero pressure accumulating conveyor, the conveyor is divided into multiple zones of size each supporting at least one vessel. The vessel moves from the upstream zone to the downstream zone as the next downstream zone is emptied. Each zone can be powered individually, employ a stop gate or other means to regulate the flow of the vessel out of or within each zone, and sensors can be used to determine when the vessel exits the zone. have. A supervisory controller, such as controller 26, controls the operation of each zone.

Intermediate station

An optional intermediate station 22 is located between the loading station 12 and the buffer dispensing station 14. The intermediate station 22 may include an empty space determination station or device 70 for obtaining data indicative of empty space such that the buffer distribution station 14 may dispense the buffered material in a controlled amount.

The empty space determination device 70 obtains data that can be used to determine the empty volume to determine how much buffer material should be placed in the container 20. The empty volume can be determined by directly measuring the characteristics of the container 20, empty space and / or contents. One example of an empty space determination apparatus is described in the same proprietary US Patent No. 5,897,478, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The empty space determination apparatus 70 of FIG. 3 may include an empty volume scanner 72 having a scan area through which the container 20 may be conveyed. The obtained empty volume data may be stored in an electronic storage device, which may be part of the controller 26, for example.

Optionally, an empty volume can be handwritten by using a measuring tool to measure one or more characteristics of the container. These measurements can be compared to the dimensions of the look-up table to determine the empty volume indirectly, or the empty volume can be calculated directly from the measurement.

In addition, using an electromagnetic image processing technology and apparatus such as high frequency radar, ultrasound, laser, machine vision, it is also possible to measure the empty volume by the contour detection for mapping the shape of the empty volume. An image sensor can be used to generate a stereoscopic image that can form a three-dimensional model for calculating an empty volume.

Alternatively, a two-dimensional array of relatively movable rods can be placed over the vessel or inserted into the vessel to explore depth. Each rod extends down until it meets the top of the article 16 or the face of the container 20 to measure the depth of that location in the array. The shape map allows the buffer to be sent to the area that needs to be filled most.

Exemplary empty volume scanners are described in WO 2004/041653, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The exemplary empty volume scanner 72 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is upright with a fixed distance from the top surface of the conveyor 60 and the frame 78 having a pair of uprights 76 spanning the conveyor 60. A girder 78 supported on the portion 76 is included. The upright 76 may be supported on the floor or mounted, for example, on the conveyor 60.

The empty volume scanner 72 uses one or more sensors, such as gravimetric, optical, infrared, ultrasonic, laser or other forms of sensors, to obtain data indicative of the volume of the empty space in the container 20 in which the article is placed for packaging. (80). In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 80 is a height sensor 82 for providing an output value indicative of the height of the vessel 20, and a width sensor 84 for providing an output value indicative of the width of the vessel 20. And a contour sensor 86 for providing an output value representing the contour of the vessel 20, specifically, one or more articles 16 therein and within the vessel 920.

The contour sensor 86, shown mounted on the girder 78 above the conveyor 60, has a top surface of one or more articles 16 in the container 920 as the conveyor 60 moves under the container 20. It is desirable to have a continuous detection of, but it is not necessary.

Exemplary contour sensor 86 is a non-contact optical laser scanner that operates by measuring the time the laser light pulse blinks, such as a Sick Optic LMS 200-30106 laser scanner. The laser scanner emits laser beam pulses reflected from the interior of the container and the articles therein. The reflection is recorded by the receiver of the laser scanner. The time between transmitting and receiving reflected pulses is directly proportional to the distance between the laser scanner and the plane on which the reflection occurs. The laser beam pulses can be deflected by a rotating mirror inside the scanner to form a fan-shaped scan into the circumferential region, thereby determining the contour of the article (eg, distance from a fixed reference point / plane) from the received pulse train. The direction of the fan beam is perpendicular to the path of travel of the vessel through the sensor. Thus, as the vessel 20 passes the contour sensor 86, the contour of the vessel 20 passing through the sensor 86 and the article 16 therein is gradually measured.

Width sensor 84 may be any sensor suitable for determining the width of vessel 20 passing therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the width sensor 84 is an infrared distance sensor that can be used to measure the distance from the first side 40a (FIG. 4) of the vessel 20 to a sensor or other reference point. In order to calculate the width of the container in this embodiment, the position of the opposite side 40b (FIG. 4) of the container matches a fixed distance from the known width sensor 84 and the width sensor 84 is shown. As such, it may be mounted to one of the uprights 76 of the scanner frame 74 at a position just above the height of the conveyor 60. To this end, the vessel 20 may coincide with the guide rail 90 on the side of the conveyor 60 opposite the width sensor 84, with the guide rail 90 at a known distance from the width sensor 84. Therefore it functions as a zero standard. The direction of one side of the container is parallel to the guide rail 90. Thus, the width of the vessel will be the difference between the position of the guide rail 90 and the position of the side of the vessel measured as closest to the width sensor 84. Appropriate means may be employed to align the vessel to the guide rails 90 or otherwise to place the vessel 20 in the desired consistent orientation. Examples of suitable means are pneumatic actuating arms such as low friction surfaces formed by roller conveyors inclined towards guide rails.

The height sensor 82 may be any suitable sensor for determining the height of the vessel 20. The example sensor 82 includes a radiation array 92 and a receive array 94 disposed on opposite sides of the scan area. In the exemplary embodiment shown, radiating or receiving arrays 92 and 94 are mounted to respective scanner frame uprights 76. Each array includes rows of radiators / receivers that are directed perpendicular to the plane of conveyor 60. Thus, radiating array 92 generates a curtain of light that the receiving array 94 senses. When the vessel 20 passes through the curtain of light, the curtain is blocked by the vessel up to the height of the vessel, so that the measurement of the vessel height can be achieved.

Individual sensors may be provided to measure the length of the container. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the vessel length is indirectly determined by measuring the length of time it takes for the vessel to pass through a sensor, such as the width sensor 84, and finding the speed at which the conveyor 18 moves the vessel next to the sensor. . The length of time is multiplied by the speed of the conveyor 60 to obtain the length of the container. If the speed of the conveyor is a known constant value, only the length of time is measured to determine the length of the container. If the speed of the conveyor changes for stop, start or other reasons, the conveyor speed sensor may be used to measure the conveyor speed and communicate the measurements with the controller 26 for processing. For example, the speed sensor may be an encoder interfaced with the conveyor drive motor to provide a series of pulses, the speed being proportional to the speed of the motor and hence the speed of the conveyor. The controller may be calibrated to switch the pulse rate to the vessel speed multiplied by the time the vessel measured by the width sensor passes the width sensor to determine the length of the vessel.

By using features such as weight difference and volume displacement, the empty volume can be measured without the contour sensor 86 or other ways of mapping the shape of the empty volume. Using the average density of the article to be shipped, the empty volume can be calculated from the weight of the container before and after loading. The weight difference is divided by the density to yield an empty volume approximation. The void volume approximation is on average precise enough to automatically fill the void space by the buffer distribution facility. Volume displacement techniques use the volume of the fluid (such as gas) to determine the empty volume from a known empty portion of the shipping container.

Each multiple cushion material can be automatically provided by the empty space determination station 70 at a higher rate than the buffer distributor 52 can provide buffer material for insertion into each vessel 20. The empty space determination station 70 can be used to obtain the empty volume used to determine the amount of buffer to be dispensed from the distribution stations 14e, 14f, 14g. This may improve the throughput of the system 10 and increase the flexibility of the system 10 by routing decisions.

Optionally, instead of measuring to determine the empty volume, the volume can be determined indirectly. For example, a sensor, such as a barcode sensor, may be used to detect an identifier, such as a barcode, identifying the article 16 and / or the container 20, and may refer to the data set from this information. The data set provides each volume from which an empty volume can be calculated, or an empty volume for a particular combination of articles and containers that can be stored in and retrieved from the data set.

Another way to identify the vessel 20 and determine the empty volume is to detect one or more vessel features, such as vessel dimensions, vessel size, weight, etc. and examine the empty volume that is closest to the detected feature. For further information on an example of indirectly determining the empty volume, reference may be made to International Patent Publication WO 98/56663, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Each container 20 and / or article 16 may include a unique identifier that may be detected by an identification sensor 100 such as shown in FIG. 2. Once a particular container 20 has been assigned a unique identifier, it may use that unique identifier, such as a license plate or name tag that associates data with the container 20 throughout the system 10. Individual identification sensor 100 may be used at one or more locations within system 10 as shown in FIG. 3, with or separately the identification sensor may be an integral element of empty volume scanner 72.

Identifiers include labels, hardware identifiers embedded in containers, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, colors, shapes, numbers, holes, bumps, surface texture, patterns, dimensions of containers, thermal burns, UV burns, weight, and electromagnetic product monitoring (EAS). ) Tags, etc. can take all forms. EAS tags include, for example, microwave tags, electromagnetic (EM) tags or acoustic-magnetic tags.

The vessel identification sensor 100 may comprise an optical system for obtaining an image or portion thereof of the vessel 20 that can be analyzed electronically for identification. For example, the digital camera can be placed at a position where a digital picture of each container can be taken. The picture can then be compared with the picture of a standard container of the database. The container can be identified by its dimensions or identification marking. Examples of identification markings include dots, numbers, shapes, holes, color thermal patterns, ultraviolet images, and the like. The database may also provide vessel dimensions and empty vessel volume information.

Alternatively, the vessel identification sensor can detect an RF (radio wave) tag. The RF tag is associated with the container at the loading station and with the container through the packaging process. Once the containers are up and served in a certain order, a custom RF tag is attached to or placed inside the container. Order-specific information (such as container contents, outer container dimensions, and empty container volume) may be stored in the tag and downloaded by an RF tag reader located upstream of the buffer dispenser. The tag information is sent to an information processor that can retrieve container content information from the database. To increase the cost effectiveness of the system, a tag recovery station can be employed that recycles RF tags at the end of the packaging process. An example of another container identifier is a barcode. Barcode labels are usually attached to the outer surface of the container.

In some cases, such as when an article of known volume is placed in a particular type of container, the empty volume can be determined from the container identifier. Once the sensor detects the container identifier, the information can be sent to a processor with or connected to the database, which provides for example an article volume, a container dimension, an empty volume, an empty container volume, and the like. The empty volume can thus be determined and recovered in advance or can be calculated from the volume of the container contents and the empty container volume and / or container dimensions. Information can be automatically uploaded to a manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic buffer dispenser.

By sequentially routing the vessel 20 to the buffer distribution station 14 without detecting an identifier for the vessel in the empty space determination station 70, the buffer distribution station 14, or any portion of the system 10. Sending embodiments are also contemplated. Since the empty space determination station 70 in turn acquires empty space data beyond the provided container 20, the corresponding or related data indicating the amount of buffer to be dispensed is directly sent to the buffer distribution station 14 to which the container 20 is sent. Could not send Thus, if the three vessels 20a, 20b, 20c pass through the empty space determination station 70 sequentially, the data is stored in each buffer distribution station (where each vessel is routed without deciphering the barcode label of the vessel). 14). In this case, the empty volume data is sequentially associated with a particular container at that location and the container is routed to a particular distribution station. Thus, vessel identification is accomplished by keeping track of the path that vessel has traveled in the system.

The operator can initiate or control one or more steps performed by one or more devices to determine the amount of cushioning required. Alternatively, the empty volume can be automatically determined without operator intervention or control from outside. However, as will be clear from the foregoing description, an intermediate station is not always necessary. In some cases, it is not necessary to determine the empty volume. For example, the empty volume can be filled until the container is full. The system 10 simply needs to know when to stop the filling of the vessel 20 using sensors, back pressure or mechanical resistance.

In known methods, for example, the airbag inflates in the container until the wall of the container moves outward, that is, until the container is full.

In another example for the case where there is no need to determine the empty volume, the container 20 can be intentionally overfilled and excess buffer can be removed to achieve the desired degree of filling. The excess buffer removed may be returned to the source. The amount of cushioning material dispensed can be predetermined or guided by one or more sensors based on the volume of the container with the greatest potential. For example, the vessel may be transported while continuously dropping the flowable buffer at a speed sufficient to fill the largest expected space, and then the excess buffer may be removed, recycled through the recycle hopper, for example transported into the fill hopper, and overflowed.

In this case, it is not necessary to determine the empty volume around the article in the container. A sipping or blowing device may be employed to remove excess cushioning material from the top of the container. In this system, the RSC flap must be folded outside the container in the lower position, or a container in the form of a shoe box can be employed. In the case of RSC, a flap handling facility may be employed that prepares the fill container or lifts the flap back to seal the container, ie, moves the flap up and down as needed.

Another form of intermediate station 22 is a run / non-progress station for determining whether a vessel meets predetermined criteria. The predetermined criterion may include at least one of a factor that makes the container suitable for receiving the buffer and a factor that prevents the container from being properly closed. The function of the progress / non-progress station may be performed by the empty volume scanner 70 or other element of the system 10. Thus, the progress / non-progression station may itself be an intermediate station or part of one or more other stations. For example, the empty space determination station 70 may include one or more sensors used to determine whether the container is suitable for receiving the buffer, that is, if there is an inconsistent failure condition.

One or more failure conditions may render the container inadequate for receiving the buffer, in which case an unsuitable container requires special treatment. The special treatment involves reloading the item into the container, manually dispensing the desired amount of cushioning material, resolving the mismatch failure condition, placing it in the empty space of the container, and introducing the container back into the transport network 24. Perform The controller 26 may provide a signal to warn the operator of the presence of a mismatch fault condition that requires operator attention before the container continues. As a further or alternative, if the container detects one of several failure conditions that deviate from acceptable operating criteria, the controller 26 can automatically route the container to an individual conveyor for special handling by the operator.

Mismatch failure conditions include, for example, an indication that a vessel has not been detected, the vessel flap partially or completely blocking the opening of the vessel, one or more vessel measurement dimensions being below the minimum threshold and above the maximum threshold, or one of them, container weight Less than this minimum threshold and above or above the maximum threshold, one of which is empty, the volume equals the container volume (there is no article in the container) or exceeds the container volume (the container is overfilled), (empty or Overfilled) weight, the container not closing properly, such as when the container exceeds a certain height, and the like. Mismatch failure conditions can indicate situations in which the operator does not meet other predetermined criteria, such as thin but deep empty volumes, which require special handling.

Controller

As noted above, the controller 26 has the ability to control one or more components of the system 10. For example, the controller 26 can route the vessel 20 along the transport network 24 from the loading station 12 to the buffer distribution station 14. If an empty space determination station 70 is included, it can route here. Together or separately, the cushioning material can be controlled and dispensed so as to be placed in an empty volume. Also, optionally, the controller can track the vessel 20 through the system 10.

A single processing unit, such as a control unit for the empty space determination station 70, may perform the various functions of the controller 26. Alternatively, the various functions may be distributed to several processing units having respective processors. Such a processing unit may be a control unit for one or more empty space determination stations, one or more control units for the buffer distribution station 14, a separate (remote) microprocessor of a personal computer, or a combination thereof.

The controller 26 may be any of a number of commercially available processors or a combination thereof, which include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), general purpose processing chips with various output / input ports, and ROM and RAM. There is an associated electronic data storage device. The controller 26 may provide wireless communication capabilities, such as portable, infrared, wireless modem, microwave, radio wave, satellite communication technology, for remote control, data transmission, and other communication purposes. The communication can be one way or two way. Wireless communication is desirable, for example, for remote control, monitoring, diagnostics, software updates, and to minimize wired connections to the system. The controller 26 is controlled by appropriate software using data received from the scan sensor, among other things, to determine the container length, width, height and internal contour and thus the empty volume, and also to distribute the buffer material for insertion into the volume. At least one of the amount and the type of buffer to be dispensed and the speed at which the buffer is dispensed can be determined.

The controller 26 may have several ports (not shown) for connection with various elements of the system 10, and the elements of the system 10 to be connected include the foot switch 110 for the shock absorber 52, Input devices such as a conveyor speed sensor 112, a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, and a touch screen; There are output devices such as an operation panel, a display device 114 for the buffer switch 52, a mismatch container indicator (not shown), and a container sensor (not shown).

For example, the operation panel 114 (FIG. 3) for the buffer switching device 52 may be provided with a touch screen as an input device. Alternatively, the personal computer may have a touch screen or an input device associated therewith. The operation panel 114 and / or the controller 26 may be provided with a monitor for displaying various indicators and / or other information. These indicators and / or information may include the measurement dimensions of the vessel 20, the total volume of the vessel 20, the volume of the vessel 20 contents, the identification of the vessel 20, the volume of the empty space above the vessel contents 16. And so on.

In addition, the operator panel 114 and / or controller 26 may be provided with a selection device capable of selecting any one of the space-fill densities from the plurality of space-fill densities. The selection device is an input device and may include a dial capable of displaying a desired density, a mouse pointer, a touch screen with one or more input areas, a keyboard or keypad for input of a desired space-fill density, a foot switch, and the like. Depending on the space-fill density selected, the controller can provide the selected space-fill density by varying the amount of buffer to be dispensed depending on the volume measured. That is, the controller may be programmed to have an initial value setting to instruct a predetermined amount of buffer to be dispensed for the unit volume of the measured empty space. If minimal protection is needed, for example, the operator selects a low space-fill density, and the controller commands, for example, 10% less buffer to be dispensed per unit of measured full fill void space. This will result in a lower density filling of the vessel 20 and will consume a smaller amount of cushioning material. On the other hand, if greater protection is required and the article packed in the container 20 is heavier or one of them, the operator can choose a higher space-fill density and the controller 26 can for example measure the full fill. For example, 10% less buffer will be dispensed per unit of free space. The vessel 20 may not be filled with buffers of different densities, but because different densities may be provided in different segments of the void, some buffer may be provided in different volume segments of the container.

As a further or another example, the controller 26 can be programmed to select at least one of density and cushion filling rate based on shipping criteria. Shipping criteria may be provided by a label, bar code or other feature of the container and / or the article to be packaged therein. Examples of shipping criteria include empty volume, container size, container weight, designated shipping company, designated mode of transport (e.g., water, land or air, truck or train, or short / distant transport), characteristics of the item (extra, fragile). Easy properties, etc.), the type of cushioning material used (closed bubble foam, expanded foam, air pillow, paper buffer, fluid buffer, etc.) or a combination thereof. The invention is not limited to the shipping criteria listed. As pointed out, these are only general examples of possible shipping criteria.

The controller 26 can record the amount of buffer dispensed by the buffer dispenser, and in addition to shipping criteria and other data tracking, the instructions for the dispenser are reversed by the operator to provide some buffer to the container and The same other situation can be recorded. This information can be used to manually or automatically improve system overwork, identify packaging trends, and identify maintenance needs. For example, if a worker frequently distributes additional buffer material by manually overriding the buffer dispensing instructions at a particular shipping criterion, the instructions for the shipping criteria are automatically updated to instruct the dispenser to dispense additional buffer against the shipping criteria. Can be. As another example, if a few available buffer dispensers are used for a particular shipping criterion and the shipping criterion is applied more frequently, the controller 26 may generate a report stating that the surplus dispenser should be assigned to that shipping criterion. have.

In one embodiment, the controller 26 is operated to process the empty volume data achieved by the empty space determination station 70. The controller 26 then determines the amount of cushioning material that should enter the empty space left in the container 20 when one or more items 16 are placed in the container (or bottom wall of the container if the items are not overlapping). After the empty volume is determined, the controller may instruct the buffer distribution station to dispense a predetermined amount of buffer. The cushioning material can be loaded or guided into the container 20 by an operator while flowing directly into the container 20 or enter the container 20 by one of them.

Buffer discharge station

In the buffer discharging station 14, a buffer with a controlled amount is used to provide an empty space in the container 20 around one or more articles 16 to minimize or prevent them from moving during transportation and to protect the articles from damage. 120) (e.g., discharged and disposed). Each buffer station 14 includes or is connected to a buffer supply. An exemplary buffer discharge station is disclosed in WO2003 / 089163, to which the present invention is incorporated. The present invention may be contemplated to use any arbitrary buffer discharge station apparatus or means.

The vessel 20 may be conveyed to the cushion discharge station 14 optionally or in accordance with one or more delivery categories. Exemplary delivery categories include vessel size, vessel weight, packing priority, shipping destination, buffer type, shipping type, shipper, void appearance, void volume, density, item fragility, buffer discharge station applicability, and the like. It includes.

With the loading station 12 as shown in FIG. 1, the buffer discharge station 14 in the embodiment may be arranged in series, for example with the buffer discharge stations 14f and 14g. In this arrangement, multiple operations at the line station may include discharging one or more types of buffer, discharging one or more buffers, simultaneously discharging the buffer to a group of vessels, and / or discharging one or more densities of buffer. , The buffer can be sequentially supplied to the container.

Alternatively, the buffer discharging station 14 may be arranged in parallel, for example, as the buffer discharging station 14a-14e. In such an arrangement the cushioning material is provided with a plurality of buffers substantially simultaneously (ie at about the same time) and independently of one another such that, for example, the lines can be stopped for maintenance or charging without affecting the entire system. Can be discharged into the container. Optionally each of these buffer discharge stations 14 may be assigned to a particular container 20 according to the delivery category, as discussed below.

Each of the buffer discharge stations 14 may supply a single or several types of buffers, or each station may provide a buffer having one or more different characteristics. For example, the vessel 20 can be filled with buffers of different densities that include different densities in different regions of a single vessel. If the shape, shape or contour for the surface of the void volume is known, more or less cushioning material can be provided in different areas according to the known information.

The buffer supply at each station 14 includes a buffer discharger, such as a hopper or other storage container. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer discharger may be a buffer diverter 52 that converts the storage material into a relatively low density buffer as shown in FIG. 3. The cushioning material may be supplied at a common supply to a plurality of buffer dischargers, or each discharge station 14 may have a dedicated supply.

In the case of the buffer diverter 52, the buffer can be produced on-site because the buffer diverter 52 and the storage material generally take up less space than the volume of the equivalent buffer material. In addition, the buffer discharger may be a mechanical injection or transfer mechanism (such as a conveyor, pusher, screw, roller, moveable support, etc.), aerodynamically or electromagnetically powered device or uniform to move the buffer towards or into the container. Any kind of suitable instrument part having a weight.

Buffer

Suitable cushioning materials include any material that can be disposed within the empty space of the vessel 20. Various examples of different types of buffers include continuous strip buffers, separate pad-shaped buffers, expandable buffers and flowable buffers.

Continuous buffer strip (s) can be used to fill the vacancy of the voids. Exemplary cushioning materials of this kind generally include paper that is crumpled or formed into a three-dimensional shape that occupies a volume greater than the area and thickness of the storage material; Flexible or rigid foam strips having a predetermined width and / or one of a predetermined length or a variable length; Airbag “tubes” having a predetermined cross-sectional area that may be formed in the length region; A bundle of foam strips generally formed from pairs of plastic sheets secured to each other to transport air “bubble” pockets between the sheets; Injection molded foam strips or tubes formed when exiting the outlet; And linked buffers such as linked buffer segments or sausage links. As for the paper buffer, the paper may optionally be formed in a stream.

Connected buffers comprise relatively low density portions connected to high density materials and generally occupy a larger volume than the same size and number of unconnected low density buffer portions. The connected cushioning material may comprise, for example, an airbag connected with a low density portion connected to a high density portion.

A continuous strip of cushioning material is used to provide an empty space in the container by using a chute with a rotating member to "shoot" the strip to an intermediate chamber or other receiving position where the container or strip is pressed, dropped or otherwise moved into the container. Can be supplied directly.

The cushion segment or separate cushion unit is a cushion portion. In general, when separate pad-shaped cushioning materials are used, one or more cushioning pads having one common length or different lengths are disposed in the empty space. Alternatively, the pad shaped cushioning material is similar to the individual buffer strips described above in terms of shape. Exemplary cushion pads include, for example, paper pads formed by crumpling or otherwise forming paper sheet (s) into a three-dimensional shape that occupies a volume greater than the area and thickness of the storage material; Separated or connected soft or rigid foam zones; An airbag having a predetermined size and shape; Airbag “tubes” having a predetermined cross-sectional area that may be formed to a predetermined length; And sheets of foam bundles of predetermined lengths and the like. Optionally the paper can be coated to increase weight; And / or a portion of the paper may be cut or removed to reduce weight.

The separate pad-shaped cushioning material may be oriented and placed in the container with a pick and place robot, pressed into the container at the receiving point, or dropped or fed directly into the container from the hopper or buffer switching machine. As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,123,889, an exemplary pad making buffer ejector can, for example, convert one or more sheet storage material bundles (such as kraft paper) into relatively low density buffer material. Can be.

The expandable cushioning material expands to fill the volume area. Certain examples of expandable cushioning materials include foams in bags in which the chemical composition of the foam is disposed in a sealed bag generally made of any kind of polymer suitable for controlled activity; And an inflate-in-place air pillow that can be air filled inside the container to fill the void, as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,253,806. It includes; In the foam cushioning material in the bag, the foam is expanded inside the bag to fill the enclosed volume, which is an empty space in the bag itself or in a closed volume. The pouch can then be placed in a container to be closed and in a mold having the desired shape before the foam fills the closed volume, or in particular if the shape of the empty space is known, before the foam in the pouch is placed in the container. Can be solidified.

The flowable cushioning material includes a plurality of relatively small cushioning product that can flow into the empty space of the container. Certain examples of flow buffers include foam "peanuts", paper peanuts, airbags "ravioli" formed from small airbags, and the like.

The flowable cushion material has several sizes in the feed. Flowable buffers are generally first discharged into a hopper for storage and then supplied via a tube or tube to the vessel. One example of a flowable buffer discharger is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,672,037. In addition, a vibrating table can be used to fix the flowable cushioning material into the empty space in the container.

The type of propellant ejector or diverter 52 employed is generally dependent on the cushioning material. In addition to the exemplary methods described herein for each cushioning product, there may be several ways to move and place the cushioning material in the vessel 20. In addition, the buffer discharger 52 may be characterized by a self-limiting function that stops the transfer of the buffer when a sensor such as an electromagnetic sensor, a mechanical trigger or a back pressure sensor causes a reaction. For example, a limiting plate having a penetrating path may be disposed above the opening of the vessel, and a gate valve, butt fly valve or other valve may be used so that the flowable cushioning material penetrates through the limiting plate. The plate effectively closes the top of the vessel, but the buffer fills the vessel until the buffer reacts to indicate that one or more sensors have buffered the vessel. An example is disclosed in US Provisional Application No. 60 / 624,348, filed November 2, 2004, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The cushioning material supplied from each buffer discharge station 14 may be manually placed in the container 20 in its entirety; Alternatively, the cushioning material may be placed by a packaging operator who initiates or controls one or more steps performed by one or more devices (such as pick and place robots) for placing the cushioning material in the vessel 20. Instead, the cushioning material may be disposed in the container independent of external control. In the latter example, one or more devices controlled by the controller 26 automatically place the cushioning material in the empty space in the container 20, for example, without assistance from the packaging operator.

Container closure

Vessel closure station 102 is where the vessel is closed and ready for shipment. After discharging the cushioning material, the container 20 is transferred to the container closing station 102 to close the container 20. A device for automatically closing a container 20, commonly referred to as a "box closure", is known and can be used at the end of the packaging process to automatically close and seal the container for shipment. In the case of an RSC container, the container 20 may be automatically sealed using an automatic flap folding device that is integrated or added to an automatic box sealing device, including but not limited to a case sealer, taper and strap device. If a container 20 in the form of a shoe box is used, the container 20 may be separated from the container using a hot paste or, for example, a hot paste, tape or strap to close the container and protect it for shipment. It is sealed using a strap device to attach the lead. In addition, shipping labels can be automatically applied, which means that in many cases the operator's involvement in the packaging process can be minimized or eliminated, and in poor conditions and / or more containers not freely met by the operator. Responsible for the placement of goods.

Instead, the packaging worker can close and seal the container 20 using tape, strap or adhesive. Instead, the packaging worker performs certain steps, such as folding or placing the lid of the container down, other steps may be performed by the container closing mechanism. Finally, the vessel 20 is routed to the shipping station 104. There, the vessel 20 is classified by destination, type of transport, etc., and if necessary, is further bundled for shipment.

Example of how to drive

8 illustrates an example method for an automated packaging system. The illustrated steps or blocks represent the functions, actions or events that are performed. If embodied in software, each block can represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function (s). Computer software applications generally include dynamic and flexible processes such that functions, actions, or events performed by software and / or hardware may be performed in other orders than shown.

3 and 8, an exemplary system can operate in the following manner. In step 200, one or more containers 20 are assembled by the container assembler 32 in one or more loading stations 12 in which one or more items 16 are sequentially placed for shipment. The vessel 20 is then routed to a selected one of the plurality of free space determination stations 70 for determining the volume of the free space when the free space is needed in step 202. This step is not always necessary and may be omitted in certain cases as described above. In addition, a container identifier can be detected at step 204 if necessary. In step 206, the vessel 20 is checked for suitability to receive the cushioning material, i.e., a bad condition. If there are unsatisfied bad conditions, the vessel 20 is routed for special handling by the operator at step 208. If there are no unsatisfied bad conditions, the buffer requirement for the volume of the void is determined in step 210. In step 212 the vessel 20 is routed to a selected one of the plurality of discharge stations 14 in which the cushion material is to be discharged and disposed in the empty space in step 214.

The prescribed amount of cushioning material can be automatically discharged depending on the volume of the determined void. The vessel 20 can be automatically placed at the outlet of the buffer discharger 14a and the buffer can be discharged directly into the container 20 without disturbing the operator, or the buffer is automatically discharged but directly into the container 20. It may not be discharged or may be discharged under the operator's instructions for sequential placement in the vessel 20. After the prescribed amount of buffer material is discharged and discharged directly to the vessel 20 or placed in the vessel 20 in a continuous step, the vessel (through the vessel closure in the vessel closure station 130 of step 216) ( 20) with determining the path. Closing the vessel 20 of step 218 and then determining the route of the vessel 20 through the shipping station 132 for further transportation to the remote point of step 220. The vessel 20 can be passed for the process.

Referring again to FIG. 2, this figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a packaging system 300. System 300 includes a plurality of loading stations 12a, 12b; A transport network 24 having a plurality of transport lines 68b, 68c, 68f, 68g, 68h, 68m, 68n, 68o, 68t; Vessel path diverter 301; Route diverter lines 68aa, 68bb, 68cc; Router gates 302a and 302b; Intermediate station 22a; And buffer discharge stations 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. In normal operation, an article (not shown) is placed in the vessel 20 at the loading stations 12a, 12b in parallel. The article may be placed in the container via a manual or automated system. The vessel 20 moves to the intermediate station 22a via the transfer line 68b or 68c or a combination thereof.

The transfer line 68 is shown by several conveyors, namely transfer lines 68b, 68c, 68f, 68g, 68h, 68m, 68n, 68o, 68t, and the like. However, the transport network 24

One or more conveyors which can be driven, for example, by motor, gravity, aerodynamics, manually; One or more tubes; And any means for transferring the vessel 20 between two or more stations. In addition, the transfer network 24 may comprise any combination of different types of transfer lines. In addition, the length of each transfer line 68 generally depends on the distance between stations. In certain embodiments, the sensors or components described herein with respect to different or separate stations may be integrated into a single station. For example, although a sensor for determining if a container should be automatically filled with a cushioning material has been described with respect to the intermediate station, it may be integrated into the loading stations 12a, 12b or integrated into the discharge stations 14a, 14b, 14c. In this case, the transfer line between the sensor and the station can be very short, for example less than one foot.

At intermediate station 22a data or information relating to the vessel 20 and / or its contents is obtained. Data is obtained through one or more sensors (not shown), for example, the data includes the form of the contents of the container 20, the size of the container 20, the location of the contents, and the like. The controller 26 determines whether the loaded container 20 is suitable for automatic cushioning insertion as a function of the data obtained at the intermediate station 22a. If the loaded container 20 is not suitable for automatic cushioning insertion, for example, if the contents of the container 20 are on top of the container 20, the container 20 is routed by the container path diverter 301. Move to diverter line 68aa. In one embodiment, the vessel diverter 301 is an aerodynamically acting piston that pushes the vessel 20 into the diverter line 68aa. Vessel route diverter line 68aa includes any means for diverting vessel 20 to route diverter line 68aa, such as, for example, a switching bar, trap door, pick and place robot, and the like. In another embodiment, the vessel path diverter 301 does not physically remove the vessel 20 from the transfer line that directs the vessel 20 to the buffer discharge station 14. Instead, the controller 24 instructs the discharge station 14 to pass the container through the discharge station 14 without inserting the buffer into the container 20, thereby indirectly removing the container from the transfer line. do. In this case, the vessel 20 can optionally be removed from the system after passing through the buffer ejector 14.

Referring back to the illustrated embodiment, the path diverter line 68aa is a means for physically removing the vessel 20 from the transfer line to the automatic buffer ejectors 14a, 14b, 14c. Optionally, route diverter line 68aa may include a transfer line to bypass station 14d where unsatisfied conditions are resolved. The cushioning material may be placed in the container at the bypass station 14d, or the container 20 is then conveyed or conveyed back to the transfer line 68f, 68g or 68h which is directed to the automatic buffer discharge stations 14a, 14b, 14c. It may be transported to a buffer discharge station (not shown) outside of the network 24.

If the vessel 20 is suitable for packaging (e.g., there are no unsatisfactory failure conditions), a series of routers controllable and openable by the controller 26 to direct the vessel to the selected buffer discharging station 14 The controller 26 controls the gates 302a and 302b. The first router gate 302a allows the vessel 20 to route to the buffer discharge station 14a or to route toward the second router gate 302b and the buffer discharge stations 14b and 14c. Each of the router gates 302a and 302b includes corresponding aerodynamically actuated swing arms 302a and 304b. When the first swing arm 304a is activated or in a closed condition, the vessel 20 is routed to the first transfer line 68f and the automatic buffer redistributor 14a. When the first swing arm 304a is open and the second swing arm 304b is activated or in a closed condition, the vessel 20 is routed to the transfer line 68g and the automatic cushion discharge station 14b. Otherwise, when both swing arms 304a and 304b are opened, the vessel is routed to the transfer line 68h and the automatic cushion discharge station 14c. The router gates 302a, 302b route the vessel 20 to selected automatic buffer discharging stations 14a, 14b, 14c, such as, for example, single arms, robot arms, bush bars, turntables, plates, and the like. And means for doing so.

The controller 26 determines the volume of the cushioning material disposed in the vessel 20 as a function of the data obtained at the intermediate station 22a. The controller 26 supplies a signal to the selected buffer discharge station 14a, 14b or 14c. Thus, the controller 26 directs a buffer discharger, such as a buffer diverter (not shown), to discharge the required volume of buffer. In the automatic buffer discharge stations 14a, 14b, 14c, the vessel 20 is automatically filled with a buffer of the determined volume.

From the buffer discharge station 14a, the vessel 20 moves to the closing station 102a where the vessel is closed on the abnormal line 68m and then to the shipping station 104a via the transfer line 68t. From the buffer discharge stations 14b, 14c, each transfer line 68n, 68o transfers the container to a shared closed station 102b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bypass buffer discharge station 14d transfers the vessel through the transfer line 68bb, and the transfer line 68cc then shares the shipping station 104b with the automatic buffer discharge stations 14b and 14c. Transport the container to

While the present invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that equivalent substitutes and modifications may be readily understood by reference to and understanding of this specification and the accompanying drawings. It is self-evident. In particular, for the various functions performed by the above-described components, although not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure for performing the functions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown herein, to describe such components, The terms used (including references to "means") are intended to correspond to any component that performs a particular function (ie, functionally equivalent) of the described component unless specifically indicated. In addition, although the specific features of the invention have been disclosed with reference to only one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable or beneficial for a given or particular application.

Claims (43)

A plurality of buffer distribution stations each having one or more buffer distributors capable of dispensing the buffer; And A transport network for transporting containers to and from said at least two distribution stations so that cushioning material is deposited in at least two distribution stations in said buffer distribution station, The transport network has a routing device for directing the vessel to a particular distribution station based on the characteristics of each vessel, The shock absorber distributor, (a) a buffer converter for converting raw materials into a relatively low density buffer; And (b) a buffer material source having at least one of an air bag, crumpled paper, foam strips, peanut peanuts and paper strips; With one or more of packer. The method of claim 1, The route determining device, (a) a sensor for identifying a feature of the container; And (b) a controller for directing the vessel through a transport network to a particular distribution station based on the characteristics of each vessel; Characterized in that it comprises one or more of packer. delete The method according to claim 1 or 2, (a) one or more loading stations in which one or more items are placed in one or more containers for transportation; (b) an intermediate station upstream of at least one buffer dispensing station having a sensor for sensing features of an empty volume in said vessel; (c) an intermediate station upstream of at least one buffer dispensing station having at least one determining device for determining whether the vessel meets predetermined criteria; (d) means for diverting a container that does not meet the predetermined criteria to another route; (e) a controller for determining whether the container is suitable for receiving a buffer therein based on the sensed characteristics of the container; (f) an empty volume detector upstream of at least one buffer dispensing station to obtain information indicative of the empty volume of the vessel and to provide the obtained information to the controller; And (g) a controller for determining the amount of buffer dispensed at the buffer dispensing station as a function of information indicative of the empty volume and for instructing the buffer dispense station to automatically dispense the determined volume of buffer; Characterized in that it comprises one or more of packer. Determining a path from the plurality of buffer dispensing stations to the selected buffer dispensing station based on a path criterion comprising the characteristics of the container; And A buffer supplying step of supplying a buffer to the container in the buffer distribution station; Packing way. The method of claim 5, The path determining step includes determining a path according to a path criterion comprising one or more of the characteristics of the cushioning material, the characteristics of the empty space of the container, and the characteristics of the article to be loaded into the container, or determining the type of cushioning material to be dispensed. and, (a) an empty space determining step of determining an empty space of a container; (b) assigning an identifier to each container and tracking the container moving through the packaging system; And (c) rerouting a vessel that does not meet predetermined criteria to another route; Characterized in that it further comprises one or more of Packing way. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

Images