Integrated Packaging System

Abstract

An integrated packaging system includes a conveying unit, a processing unit, a packaging unit, a labeling unit, and a primary process unit. The conveying unit includes a transfer device and a transfer mechanism connected to the transfer device. The transfer device can be controlled to move the awaiting package along a main path that does not pass through the transfer mechanism. Once activated, the transfer mechanism allows the awaiting package to pass through, thus moving it along a secondary path that does pass through the transfer mechanism. In other words, the awaiting package can be controlled to move either along the main path or the secondary path, allowing for switching between automated and other processes (such as manual, semi-automatic, and defective product handling) as needed, thereby improving production line integration and reducing costs and space requirements.

Description

Integrated Packaging System Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packaging production line, and more particularly to an integrated packaging system for packaging electronic trays or carrier tapes awaiting packaging. Prior Technology

[0002] Electronic trays, commonly known as TRAY trays, are packaging materials used to load electronic components. An electronic tray defines multiple compartments, each with an upward-facing opening, for placing items. After containing the electronic components, the trays undergo a packaging process where multiple stacked trays are bundled together and sealed into a vacuum-sealed bag. Traditionally, packaging is done manually, involving steps such as removing original labels, applying strapping, vacuum sealing, and affixing labels. Recently, due to the trend towards automation, automated packaging lines have emerged, which transport electronic trays in a single direction, allowing them to sequentially pass through multiple stations for different processes.

[0003] However, electronic components often require different steps in the packaging process due to varying demands, and some packaging processes can only be performed manually at present. When a batch of products requires manual packaging or special processes, current fully automated packaging lines cannot accommodate this, necessitating the establishment of separate manual production lines, which increases costs and occupies additional space. Furthermore, traditional fully automated packaging lines cannot be used for packaging tape reels, resulting in low versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a packaging system that can integrate automated and manual processes.

[0005] Therefore, this novel integrated packaging system is suitable for packaging multiple items to be packaged. The integrated packaging system includes a conveying unit, a processing unit, a sealing unit, a labeling unit, and a primary process unit. The conveying unit includes a transfer device and a transfer device connected to the transfer device. The transfer device has a plurality of detachably connected conveyor belt modules. Both ends of the transfer device are detachably connected to the transfer device. The transfer device can be controlled to move the items to be packaged along a main path that does not pass through the transfer device. After the transfer device is activated, the items to be packaged can pass through, thereby moving the items to be packaged along a secondary path that partially overlaps with the main path and passes through the transfer device.

[0006] The work unit is located beside the main path and is used to strap the awaiting packaged item. The packaging unit is located beside the main path and downstream of the work unit along the main path; the packaging unit is used to package the awaiting packaged item. The labeling unit is located beside the main path and downstream of the packaging unit along the main path; the labeling unit is used to affix labels to the awaiting packaged item. This secondary process unit includes a plurality of workstations located beside the secondary path.

[0007] The advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention can control the movement of the waiting packaged item (which may be an electronic tray or a cover strap) on either the main path or the secondary path. Multiple workstations can be set up on the secondary path to coordinate with manual processes, allowing for switching between automatic and manual (or semi-automatic) processes as needed. In addition to manual processes, the secondary path can also be used with different workstations in different scenarios. For example, when an abnormal product is detected, it can be transferred from the main path to the secondary path for processing. Alternatively, a backup workstation can be set up on the secondary path so that operations can still be performed while the equipment on the main path is being maintained or repaired. Furthermore, the number of these transmission modules can be freely increased or decreased, or the assembly method and route can be adjusted, greatly improving the versatility of this invention. At the same time, because multiple production lines are not required, costs and space occupancy can be reduced. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Other features and effects of this invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of this novel integrated packaging system; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of this embodiment. Implementation

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of this novel integrated packaging system includes a conveying unit 1, an operating unit 2, a packaging unit 3, a labeling unit 4, a primary process unit 5, and an identification unit 6. The conveying unit 1 includes a transfer device 11 and a transfer device 12 connected to the transfer device 11. The transfer device 11 has a plurality of detachably connected conveyor belt modules 111 arranged in a loop. The transfer device 12 extends in a straight line and its two ends are detachably connected to two of the conveyor belt modules 111.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer device 11 can be controlled to drive a plurality of packages such as electronic trays or carrier tapes along a main path A that does not pass through the transfer device 12. Due to the arrangement of the conveyor belt modules 111 connected end to end, the main path A forms a closed loop. After the transfer device 12 is activated, the packages waiting to be packed can pass through it, so that the packages waiting to be packed move along a secondary path B that partially coincides with the main path A and passes through the transfer device 12. In this embodiment, it is illustrated that the transfer device 12 is surrounded by the conveyor belt modules 111, making the entire conveying unit 1 generally in the shape of a Chinese character 'Ri' (日). Therefore, except for the part of the transfer device 12, the rest of the secondary path B coincides with the main path A. However, the route design illustrated in this embodiment is only one of them. In fact, the transfer device 12 can also extend along a curve or have a bend, and the main path A and the secondary path B can also be designed according to requirements.

[0011] The operation unit 2 is arranged beside the main path A and includes a strapping machine 21 located inside the main path A, a material storage 22 located outside the main path A, and a robotic arm 23 adjacent to the material storage 22 and opposite to the strapping machine 21, which can pick items from the material storage 22. The packaging unit 3 is arranged outside the main path A and is located downstream of the operation unit 2 along the main path A. The packaging unit 3 includes a bagging module 31 adjacent to the robotic arm 23, and a vacuum machine 32 adjacent to the bagging module 31 and connected downstream of the bagging module 31. The labeling unit 4 is arranged outside the main path A and is located downstream of the packaging unit 3 along the main path A. The labeling unit 4 includes a label printer 41 that can print labels, and a robotic arm 42 adjacent to the label printer 41.

[0012] The sub-operation unit 5 includes a plurality of operating stations 51 arranged beside the secondary path B. Each of the operating stations 51 is a storage 51a, a label printing device 51b, a strapping machine 51c, a weighing scale 51d, or a vacuum extractor 51e. In this embodiment, it is illustrated that the operating stations 51 are arranged at the coincidence of the secondary path B and the main path A, while the operation unit 2, the packaging unit 3, and the labeling unit 4 are arranged on the main path A and do not coincide with the secondary path B. This can make the main path A and the secondary path B applicable to different process flows. However, in fact, common stations can also be arranged at the coincidence of the secondary path B and the main path A, or the arrangement positions of the operating stations 51 can be adjusted according to the actual process flow requirements, so it is not limited to what is illustrated in this embodiment.

[0013] The identification unit 6 includes a positioning device 61 located upstream of the work unit 2 along the main path A, a scanning device 62 located upstream of the positioning device 61 along the main path A, a label-removing device 63 located between the scanning device 62 and the positioning device 61 along the main path A, a plurality of readers 64 arranged along the main path A, and a monitoring module 65 that connects the positioning device 61, the scanning device 62, the readers 64, and the label machine 41.

[0014] When this invention is to be automated, the transfer device 12 is controlled to not operate, thereby allowing the transfer device 11 to move the items awaiting packaging along the main path A. First, several items awaiting packaging are stacked vertically to form a pile and placed on the loading point C of the main path A. Each item awaiting packaging has an identification barcode (e.g., but not limited to, a BAH barcode). Then, as each pile of items passes through the scanning device 62, the scanning device 62 reads the identification barcode on the item and transmits the reading result (i.e., relevant information for each item) to the monitoring module 65 for recording. Afterwards, the label-tearing device 63 tears off the identification barcodes on all items in each pile. The positioning device 61 assigns a radio frequency identification (RFID) code to the stacked items awaiting packaging. The monitoring module 65 can correspond the reading results of the scanning device 62 with the radio frequency identification code set by the positioning device 61, so that each packaged item can still be located and tracked after the identification barcode is torn off. In addition to reading each radio frequency identification code to update the information in the monitoring module 65, the readers 64 can also write the required information into the radio frequency identification code as needed.

[0015] The strapping machine 21 can bundle each batch of items to be packaged into a single bundle, while the robotic arm 23 can retrieve materials such as desiccant packets and humidity indicator cards from the material storage 22 and place them at designated positions on the items to be packaged before and after strapping. It should be noted that by reading the radio frequency identification code through a nearby reader 64, the materials to be placed on the items to be packaged or related operational details can be identified. The robotic arm 23 can also connect to the monitoring module 65 to perform corresponding material retrieval and placement operations.

[0016] After being taped, the awaiting package is clamped into the bagging module 31 (which can be gripped by the bagging module 31 or the robotic arm 23) and placed into a vacuum bag. The vacuum machine 32 then evacuates the vacuum bag, sealing each drop of the awaiting package within it. Using a corresponding reader 64 for positioning, the label reader 41, connected to the monitoring module 65, can pre-confirm the location and related information of the next batch of packages, thus pre-printing corresponding labels (e.g., but not limited to vacuum bag labels). When the awaiting package passes by, the robotic arm 42 can grab the label and affix it to the vacuum bag. This completes the automated packaging process. Products completing the aforementioned processes will then undergo subsequent processes such as boxing, weighing and comparison, and affixing outer box labels to complete all packaging operations. These subsequent processes can be performed by an operator or the corresponding machine 51.

[0017] When packaging items with special specifications that can only be handled manually are required, the transfer device 12 can be activated to move the items along the secondary path B. This allows for manual packaging in conjunction with the machine tools 51. Of course, besides manual processing, the secondary path B can also be used with different machine tools 51 in different situations. For example, when an abnormal product is detected, it can be transferred from the main path A to the secondary path B for processing. Alternatively, a reserved machine tool 51 can be installed on the secondary path B so that maintenance or repairs can still be performed on the main path A. Furthermore, this new design allows for flexible increases or decreases in the number of conveyor belt modules 111, as well as adjustments to the assembly method and route, achieving a high degree of customization through modular design.

[0018] In summary, this invention allows the waiting packaged item to be moved selectively along either the main path A or the secondary path B through control, enabling different operations to be performed according to different situations. This significantly improves the versatility and flexibility of the invention. Furthermore, it reduces costs and increases space utilization (the overall size can be controlled within 10m x 6m) because it eliminates the need for multiple production lines. In addition, the readers 64 can provide real-time location tracking of the waiting packaged item, allowing managers to know the current location, progress, operational status, and related information of each item. This prevents the untraceability of the packaged item after the identification barcode is removed and ensures complete recording of the entire product's journey. Moreover, this invention is highly versatile and can also be used with electronic trays or carrier straps, thus effectively achieving the intended purpose of this invention.

[0019] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of this invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of implementation of this invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification shall still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0020] 1: Conveying Unit 11: Transfer device 111: Conveyor Belt Module 12: Transfer device 2: Work Unit 21: Tape making machine 22: Material Storage Warehouse 23: Robotic Arm 3: Packaging Unit 31: Bag-in module 32: Vacuum machine 4: Labeling Unit 41: Label Printer 42: Robotic Arm 5: Sub-process unit 51: Workstation 51a: Storage warehouse 51b: Label printing apparatus 51c: Strapping machine 51d: Weighing Instrument 51e: Vacuum Extractor 6: Identification Unit 61: Positioning device 62: Scanning device 63: Label-tearing device 64: Reader 65: Monitoring Module A: Main path B: Secondary path C: Loading point

Claims

1. An integrated packaging system suitable for packaging multiple items to be packaged, the integrated packaging system comprising: a conveying unit including a transfer device and a transfer device connected to the transfer device, the transfer device having a plurality of detachably connected conveyor belt modules, both ends of the transfer device being detachably connected to the transfer device, the transfer device being controllable to move the items to be packaged along a main path not passing through the transfer device, the transfer device being activated to allow the items to be packaged to pass through, thereby moving the items to be packaged along a secondary path partially overlapping the main path and passing through the transfer device; a working unit disposed beside the main path and used to strap the items to be packaged; and a sealing unit disposed beside the main path and downstream of the working unit along the main path, the sealing unit being used to seal the items to be packaged. A labeling unit is disposed beside the main path and downstream of the packaging unit along the main path, the labeling unit being used to affix a label to the awaiting package; and a primary process unit comprising a plurality of workstations disposed beside the secondary path.

2. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 1, wherein, The work unit includes a strapping machine that can strap through the packaged items, a material storage tank, and a robotic arm that is positioned in relation to the material storage tank. The robotic arm can retrieve material from the material storage tank and place it on the packaged items after strapping.

3. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 1, wherein, The packaging unit includes a bag-feeding module that can grip and insert the packaged item into a vacuum bag, and a vacuum machine that is downstream of the bag-feeding module and can evacuate the vacuum bag.

4. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 1, wherein, The labeling unit includes a label printer that can print labels and a robotic arm that can pick up and apply labels.

5. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 4 further includes an identification unit comprising a positioning device located upstream of the work unit along the main path and capable of setting a radio frequency identification code on a passing item to be packaged, a plurality of readers located along the main path and capable of reading the radio frequency identification codes, and a monitoring module signal-connected to the positioning device, the readers, and the label machine.

6. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 5, wherein each item to be packaged has an identification barcode, wherein, The identification unit also includes a scanning device located upstream of the positioning device along the main path and signal-connected to the monitoring module, and a label-tearing device located between the scanning device and the positioning device along the main path for tearing off the identification barcode on each item to be packaged that passes through. The scanning device can read the identification barcode on the item to be packaged that passes through and transmit the reading result to the monitoring module. The positioning device sets a radio frequency identification code for the items to be packaged that are stacked together. The monitoring module can match the reading result of the scanning device with the radio frequency identification code set by the positioning device.

7. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 1, wherein, The conveyor belt modules of the conveying unit are connected end to end to form a closed loop of the main path, and the two ends of the transfer device are respectively connected to one of the conveyor belt modules to form a closed loop of the secondary path.

8. The integrated packaging system as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the machines in this process unit is a storage silo, a label printing device, a packing strapping machine, a weighing device, or a vacuum extraction machine.

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