System and method for variable size container processing
By adjusting the intervals and controlling the rotation of the conveyor group, the adaptability of the container handling system to different sizes and shapes was solved, simplifying automated processing and label application, and reducing system complexity and cost.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480042989.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-17
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing container handling systems struggle to effectively process containers of different sizes and shapes, especially when applying labels to cylindrical containers, which adds complexity and cost.
By employing at least two conveyor groups and adjusting the spacing and rotation direction, automatic adjustment and online flow of containers are achieved, eliminating the need for adaptability to containers of different sizes and shapes and avoiding the use of rotary label applicators.
It enables automated handling of containers of various sizes and shapes, provides unlimited reconfigurability, simplifies container handling processes, and reduces system complexity and cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN121443519A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Technology
[0001] Systems for handling containers typically include a belt on which the containers are placed for transport from one location to another. In some cases, when applying labels to cylindrical containers, a rotary label applicator can be used to apply labels to the cylindrical surface of the container. Attached Figure Description
[0002] The features of this disclosure are shown by way of example and are not limited to the following one or more figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, in the figures:
[0003] Figure 1 The layout of a variable-size container handling system is shown as an example based on the text of this disclosure;
[0004] Figure 2 Examples based on this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 An example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, which is a single container with a first size (e.g., a specified size);
[0005] Figure 3 Examples based on this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, having two containers with a first size and a second size;
[0006] Figure 4 Examples shown in this disclosure text Figure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, in which Figure 3 One of the containers shown is grasped and rotated;
[0007] Figure 5 Examples based on this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, having three containers of a first size, a second size, and a third size;
[0008] Figure 6 Examples shown in this disclosure text Figure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, in which Figure 5 Another container within the container is grabbed and rotated;
[0009] Figure 7 Examples based on this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, having three containers including a new container of a fourth size; and
[0010] Figure 8 Examples shown in this disclosure textFigure 1 Another example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, in which Figure 7 Another container within the container is grabbed and rotated. Detailed Implementation
[0011] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, this disclosure is described primarily through examples. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent that this disclosure can be practiced without being limited to these specific details. In other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure.
[0012] Throughout this disclosure, the terms “a” and “an” are intended to mean at least one of a particular element. As used herein, the term “includes” means including but not limited to, and the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means at least partially based on.
[0013] As disclosed herein, systems for handling containers typically include a belt on which the containers are placed for transport from one location to another. Such systems are limited in their ability to handle containers of varying sizes and shapes. In this respect, automating the handling of containers of different sizes and shapes is technically challenging. Furthermore, when applying labels to cylindrical containers, a rotary label applicator can be used to apply the label to the cylindrical surface of the container. Such applicators can add additional complexity and cost to the container handling system. Therefore, applying labels to containers without using a rotary label applicator is technically challenging.
[0014] The systems and methods disclosed herein address at least the aforementioned technical challenges by implementing a positive control container handling system for receiving, advancing, temporarily placing, securing, rotating, and discharging containers of variable sizes and shapes. The systems and methods disclosed herein offer advancements, such as positive control handling of containers (e.g., circular containers) as well as other types of containers of various shapes and sizes. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide automated adjustment of circular (and other shaped) containers of various sizes and online flow of containers. Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein offer unlimited reconfigurability for containers of different sizes and shapes and eliminate the need to change parts to accommodate containers of different sizes and shapes.
[0015] According to examples disclosed herein, a system can include at least two conveyors spaced apart by a specified distance and movable toward one another to decrease the specified distance or away from one another to increase the specified distance. The at least two conveyors can be operable to move a container that can be snugly disposed between the at least two conveyors along a first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in a first direction and along a second direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[0016] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, the container can include a cylindrical container.
[0017] According to examples disclosed herein, the above system can further include at least two additional conveyors spaced apart by a specified distance and movable toward one another to decrease the specified distance or away from one another to increase the specified distance. The at least two additional conveyors can be operable to further move the container that can be snugly disposed between the at least two additional conveyors along the first direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the first direction and along the second direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the second direction.
[0018] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, one of the at least two additional conveyors can be rotated in a first rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors.
[0019] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, another of the at least two additional conveyors can be rotated in a second rotational direction relative to another axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors to snugly grasp and rotate the container. The second rotational direction can be opposite the first rotational direction.
[0020] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, the at least two additional conveyors can be disengaged from the at least two conveyors when the at least two additional conveyors are rotated.
[0021] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, one of the at least two conveyors can be rotated in a first rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors.
[0022] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, another of the at least two conveyors can be rotated in a second rotational direction relative to another axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors to snugly grasp and rotate the container. The second rotational direction can be opposite the first rotational direction.
[0023] According to examples disclosed herein, the above system can further include a first set of at least two additional conveyors and a second set of at least two additional conveyors, the first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors being positioned at a specified distance apart and movable toward each other to decrease the specified distance or away from each other to increase the specified distance. The first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors can be rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors to snugly grasp and rotate the container.
[0024] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above system, the first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors can snugly grasp the container at more than two different positions.
[0025] According to examples disclosed herein, a system can include at least two conveyors positioned at a specified distance apart and rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors to snugly grasp and rotate a container that can be snugly positioned between the at least two conveyors.
[0026] According to examples disclosed herein, a method can include positioning at least two conveyors at a specified distance apart based on a size of a container. The at least two conveyors can be moved toward each other to decrease the specified distance or away from each other to increase the specified distance.
[0027] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above method, the method can further include operating the at least two conveyors to move the container, the container being snugly positionable between the at least two conveyors along a first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the first direction and along a second direction opposite the first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the second direction.
[0028] According to examples disclosed herein, for the above method, the method can further include positioning at least two additional conveyors at a specified distance apart based on a size of a container. The at least two additional conveyors can be moved toward each other to decrease the specified distance or away from each other to increase the specified distance. The method can further include operating the at least two additional conveyors to further move the container, the container being snugly positionable between the at least two additional conveyors along a first direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the first direction and along a second direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the second direction.
[0029] According to the examples disclosed herein, the method described above may further include positioning at least two additional transmitters at another specified distance interval based on the size of another container. The at least two additional transmitters may move toward each other to decrease the other specified distance or move away from each other to increase the other specified distance. The method may further include operating the at least two additional transmitters to further move the other container, which may be positioned close together between the at least two additional transmitters along a first direction when the at least two additional transmitters operate in a first direction and along a second direction when the at least two additional transmitters operate in a second direction.
[0030] According to the examples disclosed herein, the method described above may further include rotating one of the at least two additional transmitters relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two additional transmitters in a first rotational direction.
[0031] According to the examples disclosed herein, the method described above may further include rotating one of the at least two additional conveyors in a second rotational direction relative to another axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors, to grip and rotate the container in close contact. The second rotational direction may be opposite to the first rotational direction.
[0032] According to the examples disclosed herein, the method described above may further include disengaging the at least two additional transmitters from the at least two transmitters as the at least two additional transmitters rotate.
[0033] Figure 1 The layout of a variable-size container handling system (hereinafter also referred to as "System 100") based on an example of this disclosure text is shown. Figure 2 Examples based on this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 An example of the operation of a variable-size container handling system, where a single container has a first size (e.g., a specified size).
[0034] refer to Figure 1 System 100 may include at least two transmitters 102 and 104, which are spaced apart by a specified distance 106 and are movable toward each other to decrease the specified distance 106 or away from each other to increase the specified distance 106. For example, although in Figure 1 Two transmitters 102 and 104 are shown, but adjacent to transmitters 102 and 104 (e.g., in...) Figure 1transmitters 102 and 104 can be disposed similar to transmitters 102 and 104. The at least two transmitters 102 and 104 can be moved toward each other, for example, by a drive member (not shown) that moves the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 and / or by a spring-loaded mechanism (not shown) that biases the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 toward each other. Further, the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 can be moved away from each other by a drive member (not shown). As shown in Figure 2 the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 can be operated to move a container 200 (e.g., "Container-1") that can be disposed snugly between the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 along a first direction 108 when the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 are operated in the first direction 108 (see also Figure 1 ) and along a second direction 110 when the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 are operated in the second direction 110 that is opposite the first direction 108.
[0035] According to examples disclosed herein, the container 200 can comprise a cylindrical container, although other shapes and sizes of containers can be used. For example, an elliptical, rectangular, or other shaped container can be used. In Figure 1 According to examples, the container 200 can comprise a first size cylindrical container designated as "Container-1."
[0036] In one example, the transmitters can comprise a belt and a gear drive structure. For example, the transmitter 102 can comprise a belt 130 that is driven by a gear 132 or another type of driver. Other transmitters as disclosed herein can be similarly driven. Alternatively, the transmitters as disclosed herein can be driven by other types of drive systems.
[0037] The system 100 can further comprise at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114 that are disposed at a specified distance 118 (which can be the same or different than the specified distance 106 based on the size of another cylindrical body) and that are movable toward each other to decrease the specified distance 118 or away from each other to increase the specified distance 118. The at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114 can be operated to further move the container 200 that can be disposed snugly between the at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114 along the first direction 108 when the at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114 are operated in the first direction 108 and along the second direction 110 when the at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114 are operated in the second direction 110.
[0038] As referred to above, the system 100 can further comprise a controller 120 that is operatively coupled to the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 and the at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114. The controller 120 can be configured to control the movement of the at least two transmitters 102 and 104 and the at least two additional transmitters 112 and 114.Figure 4 In further detail, a label or other indicia can be applied to the container 200 using the label applicator 116.
[0039] Figure 3 Another example of the operation of the variable size container handling system 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown, with two containers (e.g., designated as "Container-1" and "Container-2") of a first size and a second size.
[0040] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the container 200 (also designated as "Container-1") can have a larger size compared to the container 300 (also designated as "Container-2"). With the at least two conveyors 102 and 104 and the at least two additional conveyors 112 and 114 operating as disclosed herein with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 "Container-1" can be advanced toward the label applicator 116 and "Container-2" can be temporarily disposed between the at least two conveyors 102 and 104.
[0041] Figure 4 Another example of the operation of the variable size container handling system 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown, with one of the containers (e.g., "Container-1" shown) being grasped and rotated. Figure 3
[0042] Referring to Figure 4 , the conveyor 112 of the at least two additional conveyors 112 and 114 can be rotated in a first rotational direction 400 relative to an axis 402 (e.g., axis shown as a dot) that is perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors 112 and 114.
[0043] The conveyor 114 of the at least two additional conveyors 112 and 114 can be rotated in a second rotational direction 404 relative to another axis 406 (e.g., axis shown as a dot) that is perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors 112 and 114 to snugly grasp and rotate the container 200. As Figure 4 shown, the second rotational direction 404 is opposite to the first rotational direction 400.
[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, system 100 can further include two additional conveyors 120 and 122 that are spaced apart by a specified distance 124 (which can be the same or different than specified distances 106 and 118 based on the dimensions of the other cylinder) and that are movable toward or away from each other to decrease or increase the specified distance 124. The two additional conveyors 120 and 122 can be rotatable in first and second rotational directions 408 and 410, respectively, relative to axes 412 and 414 that are perpendicular to the two additional conveyors 120 and 122 to snugly grasp and rotate the container 200. Rotation of the container 200 can be performed by conveyors 114 and 122 in the opposite direction of the operational direction shown by the arrow in Figure 3 to advance the container 200 compared to the operational direction shown by the arrow in
[0045] With continued reference to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , conveyors 112 and 122 and 114 and 120 can be indicated as a first and second group of conveyors, respectively. In this regard, these groups of conveyors can be rotatable in the same rotational direction. As shown, the first and second groups of conveyors can snugly grasp the container 200 at more than two different locations. For example, as shown, the first and second groups of conveyors can snugly grasp the container 200 at four different locations.
[0046] Conveyors 112 and 114 can disengage from conveyors 102 and 104 as the first group of conveyors 112 and 122 and the second group of conveyors 114 and 120 rotate. In this regard, conveyors 112 and 122 and 114 and 120 can operate independently of conveyors 102 and 104 to manipulate containers of different sizes.
[0047] According to examples disclosed herein, conveyors 102 and 104 can also be configured to rotate in a similar manner instead of or in addition to conveyors 112 and 114 as shown in Figure 4 In this regard, conveyors 102 and 104 can be configured to rotate to snugly grasp and rotate the container 200.
[0048] As the container 200 is grasped and rotated as shown in Figure 4 , label applicator 116 can be repositioned to contact the container 200 to apply one or more labels to the container 200. In this regard, the labels applied by label applicator 116 can be applied to the cylindrical container 200 based on the rotation of the container 200.
[0049] Figure 5Another example of the operation of the variable size container handling system 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown, with three containers (also denoted as "Container-1", "Container-2", and "Container-3") having a first size, a second size, and a third size.
[0050] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 5 , the container 200 of the first size, the container 300 of the second size, and the container 500 of the third size can be respectively paused, advanced, and accelerated by the conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, and 120 and 122. Thus, with the conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, and 120 and 122 independently operable as shown, the containers 200, 300, and 500, which can be of the same or different sizes, can be independently grasped and manipulated.
[0051] Figure 6 Another example of the operation of the variable size container handling system 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown, with another of the containers of Figure 5 being grasped and rotated.
[0052] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 6 , with the conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, and 120 and 122 independently operable as shown, the containers 200, 300, and 500, which can be of the same or different sizes, can be independently grasped and / or manipulated as disclosed herein. For example, in contrast to Figure 4 showing the container 200 being grasped and rotated, for Figure 6 the container 300 is shown being grasped and rotated by the conveyors 112 and 114, and 120 and 122. During the performance of such operations on the container 300 by the conveyors 112 and 114, and 120 and 122, the containers 200 and 500 can be independently advanced and paused, respectively. For example, the container 200 can be independently advanced by the conveyors 126 and 128.
[0053] Figure 7 Another example of the operation of the variable size container handling system 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown, with three containers (also denoted as "Container-1", "Container-2", and "Container-3") having a first size, a second size, and a third size.
[0054] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 7 , with the conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, and 120 and 122 independently operable as shown, the containers 200, 300, and 500, which can be of the same or different sizes, can be independently grasped and / or manipulated as disclosed herein. For example, in contrast to Figure 3 showing the container 200 being grasped and rotated, forFigure 7 Container 300 is shown being accelerated (e.g., moved at an increasing rate) by conveyors 120 and 122, container 500 is shown being propelled (e.g., moved at a fixed rate) by conveyors 112 and 114, and container 700 is shown being held in place (e.g., held in place) by conveyors 102 and 104. Conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, and 120 and 122 can operate independently during these operations on containers 300, 500, and 700.
[0055] Figure 8 Another example illustrating the operation of a variable-size container handling system 100 according to examples in this disclosure text, wherein Figure 7 Another container within the container is grabbed and rotated.
[0056] refer to Figure 8 With conveyors 102 and 104, 112 and 114, 120 and 122, and 126 and 128 as shown in the figure, which can operate independently, containers 300, 500, and 700, which may have the same or different sizes, can be independently gripped and / or manipulated. For example, with container 200 shown being gripped and rotated... Figure 4 In comparison, for Figure 8 Container 500 is shown being gripped and rotated by conveyors 112 and 114, and 120 and 122; container 300 is shown being propelled (e.g., moved at a fixed rate) by conveyors 126 and 128; and container 700 is shown being temporarily held (e.g., held in place) by conveyors 102 and 104. Conveyors 102 and 104, 112, 114, 120 and 122, and 126 and 128 can operate independently during these operations on containers 300, 500, and 700.
[0057] The examples described and illustrated herein are examples and some variations thereof. The terminology, descriptions, and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter and are intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, wherein, unless otherwise stated, all terms shall be understood in their broadest reasonable sense.
Claims
1. A system comprising: at least two conveyors spaced apart by a specified distance and movable toward one another to decrease the specified distance or away from one another to increase the specified distance, wherein the at least two conveyors are operable to move a container that is nestably positionable between the at least two conveyors along a first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the first direction and along a second direction opposite the first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the second direction.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The container comprises a cylindrical container.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least two additional conveyors spaced apart by the specified distance and movable toward one another to decrease the specified distance or away from one another to increase the specified distance, wherein the at least two additional conveyors are operable to further move the container that is nestably positionable between the at least two additional conveyors along the first direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the first direction and along the second direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the second direction.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein, One of the at least two additional conveyors is rotatable in a first rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein, Another of the at least two additional conveyors is rotatable in a second rotational direction relative to another axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors to nestingly grasp and rotate the container, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein, The at least two additional conveyors are disengageable from the at least two conveyors when the at least two additional conveyors are rotated.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein, One of the at least two conveyors is rotatable in a first rotational direction relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein, Another of the at least two conveyors is rotatable in a second rotational direction relative to another axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors to nestingly grasp and rotate the container, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first set of at least two additional conveyors and a second set of at least two additional conveyors spaced apart by the specified distance and movable toward one another to decrease the specified distance or away from one another to increase the specified distance, wherein the first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors are rotatable in first and second rotational directions relative to an axis perpendicular to the first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors to nestingly grasp and rotate the container.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The first set of at least two additional conveyors and the second set of at least two additional conveyors snugly grasp the container at more than two different locations.
11. A system comprising: at least two conveyors spaced apart by a specified distance and rotatable relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two conveyors in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction to snugly grasp and rotate a container snugly positionable between the at least two conveyors.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The container comprises a cylindrical container.
13. A method comprising: positioning at least two conveyors spaced apart by a specified distance based on a size of a container, wherein the at least two conveyors are movable toward each other to decrease the specified distance or away from each other to increase the specified distance.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: operating the at least two conveyors to move the container, the container snugly positionable between the at least two conveyors in a first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction when the at least two conveyors are operated in the second direction.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The container comprises a cylindrical container.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning at least two additional conveyors spaced apart by the specified distance based on a size of the container, wherein the at least two additional conveyors are movable toward each other to decrease the specified distance or away from each other to increase the specified distance; and operating the at least two additional conveyors to further move the container, the container snugly positionable between the at least two additional conveyors in the first direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the first direction and in the second direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the second direction.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning at least two additional conveyors spaced apart by another specified distance based on a size of another container, wherein the at least two additional conveyors are movable toward each other to decrease the other specified distance or away from each other to increase the other specified distance; and operating the at least two additional conveyors to further move the other container, the other container snugly positionable between the at least two additional conveyors in the first direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the first direction and in the second direction when the at least two additional conveyors are operated in the second direction.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: rotating one of the at least two additional conveyors relative to an axis perpendicular to the at least two additional conveyors in a first rotational direction.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: rotating another of the at least two further conveyors in a second rotational direction relative to a further axis perpendicular to the at least two further conveyors to snugly grasp and rotate the container, wherein the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: disengaging the at least two further conveyors from the at least two conveyors as the at least two further conveyors rotate.