Folding station for boxes of various sizes

Abstract

A system folds boxes of various sizes. The system includes an elevator and two end pushers. Each end pusher has a bottom surface, an angled surface, and a rounded edge between the bottom surface and the angled surface. The end pushers are arranged with the bottom surfaces substantially horizontal and the angled surfaces oriented toward each other, and the angled surfaces have a push angle of less than 90 degrees. The width of each end pusher is wider than the maximum box width. The elevator lifts a box to a first vertical position between the end pushers where a horizontal score on the box is below the bottom surfaces. As the end pushers move toward each other, they contact the upper portions of the end walls and span the width of the box to fold the upper portions of the end walls inward around the horizontal score.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the technical field of processes and machines for reducing the height of boxes of various sizes. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for accepting boxes of various sizes and folding portions of the side and end walls of the boxes to reduce their height. Background Technology

[0002] Existing machines are capable of folding one or more rigid, flexible material blanks with multiple folds into boxes. The folded folds can be secured in place with glue or tape. Boxes, once assembled, are known to have five walls: a rectangular base and four side walls. This known type of box is called an "American half-box," "cardboard pallet," or "dormer box." Once filled, these boxes are sealed with lids. The lids typically have four folds that bend downwards and are glued to the sides of the box. The lids can be inserted into the top of the box and secured to it by glue, stitching, or metal or plastic strapping.

[0003] Most packaging boxes have a constant volume once assembled and closed. To secure various objects (the total volume of which varies depending on the box), various void filler materials are often used by users or integrated into box forming or closing machines. This solution has many drawbacks. For example: these void filler products are often cumbersome to use; unless they are made of the same material as the box itself, they must be separated from the cardboard box before the corresponding waste can be collected and potentially recycled; on the other hand, these materials are difficult to recycle in most cases; therefore, such collection and recycling are complex and very cumbersome operations; their implementation is difficult and requires either sophisticated automated machinery or is very labor-intensive; therefore, the cost of these operations is high; the transport volume (equal to the volume of the manufactured box) is in most cases much larger than the useful volume, which is equal to the volume of the objects located inside the box; this leads to high transportation costs for the boxes.

[0004] Methods exist for reducing the height of boxes to make them as close as possible to the height of the goods they contain. In particular, it is known to cut off the top portion of the boxes above the stack of goods to reduce the box height to a usable level. This method has disadvantages: cutting off the boxes is a delicate operation, meaning the application of hazardous cutting tools; automatically removing the cut-off top portion of the boxes is a difficult operation, generating waste that must be collected and emptied; automating this process requires the installation of complex machinery.

[0005] It is also known that the four vertical ridges of the box are cut downwards from the top until they substantially correspond to the top level of the packaged goods. Then, horizontal notches are made at the same height on each of the four side walls of the box, and the upper portions of these four vertical walls are then bent inwards around these horizontal notches at an angle substantially equal to 90° towards the inside of the box. This method also allows the height of the box to be reduced to a usable height. However, this method also has disadvantages: cutting the four vertical ridges is a delicate operation, meaning that dangerous cutting tools must be used; these cutting operations generate dust that can contaminate the contents of the box; and these cuts reduce the overall strength of the box, particularly its resistance to vertical compression. Another known method involves making horizontal notches on each of the four vertical walls of the box at a height substantially corresponding to the top level of the goods packaged inside the box; and making oblique notches at each corner of the box, one end of which is located at the level where two horizontal notches intersect, and the other end at the level of the upper ridge of one of the side walls, such that the oblique notches form an angle substantially equal to 45° with the horizontal plane, and ultimately curve inward toward the interior of the box around these horizontal notches at an angle substantially equal to 90°, with the higher portions of the four vertical walls folded on top of each other, the different folds separated by the oblique notches. This method and the machine used to implement it are particularly described in European Patent No. 1827983B1 and US Patent No. 7587884, as well as European Patent No. 2812180B1 and US Patent No. 11117692, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This overview is provided to present, in a simplified form, selected concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. This overview is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In a first embodiment, the system is capable of folding any one of a plurality of boxes. The width of the plurality of boxes ranges from the minimum box width to the maximum box width. The system includes a lift, a first end pusher, and a second end pusher. The lift is configured to vertically move a box from the plurality of boxes. The box has two side walls, two end walls, horizontal notches on each of the two side walls and the two end walls, and two oblique notches on each of the two side walls above the horizontal notches. The first end pusher has a first bottom surface, a first angled surface, and a first rounded edge between the first bottom surface and the first angled surface. The second end pusher has a second bottom surface, a second angled surface, and a second rounded edge between the second bottom surface and the second angled surface. The first and second end pushers are arranged such that the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially horizontal, and the first and second angled surfaces are oriented toward each other. The angle of advance of the first angled surface with respect to the plane of the first bottom surface along the direction of the second end pusher is less than 90 degrees, and the angle of advance of the second angled surface with respect to the plane of the second bottom surface along the direction of the first end pusher is less than 90 degrees. The width of each of the first and second end pushers is greater than or equal to the maximum box width within the box width range. The lift is configured to raise the box to a first vertical position, in which the box is positioned between the first and second end pushers and a horizontal notch on the box is below the first and second bottom surfaces. As the lift holds the box in the first vertical position, the first and second end pushers are configured to move toward each other to contact the upper portion of the end wall above the horizontal notch and across the width of the end wall to fold the upper portion of the end wall inward.

[0008] In the second embodiment, when the elevator of the first embodiment holds the box in a first vertical position and the first and second end pushers move toward each other, the first and second angled surfaces of the first and second rounded edges of the first and second end pushers contact the upper part of the end wall.

[0009] In the third embodiment, the first and second end pushers of any of the foregoing embodiments are configured to move toward each other to a point where the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper portion of the end wall.

[0010] In the fourth embodiment, after the first and second bottom surfaces of the previous embodiment are located above the upper portion of the end wall, the elevator is configured to lift the box from a first vertical position to a second vertical position, where the upper portion of the end wall contacts the first and second bottom surfaces.

[0011] In a fifth embodiment, the system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes a first side pusher and a second side pusher. The first side pusher has a first base, a first top, and a first engagement surface. The first base is wider than the first top. The engagement angle of the first engagement surface is less than 90 degrees. The second side pusher has a second base, a second top, and a second engagement surface. The second base is wider than the second top. The engagement angle of the second engagement surface is less than 90 degrees.

[0012] In the sixth embodiment, the first and second side pushers of the previous embodiment are arranged such that when the elevator holds the box in the first vertical position, the box is located between the first and second side pushers.

[0013] In the seventh embodiment, when the elevator of the previous embodiment holds the box in a first vertical position, the first and second side pushers are configured to move inward such that the first and second mating surfaces contact the upper part of the side wall of the box.

[0014] In the eighth embodiment, the first and second engagement surfaces of the first and second side pushers of the previous embodiment are arranged to contact the upper part of the sidewall before the first and second end pushers contact the upper part of the end wall.

[0015] In the ninth embodiment, the first and second side pushers of any of the seventh and eighth embodiments are arranged such that the first and second mating surfaces contact the upper part of the box sidewall between two oblique grooves on each upper part of the box sidewall.

[0016] In the tenth embodiment, the engagement angle between the first engagement surface and the plane of the first base in any one of the fifth to ninth embodiments is in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees, and the engagement angle between the second engagement surface and the plane of the second base is in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees.

[0017] In the eleventh embodiment, in the system of any of the foregoing embodiments, the propulsion angle of the plane of the first angled surface and the plane of the first bottom surface along the direction of the second end pusher is in the range of 80 to 88 degrees, and the propulsion angle of the plane of the second angled surface and the plane of the second bottom surface along the direction of the first end pusher is in the range of 80 to 88 degrees.

[0018] In the twelfth embodiment, the system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes a controller configured to cause the elevator to lift the box to a first vertical position and to move the first and second end pushers toward each other to contact the upper part of the end wall above the horizontal notch.

[0019] In a thirteenth embodiment, the system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes one or more actuators communicatively coupled to a controller and configured to move the first and second end actuators. The controller is configured to move the first and second end actuators by sending signals to the one or more actuators, thereby moving the first and second end actuators.

[0020] In the fourteenth embodiment, the system of the previous embodiment further includes one or more actuators communicatively coupled to a controller and configured to move the lift. The controller is configured to cause the lift to raise a box by sending signals to the one or more actuators to move the lift.

[0021] In the fifteenth embodiment, the system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes a frame configured to be arranged based on the size of the box.

[0022] In the sixteenth embodiment, the frame of the previous embodiment is configured to be arranged based on the size of the box before the box is lifted to a first vertical position by the elevator.

[0023] In the seventeenth embodiment, the frame of the previous embodiment includes one or more guides configured to guide the box to a position relative to the first and second end pushers when the box is lifted to a first vertical position by the elevator.

[0024] In the eighteenth embodiment, a method is performed using the system of any of the preceding claims. The method includes receiving a box having a width within a box width range. The method further includes lifting the box to a first vertical position via a lift, where the box is positioned between first and second end pushers, and a horizontal notch on the box is below the first and second bottom surfaces. The method further includes moving the end pushers toward each other such that the first and second end pushers contact the upper portion of the end wall above the horizontal notch and across the width of the end wall to fold the upper portion of the end wall inward.

[0025] In the nineteenth embodiment, the method of the previous embodiment further includes, after the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper part of the end wall, lifting the box from the first vertical position to the second vertical position by a lift, at the second vertical position, where the upper part of the end wall contacts the first and second bottom surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0026] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing aspects and numerous accompanying advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily understood and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description, wherein: Figures 1A to 1D Side view, top view, end view and perspective view of an embodiment of the box according to the embodiments disclosed herein are depicted respectively; Figure 2A and 2B Perspective and side views of an embodiment of an end effector according to the embodiments disclosed herein are depicted, the end effector being configured to push the upper part of the end wall to fold the upper part of the end wall; Figures 3A to 3E A front view, top view, side view, front perspective view, and rear perspective view of an embodiment of a side pusher according to an embodiment disclosed herein are depicted, the side pusher being configured to push the upper part of a sidewall to fold the upper part of the sidewall; Figure 4A and 4B A perspective view and a side view of a first example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein are depicted. Figure 5A and 5B A perspective view and a side view of a second example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein are depicted. Figure 6A and 6B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a third example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 7A and 7B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a fourth example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 8A and 8B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a fifth example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 9A and 9B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a sixth example of a method for folding a large box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 10A and 10B A perspective view and a side view of a first example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein are depicted. Figure 11A and 11B A perspective view and a side view of a second example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein are depicted, respectively. Figure 12A and 12B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a third example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 13A and 13B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a fourth example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 14A and 14B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a fifth example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 15A and 15B A perspective view and a side view are respectively depicting a sixth example of a method for folding a small box according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment disclosed herein is depicted, the system including a controller configured to control elements within the system; Figure 17 Example embodiments of systems that can be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein are depicted; and Figure 18 A block diagram depicts an embodiment of a computing device according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figures 1A to 1D Side views, top views, end views, and perspective views of embodiments of the box 10 are depicted. In some embodiments, the box 10 is made of corrugated cardboard, compact cardboard, or any other foldable sheet material. The box 10 has five walls: a base 12, side walls 14a and 14b (collectively referred to as side walls 14), and end walls 16a and 16b (collectively referred to as end walls 16). In some embodiments, the base 12, side walls 14, and end walls 16 are formed by folding individual sheet materials and securing them (e.g., gluing, adhesiveing, etc.). Figures 1A to 1D The box 10 is in the form shown. In the depicted embodiment, each sidewall 14 is substantially perpendicular to each of the base 12 and the end wall 16, and similarly, each end wall 16 is substantially perpendicular to each of the base 12 and the sidewall 14. When the box 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, the base 12 will be horizontal, and the sidewalls 14 and the end walls 16 will be substantially vertical. Throughout this disclosure, when terms such as “horizontal” and “vertical” are used with respect to the box 10 and its features, these terms are used as if the box 10 were placed on a horizontal surface, with the base 12 located on the horizontal surface.

[0028] In the depicted embodiment, the box has several notches. As used herein, the term "notch" on a box refers to any deformation that enhances the box's ability to be folded, such as crease lines, crush lines, perforation lines, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the box has horizontal notches 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d (collectively referred to as horizontal notches 18) located on the side walls 14a and 14b and the end walls 16a and 16b, respectively. Horizontal notches 18 are formed in the side walls 14 and 16 at a height 20 from the base 12. In some embodiments, the height 20 is determined based on the height of one or more objects placed in or to be placed in the box 10. For example, one or more objects may be placed in the box 10, and a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor positioned above the box 10) may determine the maximum height of one or more objects in the box 10; the height 20 may be determined based on the sensed maximum height of said one or more objects, and then the horizontal notches 18 may be formed in the box 10 when the one or more objects are in the box 10. In another example, it is known what the maximum height of one or more objects is when placed in box 10; height 20 can be determined based on the known maximum height of one or more objects, and then horizontal notches 18 can be formed in box 10 before one or more objects are placed in box 10.

[0029] The case 10 also has beveled notches 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d (collectively referred to as beveled notches 22). Beveled notches 22 are located on the side wall 14, wherein beveled notches 22a and 22c are located on side wall 14a, and beveled notches 22b and 22d are located on side wall 14b. Beveled notches 22 are located at approximately a 45-degree angle to the horizontal notches 18a and 18b. Beveled notches 22 are located at approximately a 45-degree angle to the edge between the side wall 14 and the end wall 16 (e.g., beveled notch 22a is located at approximately a 45-degree angle to the edge between the side wall 14a and the end wall 16a).

[0030] Horizontal notches 18 and diagonal notches 22 allow the box 10 to be folded to reduce its height. Side walls 14a and 14b have corresponding upper portions 24a and 24b (collectively referred to as upper portions 24) that lie above corresponding horizontal notches 18a and 18b. End walls 16a and 16b have corresponding upper portions 26a and 26b (collectively referred to as upper portions 26) that lie above corresponding horizontal notches 18c and 18d. Upper portions 24 and 26 can be folded inward around horizontal notches 18 until they are substantially horizontal, reducing the height of the box to approximately the height 20 of horizontal notches 18. The box 10 can be folded without cutting the edge between side walls 14 and end walls 16, or otherwise separating side walls 14 from end walls 16. Examples of boxes similar to the box 10 with horizontal notches 18 and diagonal notches 22 can be found in European Patent No. 1827983B1, US Patent No. 7587884, European Patent No. 2812180 B1, and US Patent No. 11117692, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0031] In the depicted embodiment, box 10 has a height of 32, a length of 34, and a width of 36. The height 32 is the height of the side walls 14 and end walls 16 before folding. The length 34 is the length of the base 12 and the length of the side walls 14. The width 36 is the width of the base 12 and the width of the end walls 16. The length 34 is greater than or equal to the width 36 of box 10. Therefore, the rectangular shape of the base 12 can be a square with a length equal to its width or a rectangle with a length greater than its width. This shape allows for folding of the upper portions 24 and 26 of the aforementioned side walls 14 and end walls 16.

[0032] In existing folding machines, the machines are configured to accept boxes with specific lengths and widths. Folding a box is often a complex process requiring manual setup of the folding mechanism. These machines can be adapted to accept boxes of one size or different sizes. However, each time the machine is adjusted to accept a different size box, the folding mechanism needs to be manually adjusted to ensure the correct folding of the new size box. Therefore, it is difficult to use a single machine to fold boxes of different sizes.

[0033] This document discloses a system capable of folding boxes of various sizes. Specifically, the machine described herein can accept and fold boxes having widths ranging from a minimum to a maximum box width and / or lengths ranging from a minimum to a maximum box length. Embodiments of the machine described herein include a folding mechanism capable of automatically folding any box within the box width and / or box length range without manual adjustment to ensure correct folding. In particular, the pusher described herein can be used to fold the upper part of the end walls and / or side walls of boxes within a specific box range.

[0034] Figure 2A and 2B Perspective and side views of an embodiment of an end pusher 40 are depicted, which is configured to push the upper portion of an end wall to fold the upper portion of the end wall. The end pusher 40 has a bottom surface 42 and an angled surface 44. In the depicted embodiment, the end pusher 40 has a rounded edge 46 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44. In the depicted embodiment, the end pusher 40 has an optional top surface 48. When included in the end pusher 40, the top surface 48 can facilitate coupling the end pusher 40 to a box-folding machine.

[0035] The bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 form a non-perpendicular angle 50 relative to each other. In the depicted embodiment, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 is greater than 90 degrees. In some examples, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 can range from 92 degrees to 100 degrees. In one example, the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 is approximately 95 degrees. When the end pusher 40 advances along the direction of the angled surface 44 (e.g., when the end pusher 40 moves from...), Figure 2B When the view shown is shifted to the right, the advance angle 52 of the plane of the angled surface 44 and the bottom surface 42 along the advance direction is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, the advance angle 52 of the plane of the angled surface 44 and the bottom surface 42 along the advance direction can be in the range of 80 degrees to 88 degrees. In one example, the advance angle 52 of the plane of the angled surface 44 and the bottom surface 42 along the advance direction is approximately 85 degrees.

[0036] When the end pusher 40 is used in a system for folding boxes, the system can be configured to fold any set of boxes. The width of the boxes in this set ranges from a minimum box width to a maximum box width. In some embodiments, the end pusher 40 is wider than the maximum box width in the box width range. In other words, the width 54 of the end pusher 40 is greater than the maximum box width in the box width range. Because the end pusher 40 is wider than the maximum box width in the box width range, the end pusher 40 can be arranged relative to any box in the set such that the end pusher 40 can contact the end wall of the box across the width of the end wall to fold the upper part of the end wall.

[0037] Figures 3A to 3E Front, top, side, front perspective, and rear perspective views of an embodiment of a side pusher 60 are depicted, respectively. The side pusher 60 is configured to push the upper portion of a sidewall to fold the upper portion of the sidewall. The side pusher 60 includes an engagement surface 62, a base 64, and a top 66. The engagement surface 62 extends from the base 64 to the top 66. The side pusher 60 also has sides 68 extending from the base 64 to the top 66 on both sides of the engagement surface 62. In the depicted embodiment, the side pusher 60 has chamfered edges 70 between the engagement surface 62 and the top 66, and between the engagement surface 62 and the side 68.

[0038] When the side pusher 60 is arranged such that the base 64 and / or the top 66 are substantially horizontal, the engagement surface 62 has an engagement angle 72 of less than 90 degrees relative to the plane of the base 64. For example, the engagement angle 72 can be in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the base 64 has a width 74, and the top 66 has a width 76, and the width 74 of the base 64 is greater than the width 76 of the top 66. Thus, the base 64 is wider than the top 66. In the depicted embodiment, the base 64 and the top 66 are centered (when in... Figure 2A When observing the side actuator (as seen in the image), this means that the side portion 68 forms an angle 78 relative to the plane of the base portion 64. The angle 78 is greater than 90 degrees. For example, the angle can be in the range of 100 to 105 degrees. In some embodiments, when the side actuator 60 is used in conjunction with the end actuator 40 in a system, the angle 78 of the side portion 68 of the side actuator 60 is greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 and the angled surface 44 of the end actuator 40.

[0039] When the side pusher 60 is used in a system for folding boxes, the system can be configured to fold any set of boxes. The lengths of the boxes in this set range from a minimum box length to a maximum box length. In some embodiments, the side pusher 60 is narrower than the minimum box length in the box length range. For example, the width 74 of the base 64 is less than the minimum box length in the box length range. In some embodiments, the width 74 of the base 64 is less than or equal to a percentage of the minimum box length in the box length range, wherein the percentage is one of 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10%. In a particular embodiment, the width 74 of the base 64 is approximately 25% of the minimum box length in the box length range. Because the side pusher 60 is narrower than the minimum box length in the box length range, the side pusher 60 can be arranged relative to any box in the set such that the side pusher 60 can contact the upper part of the box sidewall between the oblique notches on the upper part of the sidewall.

[0040] As described above, the end pusher 40 and the side pusher 60 can be used in a system for folding boxes within a set of boxes. Figures 4A to 15B Embodiments of a system 100 for folding boxes and a method for folding boxes using the system 100 are described. Specifically, Figures 4A to 9B An example of a method for folding a large box 10a in system 100 is described, and Figures 10A to 15B An example of a method for folding a small box 10b into a system 100 is described.

[0041] System 100 includes a first end actuator 40a and a second end actuator 40b. Each of the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b is similar to end actuator 40. Each of the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b has the same elements as those discussed above with respect to end actuator 40; those elements have the same reference numerals, such as bottom surface 42, angled surface 44, rounded edge 46, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b are arranged in system 100 such that the surfaces 42 of the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b are substantially horizontal, and the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b are oriented toward each other. In this orientation, the angle 52 of the angled surface 44 of the first end actuator 40a with respect to the plane of the bottom surface 42 of the first end actuator 40a along the direction of the second end actuator 40b is less than 90 degrees. The angled surface 44 of the second end pusher 40b and the plane of the bottom surface 42 of the second end pusher 40b along the direction of the first end pusher 40a have an advance angle 52 of less than 90 degrees.

[0042] System 100 includes a first side actuator 60a and a second side actuator 60b. Each of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b is similar to side actuator 60. Each of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b has the same elements as those discussed above with respect to side actuator 60; those elements have the same reference numerals, such as mating surface 62, base 64, top 66, side 68, etc. Note that due to Figures 4A to 15B The sizes of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b in the figures are shown. In each instance of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b shown in those figures, not all elements of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b are numbered. However, each of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b in system 100 includes the elements discussed above with respect to side actuator 60.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, system 100 also includes a frame 180 configured to be coupled to other elements of system 100. For example, first and second end pushers 40a and 40b are slidably coupled to frame 180 and configured to slide horizontally relative to frame 180 toward and / or away from each other. Similarly, first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are slidably coupled to frame 180 and configured to slide horizontally relative to frame 180 toward and / or away from each other. The system also includes a lift 182. The lift is movably coupled to frame 180 and configured to move vertically relative to frame 180 to raise and / or lower the box. The system also includes a guide 184 movably coupled to frame 180. The guide is configured to guide the box to a position relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b when the box is vertically lifted by lift 182. Based on the size of the box lifted by lift 182, guide 184 is movable horizontally relative to frame 180. In the depicted embodiment, the guides 184 are angled outwards such that when the box is lifted, if the box contacts one of the guides 184, that one of the guides 184 will guide the box inwards.

[0044] The large box 10a is similar to the box 10 described above. The large box 10a has the same components as those discussed above regarding box 10; those components have the same reference numerals, such as side wall 14, end wall 16, horizontal notch 18, oblique notch 22, etc. Note that, due to... Figures 4A to 9BThe size and location of the large box 10a are shown in those figures; not all elements of the large box 10a are visible and / or numbered. However, the large box 10a includes the elements discussed above with respect to box 10. The large box 10a has a height of 32a, a length of 34a, and a width of 36a. System 100 can be used to fold any box within a set of boxes. The width of this set of boxes is within the range of box widths from the minimum box width to the maximum box width, and the length of this set of boxes is within the range of box lengths from the minimum box length to the maximum box length. In the depicted embodiment, the width 36a of the large box 10a is equal to the maximum box width within the box width range for system 100, and the length 34a of the large box 10a is equal to the maximum box length within the box length range for system 100.

[0045] Figure 4A and 4B Perspective and side views are depicted for a first example of the method by which system 100 folds the large box 10a. In the first example, the large box 10a is in a vertical position below frame 180 on elevator 182. In some embodiments, the large box 10a may have already been brought to this position by a conveyor. For example, the large box 10a may already be on a conveyor belt that moves the large box 10a horizontally until the large box 10a is in a position above elevator 182, such as... Figure 4A and 4B As shown.

[0046] Figure 5A and 5B Perspective and side views are depicted for a second example of the method by which system 100 folds the large box 10a. From the first example to the second example, the elevator 182 has moved the large box 10a from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. When the large box 10a is in the first vertical position, it is located between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, and the horizontal notch 18 on the large box 10a is below the bottom surface 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the large box 10a is in the first vertical position, it is located between the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. The first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are positioned relative to the large box 10a such that the first side pusher 60a is above the horizontal notch 18a and aligned between the oblique notches 22a and 22c on the upper part 24a of the side wall 14a, and the second side pusher 60b is above the horizontal notch 18b and aligned between the oblique notches 22b and 22d on the upper part 24b of the side wall 14b. The large box 10a is also located between guides 184, which are capable of adjusting the position of the large box 10a on the elevator 182 when the large box 10a is lifted to a first vertical position by the elevator 182.

[0047] Figure 6A and 6B Perspective and side views are depicted for a third example of the method by which system 100 folds the large box 10a. From the second to the third example, the elevator 182 continues to hold the large box 10a in a first vertical position while the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b move toward each other. As the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b move toward each other, the engagement surface 62 of the first side pusher 60a contacts the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a, and the engagement surface 62 of the second side pusher 60b contacts the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14a.

[0048] The force applied to the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b by the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b causes the upper portions 24a and 24b to fold inward around the horizontal notches 18a and 18b. Because the upper portion 24a of the sidewall 14a is connected to the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b, the inward folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b causes the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b to begin folding inward around the horizontal notches 18c and 18d. Additionally, the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b also fold around the oblique notch 22 to accommodate the corresponding folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b.

[0049] Figure 7A and 7B Perspective and side views are depicted for a fourth embodiment of the method of folding the large box 10a by system 100. From the third to the fourth embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have moved inward toward each other until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have contacted the end walls 16a and 16b of the large box 10a. In the depicted embodiment, the rounded edges 46 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have contacted the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In other embodiments, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may initially contact the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0050] As described above, the width 54 of each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b is equal to or greater than the maximum width of a set of boxes that can be folded by the system 100. If the large box 10a is positioned relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b such that the end walls 16a and 16b are centered relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will contact the end walls 16a and 16b across their widths. When the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the end walls 16a and 16b across their widths, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not scratch or otherwise damage the end walls 16a and 16b, and the folding of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b relative to the end walls 16a and 16b will not be skewed.

[0051] Figure 8A and 8B Perspective and side views are depicted for a fifth embodiment of the method of folding the large box 10a by system 100. From the fourth to the fifth embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other to further fold downward the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward to a point where the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact each other and do not contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In other embodiments, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may be moved inward until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact each other and / or the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0052] like Figure 8B As can be seen, the angles of the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, and the angles of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b, are arranged to avoid contact between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. Specifically, the tilt angle 78 of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b is greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 of the end pusher 40 and the angled surface 44. Thus, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0053] exist Figure 8A and 8BIn the fifth example shown, the elevator 182 continues to hold the large box 10a in the first vertical position. In the first vertical position, the horizontal notch 18 of the large box 10a is located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. Because the horizontal notch 18 of the large box 10a is located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are not folded to a completely horizontal position after the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have moved inward.

[0054] Figure 9A and 9B Perspective and side views are depicted for a sixth embodiment of the method of folding the large box 10a by system 100. From the fifth to the sixth embodiment, the elevator 182 has raised the large box 10a from a first vertical position to a second vertical position, in which the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b contact the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the large box 10a is in the second vertical position, the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b are substantially horizontal, and the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b contact the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b.

[0055] The large box 10a has been folded to Figure 9A and 9B After reaching the indicated position, system 100 can release the large box 10a. For example, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, as well as the side pushers, can be retracted, and the elevator 182 can be lowered to... Figure 4A and 4B The initial positions of these boxes are shown. In some embodiments, prior to the folding process, the large box 10a may have an adhesive applied thereto, such that after the system 100 releases the large box 10a, the large box 10a will be held in place. Figure 9A and 9B The folding configuration is shown. For example, adhesive can be applied to the area of ​​the upper part 24a of the side wall 14a outside the oblique notches 22a and 22c, and adhesive can be applied to the area of ​​the upper part 24b of the side wall 14b outside the oblique notches 22b and 22d. When the large box 10a is folded to... Figure 9A and 9B When positioned as shown, the adhesive on those portions of the sidewalls 14a and 14b will adhere to the areas of the upper portions 24a and 24b within the diagonal notches 22 to hold the large box 10a in the folded position.

[0056] The same system 100 can be used to fold boxes smaller than the small box 10b. Figures 10A to 15BAn embodiment of a method for folding a small box 10b is depicted. The small box 10b is similar to the box 10 described above. The small box 10b has the same elements as those discussed above regarding the box 10; those elements have the same reference numerals, such as sidewall 14, endwall 16, horizontal notch 18, oblique notch 22, etc. Note that, due to Figures 10A to 15B The size and position of the small box 10b, and not all components of the small box 10b are visible and / or numbered in these figures. However, the small box 10b includes the components discussed above with respect to box 10. The small box 10b has a height of 32b, a length of 34b, and a width of 36b. System 100 can be used to fold any box within a set of boxes. The width of this set of boxes is within the range of box widths from the minimum box width to the maximum box width, and the length of this set of boxes is within the range of box lengths from the minimum box length to the maximum box length. In the depicted embodiment, the width 36b of the small box 10b is equal to the minimum box width within the range of box widths for system 100, and the length 34b of the small box 10b is equal to the minimum box length within the range of box lengths for system 100.

[0057] Figure 10A and 10B Perspective and side views are depicted for a first example of the method by which system 100 folds the small box 10b. In the first example, the small box 10b is positioned vertically below frame 180 on elevator 182. In some embodiments, the small box 10b may have been brought to this position by a conveyor. For example, the small box 10b may already be on a conveyor belt, which moves the small box 10b horizontally until it is above elevator 182. Figure 10A and 10B The location shown.

[0058] Figure 11A and 11BPerspective and side views are depicted for a second example of the method by which system 100 folds the small box 10b. From the first example to the second example, the elevator 182 has moved the small box 10b from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. When the small box 10b is in the first vertical position, it is located between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, and the horizontal notch 18 on the small box 10b is below the bottom surface 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the small box 10b is in the first vertical position, it is located between the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. The first and second side pushers 60a and 60b are positioned relative to the small box 10b such that the first side pusher 60a is above the horizontal notch 18a and aligned between the oblique notches 22a and 22c on the upper part 24a of the side wall 14a, and the second side pusher 60b is above the horizontal notch 18b and aligned between the oblique notches 22b and 22d on the upper part 24b of the side wall 14b. The small box 10b is also located between guides 184, which are capable of adjusting the position of the small box 10b on the elevator 182 when the small box 10b is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator 182.

[0059] Figure 12A and 12B Perspective and side views are depicted for a third example of the method by which system 100 folds the small box 10b. From the second to the third example, the elevator 182 continues to hold the small box 10b in a first vertical position while the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b move toward each other. As the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b move toward each other, the engagement surface 62 of the first side pusher 60a contacts the upper portion 24a of the side wall 14a, and the engagement surface 62 of the second side pusher 60b contacts the upper portion 24b of the side wall 14a.

[0060] The force applied to the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b by the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b causes the upper portions 24a and 24b to fold inward around the horizontal notches 18a and 18b. Because the upper portion 24a of the sidewall 14a is connected to the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b, the inward folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b causes the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b to begin folding inward around the horizontal notches 18c and 18d. Additionally, the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b also fold around the oblique notch 22 to accommodate the corresponding folding of the upper portions 24a and 24b of the sidewalls 14a and 14b and the upper portions 26a and 26b of the endwalls 16a and 16b.

[0061] Figure 13A and13B Perspective and side views are depicted for a fourth embodiment of the method of folding the small box 10b by system 100. From the third to the fourth embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have moved inward toward each other until they have contacted the end walls 16a and 16b of the small box 10b. In the depicted embodiment, the rounded edges 46 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have contacted the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In other embodiments, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may initially contact the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b.

[0062] As described above, the width 54 of each of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b is equal to or greater than the maximum width of a set of boxes that can be folded by the system 100. If the small box 10b is positioned relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b such that the end walls 16a and 16b are centered relative to the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will contact the end walls 16a and 16b across their widths. When the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the end walls 16a and 16b across their widths, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b will not scratch or otherwise damage the end walls 16a and 16b, and the folding of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b relative to the end walls 16a and 16b will not be skewed.

[0063] Figure 14A and 14B Perspective and side views are depicted, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of the method of folding the small box 10b by system 100. From the fourth to the fifth embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward toward each other to further fold downward the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have been moved inward to a point where the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact each other and do not contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. In other embodiments, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b may be moved inward until the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact each other and / or the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b contact the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0064] As in Figure 14BAs can be seen, the angles of the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, and the angles of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b, are arranged to avoid contact between the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b and the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b. Specifically, the tilt angle 78 of the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b is greater than or equal to the non-perpendicular angle 50 between the bottom surface 42 of the end pusher 40 and the angled surface 44. Thus, the angled surfaces 44 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b do not contact the sides 68 of the first and second side pushers 60a and 60b.

[0065] exist Figure 14A and 14B In the fifth example shown, the elevator 182 continues to hold the small box 10b in the first vertical position. In the first vertical position, the horizontal notch 18 of the small box 10b is located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. Because the horizontal notch 18 of the small box 10b is located below the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, the upper portions 26a and 26b of the end walls 16a and 16b are not folded to a completely horizontal position after the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b have moved inward.

[0066] Figure 15A and 15B Perspective and side views are depicted for a sixth embodiment of the method of folding the small box 10b by system 100. From the fifth to the sixth embodiment, the elevator 182 has raised the small box 10b from a first vertical position to a second vertical position, where the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b contact the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b. In the depicted embodiment, when the small box 10b is in the second vertical position, the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b are substantially horizontal, and the upper portions 26a and 26b of end walls 16a and 16b contact the bottom surfaces 42 of the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b.

[0067] The small box 10b has been folded to... Figure 15A and 15B After reaching the indicated position, system 100 can release the small box 10b. For example, the first and second end pushers 40a and 40b, as well as the side pushers, can be retracted, and the elevator 182 can be lowered to... Figure 10A and 10BThe initial positions of these boxes are shown. In some embodiments, prior to the folding process, the small box 10b may have an adhesive applied thereto, such that after the system 100 releases the small box 10b, the small box 10b will be held in place. Figure 15A and 15B The folding configuration is shown. For example, adhesive can be applied to the area of ​​the upper part 24a of the side wall 14a outside the oblique notches 22a and 22c, and adhesive can be applied to the area of ​​the upper part 24b of the side wall 14b outside the oblique notches 22b and 22d. When the small box 10b is folded to... Figure 15A and 15B When in the position shown, the adhesive on those portions of the sidewalls 14a and 14b will adhere to the area within the oblique notch 22 of the upper portions 24a and 24b to hold the small box 10b in the folded position.

[0068] In some embodiments, system 100 may include a controller configured to control various elements within system 100. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of system 100 is depicted. System 100 includes a controller 186 configured to control elements within system 100. In some embodiments, controller 186 may be any type of computing device. In the depicted embodiment, controller 186 is communicatively coupled to each of actuators 41a, 41b, 61, and 183. Actuators 41a, 41b, 61, and 183 may include any type of actuator, such as an electric actuator (e.g., a solenoid), a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or any other type of actuator.

[0069] Actuator 41a is coupled to a first end actuator 40a and configured to move the first end actuator 40a toward and away from the second end actuator 40b. Controller 186 is configured to move the first end actuator 40a by sending a signal to actuator 41a to move the first end actuator 40a. Actuator 41b is coupled to the second end actuator 40b and configured to move the second end actuator 40b toward and away from the first end actuator 40a. Controller 186 is configured to move the second end actuator 40b by sending a signal to actuator 41b to move the second end actuator 40b. Although the depicted embodiment has two actuators 41a and 41b that individually control the positions of the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b, it will be apparent that system 100 may include a single actuator that controls the positions of both the first and second end actuators 40a and 40b.

[0070] Actuator 61 is coupled to first and second side actuators 60a and 60b. Actuator 61 is configured to move the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b toward and away from each other. Controller 186 is configured to move the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b by sending a signal to actuator 61 to move the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b. Although the depicted embodiment has one actuator 61 controlling the position of both the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b, it will be apparent that system 100 may include two separate actuators that individually control the position of the first and second side actuators 60a and 60b.

[0071] Actuator 183 is coupled to lift 182. Actuator 183 is configured to move lift 182 vertically up and down. Controller 186 is configured to move lift 182 by sending a signal to actuator 183, thereby moving lift 182.

[0072] In practice, controller 186 can enable system 100 to fold the boxes, such as by performing the folding of large box 10a and small box 10b described above, by sending signals to actuators 41a, 41b, 61, and 183. System 100 may include additional actuators to which the controller is communicatively coupled to control other elements in system 100. For example, system 100 may include one or more actuators coupled to frame 180 to move guides to appropriate positions based on the size of the box to be folded. Additionally, system 100 may include sensors communicatively coupled to controller 186 to provide information to controller 186 for controlling the system. For example, system 100 may include one or more sensors configured to determine the dimensions of the box (e.g., box length and box width) and provide an indication of the box dimensions to controller 186. Thus, by receiving information that enables control of system 100 and the actuators that control the elements of system 100 to fold the boxes, the controller can fully automate the box-folding process.

[0073] Figure 17Example embodiments of system 210 are depicted, which can be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein. In the depicted embodiments, system 210 includes computing devices 2201, 2202, 2203, and 2204 (collectively referred to as computing device 220). In the depicted embodiments, computing device 2201 is a tablet computer, computing device 2202 is a mobile phone, computing device 2203 is a desktop computer, and computing device 2204 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments, computing device 220 includes a desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet computer, phablet, laptop computer, distributed system, game console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Wii), watch, glasses, keychain, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, headset, scanner, television, dongle, camera, wristband, wearable item, kiosk, input terminal, server, server network, blade server, gateway, switch, processing device, processing entity, set-top box, repeater, router, network access point, base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof.

[0074] Computing device 220 is communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 230 and 232. Each of networks 230 and 232 may include one or more wired or wireless networks (e.g., 3G network, Internet, intranet, private network, secure network). Computing device 220 is capable of communicating with each other and / or with any other computing device via one or more wired or wireless networks. Although Figure 17 The specific system 210 depicts a computing device 220 communicatively coupled via a network 230, comprising four computing devices, but any number of computing devices can be communicatively coupled via the network 230.

[0075] In the depicted embodiments, computing device 2203 is communicatively coupled to peripheral device 240 via network 232. In the depicted embodiments, peripheral device 240 is a scanner, such as a barcode scanner, optical scanner, computer vision device, etc. In some embodiments, network 232 is a wired network (e.g., a direct wired connection between peripheral device 240 and computing device 2203), a wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection), or a combination of wired and wireless networks (e.g., a Bluetooth connection between peripheral device 240 and its dock, and a wired connection between peripheral device 240 and computing device 2203). In some embodiments, peripheral device 240 itself is a computing device (sometimes referred to as a "smart" device). In other embodiments, peripheral device 240 is not a computing device (sometimes referred to as a "dumb" device).

[0076] Figure 18 The diagram depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of computing device 300. Any computing device 220 and / or any other computing device described herein may include some or all of the components and features of computing device 300. In some embodiments, computing device 300 is a desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet computer, phablet, laptop computer, distributed system, game console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Wii), watch, glasses, keychain, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, headset, scanner, television, dongle, camera, wristband, wearable item, kiosk, input terminal, server, server network, blade server, gateway, switch, processing device, processing entity, set-top box, repeater, router, network access point, base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. Such functions, operations, and / or processes may include, for example, sending, receiving, operating, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating / generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing, and / or similar terms used herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations, and / or processes may be performed on data, content, information, and / or similar terms used herein.

[0077] In the depicted embodiment, computing device 300 includes processing element 305, memory 310, user interface 315, and communication interface 320. Processing element 305, memory 310, user interface 315, and communication interface 320 are capable of communicating via communication bus 325 by reading data from and / or writing data to communication bus 325. Computing device 300 may include other components capable of communicating via communication bus 325. In other embodiments, the computing device does not include communication bus 325, and components of computing device 300 are capable of communicating with each other in some other manner.

[0078] Processing element 305 (also referred to as one or more processors, processing circuitry, and / or similar terms as used herein) is capable of performing operations on some external data source. For example, the processing element may perform operations on data in memory 310, data received via user interface 315, and / or data received via communication interface 320. As will be understood, processing element 305 may be implemented in a variety of different ways. In some embodiments, processing element 305 includes one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, multi-core processors, coprocessor entities, application-specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, controllers, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, any other circuitry, or any combination thereof. The term "circuitry" may refer to a completely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In some embodiments, processing element 305 is configured for a particular purpose or is configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or non-volatile media or accessible to processing element 305. In this way, whether configured by hardware or computer program products, or by a combination thereof, the processing element 305 can perform steps or operations when configured accordingly.

[0079] The memory 310 in the computing device 300 is configured to store data, computer-executable instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, the memory 310 includes volatile memory (also referred to as volatile storage device, volatile medium, volatile memory circuit, etc.), non-volatile memory (also referred to as non-volatile storage device, non-volatile medium, non-volatile memory circuit, etc.), or some combination thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, volatile memory includes one or more of the following: random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data output dynamic random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), double data rate type 2 synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), dual transistor RAM (TTRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), zero capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus through-hole memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory (VRAM), cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, any other memory that requires power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, non-volatile memory includes one or more of the following: hard disk, floppy disk, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)), solid-state card (SSC), solid-state module (SSM), enterprise flash drive, magnetic tape, any other non-transitory magnetic media, optical disc read-only memory (CD). ROM), rewritable optical disc (CD-RW), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitory optical media, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., serial, NAND, NOR and / or similar memory), multimedia memory card (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory card, memory stick, conductive bridged random access memory (CBRAM), phase change random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random access memory (RRAM), silicon oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory (FJGRAM), millipede memory, racetrack memory, or any other memory that can store information without a power source, or any combination thereof.

[0082] In some embodiments, memory 310 may store one or more of the following: database, database instance, database management system, data, application, program, program module, script, source code, object code, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, or any other information. As used herein, the terms database, database instance, database management system, and / or similar terms may refer to a collection of records or data stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as hierarchical database models, network models, relational models, entity-relationship models, object models, document models, semantic models, graphical models, or any other models.

[0083] The user interface 315 of the computing device 300 communicates with one or more input or output devices capable of receiving input from and / or outputting any output to the computing device 300. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen display, touchpad, motion input device, mobile input device, audio input, pointing device input, joystick input, keypad input, peripheral device 240, foot switch, etc. Examples of output devices include audio output device, video output, display device, motion output device, mobile output device, printing device, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface 315 includes hardware configured to communicate with one or more input and / or output devices via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0084] The communication interface 320 is capable of communicating with various computing devices and / or networks. In some embodiments, the communication interface 320 is capable of transmitting data, content, and / or any other information, which can be sent, received, manipulated, processed, displayed, stored, etc. Communication via the communication interface 320 can be performed using wired data transmission protocols, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, Cable Data Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, communication via communication interface 320 can be performed using wireless data transmission protocols such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolved Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), WiFiDirect, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, or any other wireless protocol.

[0085] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, one or more components of computing device 300 may be located remotely from other components of computing device 300, such as in a distributed system. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined, and additional components performing the functions described herein may be included in computing device 300. Therefore, computing device 300 can be adapted to various needs and environments. The architectures and descriptions depicted and described are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to the various embodiments described herein.

[0086] The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways, including as a computer program product containing an article of art. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing application programs, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions and / or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, computer program product, program code and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein). Such non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

[0087] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein can also be implemented as methods, devices, systems, computing devices, etc. Thus, the embodiments described herein can take the form of devices, systems, computing devices, etc., that execute instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. Therefore, the embodiments described herein can be implemented entirely in hardware, entirely in a computer program product, or in embodiments that include a combination of a computer program product and hardware performing certain steps or operations.

[0088] The embodiments described herein can be implemented with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts. Therefore, it should be understood that the blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts can be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in a completely hardware embodiment, in a combination of hardware and a computer program product, or in a device, system, computing device, etc., that implements instructions, operations, or steps. Such instructions, operations, or steps can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium for execution by processing elements in a computing device. For example, code retrieval, loading, and execution can be performed sequentially, such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some exemplary embodiments, retrieval, loading, and / or execution can be performed in parallel, such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Therefore, such embodiments can produce machines specifically configured to perform the steps or operations specified in the block diagrams and flowcharts. Thus, the block diagrams and flowcharts support various combinations of embodiments for performing specified instructions, operations, or steps.

[0089] For the purposes of this disclosure, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inward,” “outward,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” and “back” should be interpreted as descriptive and not as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof throughout this document is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “connection,” “coupling,” and “installation,” and variations thereof, are used extensively herein and cover both direct and indirect connections, couplings, and installations. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” etc., are used to mean within 5% of the target value.

[0090] The principles, representative embodiments, and operating modes of this disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects intended to be protected by this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be made and equivalents can be adopted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, all such variations, modifications, and equivalents clearly fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A system for folding any one of a plurality of boxes, wherein, The width of the plurality of boxes is within a range from the minimum box width to the maximum box width, and the system includes: An elevator is configured to vertically move a box from the plurality of boxes, the box having two side walls, two end walls, a horizontal notch on each of the two side walls and the two end walls, and two oblique notches on each of the two side walls above the horizontal notch; A first end effector having a first bottom surface, a first angled surface, and a first rounded edge between the first bottom surface and the first angled surface; and The second end pusher has a second bottom surface, a second angled surface, and a second rounded edge between the second bottom surface and the second angled surface; The first and second end pushers are arranged such that the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially horizontal, and the first and second angled surfaces are oriented toward each other, wherein the advancing angle between the first angled surface and the plane of the first bottom surface along the direction of the second end pusher is less than 90 degrees, and wherein the advancing angle between the second angled surface and the plane of the second bottom surface along the direction of the first end pusher is less than 90 degrees. Wherein, the width of each of the first and second end pushers is greater than or equal to the maximum box width of the box width range; The elevator is configured to lift the box to a first vertical position, at which point the box is positioned between the first and second end pushers, and a horizontal notch on the box is lower than the first and second bottom surfaces; and When the elevator holds the box in a first vertical position, the first and second end pushers are configured to move toward each other to contact the upper part of the end wall above the horizontal notch and across the width of the end wall to fold the upper part of the end wall inward.

2. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein when the elevator holds the box in a first vertical position and the first and second end pushers move toward each other, the first and second angled surfaces of the first and second rounded edges of the first and second end pushers contact the upper portion of the end wall.

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first and second end pushers are configured to move toward each other to a point where the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper portion of the end wall.

4. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, After the first and second bottom surfaces are positioned above the upper portion of the end wall, the elevator is configured to lift the box from the first vertical position to a second vertical position, in which the upper portion of the end wall contacts the first and second bottom surfaces.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A first side pusher has a first base, a first top, and a first engagement surface, wherein the first base is wider than the first top, and wherein the engagement angle of the first engagement surface is less than 90 degrees; and The second side pusher has a second base, a second top, and a second engagement surface, wherein the second base is wider than the second top, and wherein the engagement angle of the second engagement surface is less than 90 degrees.

6. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first and second side pushers are arranged such that when the elevator holds the box in a first vertical position, the box is located between the first and second side pushers.

7. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, When the elevator holds the box in the first vertical position, the first and second side pushers are configured to move inward such that the first and second mating surfaces contact the upper part of the side wall of the box.

8. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first and second engagement surfaces of the first and second side pushers are arranged to contact the upper part of the sidewall before the first and second end pushers contact the upper part of the endwall.

9. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein, The first and second side pushers are arranged such that the first and second mating surfaces contact the upper part of the box sidewall between two oblique grooves on each upper part of the box sidewall.

10. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, The engagement angle between the first engagement surface and the plane of the first base is in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees, and wherein the engagement angle between the second engagement surface and the plane of the second base is in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The angle of advance of the plane of the first angled surface and the plane of the first bottom surface along the direction of the second end pusher is in the range of 80 to 88 degrees, and wherein the angle of advance of the plane of the second angled surface and the plane of the second bottom surface along the direction of the first end pusher is in the range of 80 to 88 degrees.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The controller is configured to: The elevator lifts the box to the first vertical position, and The first and second end pushers are moved toward each other to contact the upper part of the end wall above the horizontal notch.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: One or more actuators communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move the first and second end actuators, wherein the controller is configured to move the first and second end actuators by sending signals to the one or more actuators to move the first and second end actuators.

14. The system according to the preceding claim, further comprising: One or more actuators communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move the elevator, wherein the controller is configured to cause the elevator to lift the box by sending signals to the one or more actuators to move the elevator.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The frame is configured to be arranged based on the size of the boxes.

16. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, The frame is configured to be arranged based on the size of the box before the box is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator.

17. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein, The frame includes one or more guides configured to guide the box to a position relative to the first and second end pushers when the box is lifted to the first vertical position by the elevator.

18. A method performed using the system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Receive boxes with widths within the box width range; The box is lifted to a first vertical position by a lift, at which the box is located between the first and second end pushers, and the horizontal groove on the box is lower than the first and second bottom surfaces; and The end pushers are moved toward each other such that the first and second end pushers contact the upper part of the end wall above the horizontal notch and across the width of the end wall to fold the upper part of the end wall inward.

19. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: After the first and second bottom surfaces are located above the upper part of the end wall, the box is lifted from the first vertical position to the second vertical position by the elevator, at which the upper part of the end wall contacts the first and second bottom surfaces.

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