EP4577459B1 - Procede d'emballage d'au moins un article d'une commande, systemes d'emballage pour emballer au moins un article et systeme de stockage - Google Patents

Procede d'emballage d'au moins un article d'une commande, systemes d'emballage pour emballer au moins un article et systeme de stockage

Info

Publication number
EP4577459B1
EP4577459B1 EP24707142.6A EP24707142A EP4577459B1 EP 4577459 B1 EP4577459 B1 EP 4577459B1 EP 24707142 A EP24707142 A EP 24707142A EP 4577459 B1 EP4577459 B1 EP 4577459B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging
item
items
area
provision area
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP24707142.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4577459A1 (fr
EP4577459C0 (fr
Inventor
Ruppert Koch
Leopold Meirer
Maximilian DHOM
Dieter BÜCHL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Advastore Se
Original Assignee
Advastore Se
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advastore Se filed Critical Advastore Se
Publication of EP4577459A1 publication Critical patent/EP4577459A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4577459B1 publication Critical patent/EP4577459B1/fr
Publication of EP4577459C0 publication Critical patent/EP4577459C0/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/24—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/105—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/12—Introducing successive articles, e.g. confectionery products, of different shape or size in predetermined positions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B57/16—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to stop, or to control the speed of, the machine as a whole
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/001—Arrangements to enable adjustments related to the product to be packaged
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/02—Arrangements to enable adjustments to be made while the machine is running
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/04—Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
    • B65B2210/04—Customised on demand packaging by determining a specific characteristic, e.g. shape or height, of articles or material to be packaged and selecting, creating or adapting a packaging accordingly, e.g. making a carton starting from web material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2220/00—Specific aspects of the packaging operation
    • B65B2220/14—Adding more than one type of material or article to the same package

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for packaging at least one item of an order, a packaging system for packaging at least one item and a storage system.
  • the US 5406770 A shows a packaging device for items of any size.
  • KR 102 441 409 B1 shows a product handling system that can inspect items and place them on a transport tray after inspection.
  • the EP 4 035 843 A1 shows a method for packaging parts using a handling robot.
  • the FR 259 927 A1 shows a gripper head that can handle goods.
  • the US 2016/340067 A shows a packing station that has a packing device.
  • a method for packaging at least one item of an order preferably comprises placing the at least one item onto an item staging area. Furthermore, the method preferably comprises receiving product information about the at least one item of the order, wherein the product information includes at least one characteristic of the at least one item of the order. The method also preferably comprises providing packaging for the at least one item of the order based on the product information, and transferring the at least one item of the order from the item staging area into the packaging based on the product information.
  • the present invention offers the advantage that the items are not randomly transferred into the packaging, but rather transferred based on product information that can describe the items.
  • This can be achieved using the item staging area where the items for an order are made available. More precisely, the transfer of the items from the item staging area can be...
  • the packaging process only begins once all items in an order are arranged on the item staging area. This allows, for example, the selection of the most robust item, which can be placed at the bottom of the packaging.
  • This enables the items to be individually positioned in the packaging based on their product information. For instance, other product characteristics can also be taken into account, and the items can be fed into the packaging accordingly. This allows for the individualized feeding of items into the packaging.
  • the present invention makes it possible to introduce different goods or items into a single package. In other words, a method for packaging at least two different items can be provided. It is particularly advantageous that the product information is considered in order to accommodate the individual characteristics of the items.
  • An order can, for example, be an order from an end customer. Such an order can consist of one or more items. For instance, it is common practice today to order a wide variety of different items from an online retailer. Nevertheless, an order can also comprise only a single item. An item can be a product intended for the end customer. In other words, the items can include typical household goods. Accordingly, an order can include typical household quantities of the same or different items. "Making at least one item available on the item staging area" can be understood as placing the item on the staging area. For example, an item can be retrieved from a warehouse and transported to the staging area by a material handling device or a transport system (e.g., a shuttle) and placed there.
  • a material handling device or a transport system e.g., a shuttle
  • the product information can, for example, be digital data that includes at least one attribute of the item placed on the staging area.
  • the product information does not necessarily have to be recorded when making at least one item available on the staging area, but can, for example, be recorded elsewhere.
  • the information is retrieved (i.e., received) from a database. Therefore, it is not necessary to use analytical tools when retrieving at least one item. In particular, it is not necessary to scan, analyze, or identify an item retrieved from a storage system between its storage location and its retrieval position on the item retrieval area.
  • the packaging can be, for example, a cardboard box or other outer packaging in which items are typically shipped. Depending on the number and/or type of items in an order, the packaging can be provided based on the product information.
  • packaging for particularly fragile items can offer greater protection than for robust items.
  • the packaging can be larger for a large number of items in an order and correspondingly smaller for a small number of items.
  • the packaging size can be individually tailored to each order. This ensures that packaging with optimal size and/or properties is provided to suit the items in the order.
  • the relocation of at least one item from the item retrieval area to the packaging can then also be carried out based on the product information.
  • particularly fragile items can be stored in the packaging in such a way as to prevent damage during transport.
  • the handling process itself can be individually tailored to each item. Some items are easy to handle, while others require a specific method. For example, when using a suction gripper, some items may require a lower vacuum than others.
  • Excessive vacuum can damage particularly fragile items.
  • the vacuum applied must be precisely the right amount to prevent damage. This allows for particularly gentle handling of the items.
  • the suction gripper is just one example; other handling systems are conceivable where the handling is adjusted based on product information. This can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the gripping pressure of a mechanical gripping device based on the product information.
  • the repositioning process can thus involve individually packing each item of an order into its packaging. This provides a method for both the automated packing of items within an order and their damage-free shipping. Furthermore, the process prevents incompatible items from being placed together in the same package. Overall, this provides an efficient method for packing items within an order.
  • At least one item of an order is transported from a storage system to the item staging area.
  • the ordered items can be retrieved from a storage system and transported to the item staging area.
  • the order can comprise a single item or a multitude of items. In the case of a multiple order, the items can be transported to the item staging area individually or together.
  • a single delivery to the item staging area is possible because all items of an order are collected at the item staging area before being moved into packaging. This allows the sequence in which the items are moved into packaging to be determined solely based on the product information.
  • the items of an order can be transported directly from the storage system to the item staging area. "Directly" in this context means that no intermediate item recognition or identification takes place.
  • the product information is determined before the items are stored in the storage system, so that after items are retrieved from the storage system, no re-identification or recognition of the items is necessary to determine the associated product information.
  • an order can be sent directly to the item staging area after retrieval from the storage system (i.e., without intermediate handling devices). This allows for faster order packing, thereby reducing overall delivery times. Furthermore, it can increase the overall handling capacity of a warehouse system.
  • At least one item is fed to the item staging area by means of a shuttle and, in particular, placed on the item staging area by a transport device of the shuttle.
  • the shuttle also referred to as a storage and retrieval machine
  • the shuttle can be designed to transport items or goods back and forth. In other words, a single item can be individually picked up and placed down by the shuttle.
  • the shuttle can move along a track section.
  • the shuttle can therefore be designed to individually transport items in their smallest packaging unit. In other words, no transport box or similar is necessary for the shuttle to transport an item.
  • the shuttle can have a transport device designed to move the item to be picked up by the shuttle onto a transport surface of the shuttle.
  • the transport device can also be designed to move an item located on the transport surface of the shuttle from the shuttle to a target position. Therefore, no external transport or gripping devices are needed to load or unload the shuttle. This allows the shuttle to autonomously enter a storage system, pick up an item from an order, transport it to the staging area, and unload it there independently. This minimizes the required equipment.
  • the product information is determined before the at least one item is stored.
  • the product information can be determined before the goods are placed in the storage system, so that when the goods are retrieved from the storage system (i.e., when the items are transported to the staging area), no further determination of the product information is necessary.
  • the item staging area is a table-like structure on which the at least one item can be passively held.
  • the item staging area can have a surface on which the at least one item can be placed.
  • Passive in this case means that the items remain on the item staging area independently, without the need for any other devices.
  • the item staging area is a rigid structure that is not easily movable relative to the surface on which it stands. This allows for a particularly simple design of the item staging area, thereby saving costs.
  • the product information includes fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface finish, porosity, sensitivity, potential hazards posed by the item, refrigeration requirements, incompatibilities, state of matter, shelf life, and/or serial number of at least one item.
  • the product information can also include batch numbers and/or manufacturing batch numbers. This facilitates, for example, the easy implementation of a recall of specific items.
  • the product information can reflect a wide variety of different item properties. This allows the item to be processed optimally to ensure that it can be handled and transported as required without damage. For example, the fragility of the items might mean that heavy objects must not be placed on them.
  • the load-bearing capacity of an item can define the maximum weight a particular item can support.
  • the dimensional stability of an item defines its resistance to unintended deformation.
  • Surface texture defines its porosity, wrinkles, or unevenness. This is important, for example, for processing the item with a suction gripper. Based on this, the optimal vacuum level for gripping the item can be determined. Furthermore, it can be determined how and where the suction gripper should contact the item to ensure a secure hold.
  • the sensitivity of an item generally defines the environment in which it can be located without sustaining damage. Conversely, hazards emanating from the item define potential risks to other items in the vicinity. For example, it may be necessary to transport items at a specific distance from one another.
  • the cooling requirements of an item define the climatic environment in which it can remain, and for how long, without sustaining damage.
  • Incompatibilities can include, for example, an intolerance to magnetic fields. This ensures that, for instance, electrical devices are not damaged.
  • a physical state primarily indicates whether the item is a solid or a liquid. Based on this, the further processing of the item can be adjusted.
  • a product's shelf life indicates how long it can be stored. This can be important if, for example, the item is to be shipped for an extended period. Odor information indicates whether or not the item emits unpleasant odors. This can be crucial in determining where and with which other items the specific item is transported. Overall, the product information allows for a customized description of the items to ensure optimal processing.
  • At least one item is brought to the item staging area without outer packaging and/or transport aids.
  • the minimum quantity of an item must be provided in its smallest possible packaging. This eliminates the need for additional transport aids such as transport boxes or containers, and allows the item to be used as delivered by the manufacturer. This simplifies the entire process. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to return empty transport containers to a starting point. Additionally, packaging the items in this way avoids unnecessary outer packaging that would otherwise consume storage space.
  • the packaging is positioned relative to the item staging area, a position that depends on the product information.
  • the packaging into which the at least one item of an order is to be placed is positioned spatially relative to the item staging area.
  • the packaging is arranged on a packaging staging area.
  • the packaging is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the item staging area. This ensures that the items of an order only need to be moved a minimal distance to reach the packaging.
  • the relative position can depend on the product information of the at least one item of an order. For example, a very large order (i.e., a large number of items to be assigned to an order) may require a very large package.
  • this package e.g., the base of the package
  • this package must be positioned at a greater distance from the item staging area compared to a case where only a small package is required, into which, for example, only one item is to be placed.
  • the staging position i.e., the relative position
  • the distance traveled between the item staging area and the packaging can be minimized. This can increase packaging efficiency.
  • the relative position is varied while at least one item is being moved into the packaging.
  • This allows the packaging to be moved relative to the item staging area during the transfer of an item.
  • the bottom of the packaging can be positioned so that it is essentially at the same vertical height (i.e., in the direction of gravity) as the item staging area.
  • the packaging can be lowered in the direction of gravity to minimize the transfer path required for a subsequent item to be placed inside. This ensures that the minimum possible transfer path between the item staging area and the packaging is always maintained.
  • the packaging is positioned at a different height relative to the product placement area.
  • one end of the packaging is located below the product placement area relative to the product placement area. This ensures a starting position where the products have to be moved only a short distance from the placement area into the packaging.
  • the packaging is placed directly adjacent to the product staging area. This also reduces walking distances. Furthermore, the space required for the packaging system can be minimized.
  • At least one item is moved from the item staging area into the packaging by means of a gripping device.
  • the item can be gripped from the item staging area, moved into the packaging, and placed there.
  • the gripping device can be an automated robot arm controlled by a control unit.
  • the gripping device can be designed to move only one item at a time from the item staging area into the packaging.
  • the gripping device is controlled based on product information.
  • This product information can indicate how an item should be gripped and/or moved. For example, gripping operations must be carried out with particular care when handling especially delicate items (e.g., the gripping device should only be operated with low acceleration). Furthermore, it can be advantageous to move difficult-to-grip items very slowly to prevent them from unintentionally falling off the gripping device. Thus, by making the gripping device control dependent on product information, malfunctions or unintentional drops from the gripping device can be avoided.
  • the conveying level of at least one item differs from the conveying level of the packaging.
  • a conveying level can describe a vertical position in the direction of gravity.
  • the items and the packaging can be fed at different heights in the direction of gravity. This allows for a particularly compact packaging system, as items and packaging can be transported above or below each other.
  • a packaging system for packaging at least one article.
  • the packaging system preferably comprises an article staging area for staging at least one article, and a packaging staging area for staging.
  • a packaging system comprises a product feeder for supplying at least one product to the product staging area, a packaging feeder for supplying packaging to the packaging staging area, a gripping device configured to move at least one product staging on the product staging area into packaging staging on the packaging staging area, and a control unit configured to control the gripping device based on product information of the at least one product.
  • the packaging system can be a device configured to pack products of an order into packaging.
  • the packaging can be, for example, a box, a carton, a shipping bag, or other types of packaging.
  • the product staging area can be a rigid body configured to place products or goods on it.
  • the product staging area is a substantially rectangular, flat surface that is fixed in position relative to a substrate on which it rests.
  • a packaging staging area can be a device on which packaging can be placed.
  • the packaging staging area is smaller than the item staging area (e.g., in terms of its surface area).
  • the item conveying device can be a shuttle system, as described above.
  • the packaging conveying device can be a device capable of transporting packaging.
  • the packaging conveying device can be designed to create packaging. For example, cartons can be provided in an unfolded state, with the packaging conveying device capable of folding the unfolded cartons to form packaging for receiving items. This packaging can then be delivered to the packaging staging area.
  • the gripping device can be a device designed to individually grip items from the item staging area and transfer them into packaging arranged on the packaging staging area.
  • the control unit can be a computer-like device designed to receive and process input data and output data.
  • the output data can, for example, include...
  • the control unit includes commands for various devices within the packaging system.
  • it may have a memory unit where, for example, product information can be stored.
  • the material handling device comprises a rail system that runs at least partially along the material staging area.
  • the rail system can be designed to allow a shuttle to move along it.
  • the rail system runs at least partially along a plurality of material staging areas.
  • different shuttles can travel on the rail system and deposit a transported item at a desired material staging area. This allows for a particularly high throughput of the packaging system.
  • the rail system is directly adjacent to the material staging area, so that items can be easily transferred from a shuttle to the material staging area.
  • the material handling device includes a shuttle that can travel on a rail system. This allows items to be individually fed to the material staging area.
  • the shuttle is designed to transport items from a storage system to the packaging system and deposit them on the item staging area.
  • the shuttle can independently pick up and place the items using a transport device.
  • the items can be fed directly from the storage system to the packaging system without any intermediate processing stations.
  • the packaging system further comprises a magazine for storing a variety of different adapters for the gripping device, wherein the control unit is configured to determine an adapter based on the product information.
  • the magazine can be a storage device in which various gripping adapters for the gripping device are stored. are.
  • the adapters are stored in the magazine in such a way that the gripping device can change them independently.
  • the packaging staging area is designed to be movable between a packaging receiving position and a loading position, with the packaging receiving position and the loading position differing in their positioning in the direction of gravity.
  • the packaging staging area can be designed to be movable.
  • the packaging receiving position the packaging staging area can receive a package from the packaging conveying device. Once the package is on the packaging staging area, it can be moved in the direction of gravity to assume a position in which the gripping device has to travel the shortest distance when transferring an item from the item staging area into the package. This position can be referred to as the loading position.
  • the loading position can change during the loading of the package to always provide the shortest possible distance for the gripping device between the item staging area and the package.
  • the direction of gravity can also be referred to as the direction of gravity.
  • the gripping device is a suction gripping device.
  • the item can be held to an adapter, such as a suction cup, by means of a vacuum.
  • the suction gripping device is designed to grip at least one item based on the product information.
  • different items can have different requirements for a gripping process. These requirements can be met through the product information.
  • the packaging conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt. This allows the packaging to be fed to the packaging staging area in a simple manner.
  • the packaging conveyor and the product conveyor are arranged at different height levels in the direction of gravity. This allows product feeding and packaging feeding to be implemented in a very small space.
  • the packaging conveyor and the product conveyor run perpendicular to each other.
  • the product conveyor and the packaging conveyor run perpendicular to each other.
  • the packaging system has a portal-like structure, with the gripping device positioned so that it can grasp the products from above in the direction of gravity.
  • the packaging system can be constructed analogously to a gantry crane.
  • the packaging system can have a rectangular shape.
  • the gripping device can, for example, be movable in a first direction on a movable arm.
  • the gripping device can be movable in a second direction on the first arm by means of a movable carriage.
  • An extension mechanism allows the gripping device to be movable in a third direction (i.e., in the direction of gravity). This allows the gripping device to reach any position within the packaging system.
  • a plurality of item staging areas and a plurality of packaging staging areas are provided, with each packaging staging area being assigned to one item staging area, and a gripping device being arranged and designed such that it can serve the plurality of item staging areas and packaging staging areas.
  • a gripping device being arranged and designed such that it can serve the plurality of item staging areas and packaging staging areas.
  • only one gripping device can be provided. to serve a large number of packaging preparation areas. This allows for the provision of an efficient packaging system.
  • a storage system comprising a storage area for storing items, a material handling device for storing and retrieving the items into and out of the storage area, and a packaging system according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the material handling device is configured to supply items from the storage area to the item staging area of the packaging system.
  • the items retrieved from the storage area are supplied directly to the packaging system without the need for item recognition and/or identification.
  • the product information of at least one item is determined by a product information determination unit before it is stored in the storage area. This eliminates the need to re-identify or recognize the item after it has been retrieved in order to obtain product information.
  • a computer program with program code which, when executed on a computing unit, performs the above-mentioned method.
  • the computer program can be in any type of code, particularly code suitable for controlling logistics systems.
  • the invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program as defined above.
  • the computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD.
  • the computer program does not need to be stored on such a computer-readable medium to be made available to a customer, but can also be obtained via the internet.
  • FIG. 1 shows a packaging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the packaging system 10 has a portal-like structure and extends essentially in a first direction R1, a second direction R2, and a third direction R3. The three directions are orthogonal to each other.
  • the packaging system 10 has a plurality of item staging areas 2. More precisely, the packaging system 10 of the present embodiment comprises six item staging areas 2. Furthermore, the packaging system 10 comprises four packaging staging areas 3.
  • the packaging staging areas 3 are designed to hold a package (in the (Fig. not shown). The packages are fed via a packaging conveyor (not shown in the Fig.).
  • the packaging system 10 has a gripping device 5, which is designed to transfer items from the item staging area 2 into a staging package on the packaging staging area 3.
  • the gripping device has a first arm 7, which can move in the first direction R1 across the packaging system 10. Furthermore, the gripping device 5 has a carriage 8, with which the gripping device can move in the second direction R2 across the packaging system 10. A second arm 9 allows the gripping device to move in the third direction R3. Thus, the gripping device 5 can reach any position in the packaging system 10.
  • the packaging system 10 has only a single gripping device 5. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a plurality of such packaging systems 10, as shown in Fig. 1 They are shown and can be arranged to increase the throughput of items.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the in Fig. 1 packaging system 10 shown. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 An article conveying device 4 is shown.
  • the article conveying device 4 is designed as a shuttle which is movable on a rail system.
  • the article conveyor 4 In the depicted situation, the article conveyor 4 is currently depositing an article 1 with a transport device 11 onto an article staging area 2. At this point, there is no packaging yet on the adjacent packaging staging area 3. This will only be added once all articles of an order are arranged on the article staging area 2.
  • the article conveyor 4 moves out of the packaging system 10 in the second direction R2 (see arrow in Fig. 2 This allows another article conveyor 4 to enter the packaging system 10 in the same direction and unload an article 1 at the same or a different article staging area 2. This significantly increases throughput.
  • FIG. 3 Figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a packaging system 10, as shown in the preceding figures.
  • Fig. 3 Four lines indicate different levels in the third direction R3 (i.e., in the direction of gravity).
  • the level defined by line 12 is the packaging feed level 12.
  • items are fed to the packaging staging areas 2 by the item feeder 4.
  • a packaging feed level 13 is located vertically below (i.e., in the third direction R3) the item feed level.
  • packages and items can be fed to their respective target positions at different levels.
  • the packaging system 10 to be designed to be particularly compact.
  • the figures show an adapter magazine 6, which stores a variety of different adapters for the gripping device 5.
  • the gripping device 5 can automatically move to the magazine and change adapters.
  • the control unit determines which adapter is correct for the upcoming gripping task based on the product information. This ensures that a successful gripping process can always be carried out.
  • FIG. 4 Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the sequence of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • step S1 at least one item is placed on an item staging area. In the present embodiment, this is accomplished by an item conveying device that automatically positions an item 1 on the item staging area 2.
  • step S2 product information for the at least one item is received. This product information is indicative of at least one property of the at least one item.
  • step S3 packaging for the at least one item is provided based on the product information. The packaging is selected to be optimally suited to the items provided in the order.
  • step S4 the at least one item is then transferred into the packaging. This is done based on product information, ensuring that items are placed into the packaging according to their properties, which are known from the product information.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Procédé d'emballage d'au moins un article (1) d'une commande, comprenant :
    - la mise à disposition dudit au moins un article (1) sur une surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2),
    - la réception d'informations de produit relatives audit au moins un article (1) de la commande, lesdites informations de produit comprenant au moins une caractéristique dudit au moins un article (1) de la commande,
    - la mise à disposition d'un emballage pour ledit au moins un article (1) de la commande sur la base des informations de produit, et
    - le transfert dudit au moins un article (1) de la commande depuis la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2) jusque dans l'emballage sur la base des informations de produit,
    caractérisé en ce que
    les informations de produit sont déterminées avant le stockage dudit au moins un article (1).
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1,
    dans lequel ledit au moins un article (1) est acheminé vers la zone de mise à disposition d'articles (2) au moyen d'une navette et est en particulier déposé sur la zone de mise à disposition d'articles (2) par un dispositif de transport (11) de la navette.
  3. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel les informations de produit comprennent une fragilité, une capacité de charge, une stabilité dimensionnelle, une texture de surface, une porosité, une sensibilité, des dangers potentiels émanant de l'article (1), un besoin de refroidissement, des incompatibilités, un état physique, une durée de conservation, des informations sur l'odeur et/ou un numéro de série dudit au moins un article (1).
  4. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel ledit au moins un article (1) est acheminé vers la zone de mise à disposition d'articles (2) sans emballage extérieur et/ou aide au transport.
  5. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel l'emballage est mis à disposition dans une position relative par rapport à la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2), qui dépend des informations de produit.
  6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel l'emballage est mis à disposition à une position en hauteur différente dans le sens de la gravité par rapport à la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2).
  7. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel un niveau de transport dudit au moins un article (1) diffère du niveau de transport de l'emballage.
  8. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    dans lequel l'emballage n'est mis à disposition que lorsque tous les articles (1) d'une commande sont mis à disposition sur la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2).
  9. Système d'emballage (10) pour emballer au moins un article (1), le système d'emballage (10) comprenant :
    - une surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2) pour mettre à disposition au moins un article (1),
    - une surface de mise à disposition d'emballages (3) pour mettre à disposition un emballage,
    - un dispositif de transport d'articles (4) pour acheminer ledit au moins un article (1) vers la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2),
    - un dispositif de transport d'emballages pour acheminer un emballage vers la surface de mise à disposition d'emballages (3),
    - un dispositif de préhension (5) conçu pour déplacer au moins un article, mis à disposition sur la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2), jusque dans un emballage mis à disposition sur la surface de mise à disposition d'emballages (3), et
    - une unité de commande qui est conçue pour commander le dispositif de préhension (5) sur la base d'informations de produit relatives audit au moins un article (1), les informations de produit étant déterminées avant le stockage dudit au moins un article (1).
  10. Système d'emballage (10) selon la revendication 9,
    comprenant en outre :
    un magasin (6) pour maintenir une pluralité d'adaptateurs différents pour le dispositif de préhension (5), l'unité de commande étant conçue pour déterminer un adaptateur sur la base des informations de produit.
  11. Système d'emballage (10) selon la revendication 9 ou 10,
    dans lequel la surface de mise à disposition d'emballage (3) est conçue pour être déplaçable entre une position de réception d'emballage et une position de chargement, la position de réception d'emballage et la position de chargement différant en termes de positionnement dans le sens de la gravité.
  12. Système d'emballage (10) selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11,
    dans lequel sont prévues une pluralité de surfaces de mise à disposition d'articles (2) et une pluralité de surfaces de mise à disposition d'emballages (3),
    une surface de mise à disposition d'emballages (3) respective est associée à une surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2) respective,
    un dispositif de préhension (5) est agencé et conçu de manière à pouvoir desservir la pluralité de surfaces de mise à disposition d'articles (2) et de surfaces de mise à disposition d'emballages (3).
  13. Système d'emballage (10) selon l'une des revendications 9 à 12,
    dans lequel le dispositif de transport d'articles (4) comprend une navette apte à être déplacée sur un système de rails.
  14. Système d'emballage (10) selon l'une des revendications 9 à 13,
    dans lequel la surface de mise à disposition d'emballages (3) est conçue pour pouvoir être déplacée entre une position de réception d'emballages et une position de chargement, la position de réception d'emballages et la position de chargement différant en termes de positionnement dans le sens de la gravité.
  15. Système de stockage comprenant :
    une zone de stockage pour stocker des articles,
    un dispositif de transport d'articles (4) pour stocker et déstocker des articles (1) dans ou hors de la zone de stockage,
    un système d'emballage (10) selon l'une des revendications 9 à 14,
    dans lequel
    le dispositif de transport d'articles (4) est conçu pour acheminer les articles (1) de la zone de stockage vers la surface de mise à disposition d'articles (2) du système d'emballage (10).
EP24707142.6A 2023-02-22 2024-02-20 Procede d'emballage d'au moins un article d'une commande, systemes d'emballage pour emballer au moins un article et systeme de stockage Active EP4577459B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102023104357.9A DE102023104357A1 (de) 2023-02-22 2023-02-22 Verfahren zum Verpacken von zumindest einem Artikel einer Bestellung, Verpackungssysteme zum Verpacken zumindest eines Artikels und Lagersystem
PCT/EP2024/054284 WO2024175591A1 (fr) 2023-02-22 2024-02-20 Procédé pour emballer au moins un article d'une commande, système d'emballage pour emballer au moins un article, et système de stockage

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4577459A1 EP4577459A1 (fr) 2025-07-02
EP4577459B1 true EP4577459B1 (fr) 2026-01-14
EP4577459C0 EP4577459C0 (fr) 2026-01-14

Family

ID=90053740

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24707142.6A Active EP4577459B1 (fr) 2023-02-22 2024-02-20 Procede d'emballage d'au moins un article d'une commande, systemes d'emballage pour emballer au moins un article et systeme de stockage

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4577459B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2026506788A (fr)
DE (1) DE102023104357A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024175591A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2591927B1 (fr) * 1985-12-24 1991-01-11 Thibault Jacques Tete de prehension et son application a un robot et a une installation de conditionnement
US5406770A (en) * 1993-05-24 1995-04-18 Fikacek; Karel J. Packaging apparatus for random size articles
US8892240B1 (en) * 2011-06-29 2014-11-18 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Modular material handling system for order fulfillment
US10118723B2 (en) * 2012-03-23 2018-11-06 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Custom containers in a materials handling facility
ITMO20130257A1 (it) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-21 System Spa Dispositivo per definire un volume di articoli da imballare e macchina e relativo metodo di confezionamento
DE102014101268B4 (de) * 2014-02-03 2016-09-29 SSI Schäfer PEEM GmbH Packverfahren und Pack-Arbeitsplatz
GB201402263D0 (en) * 2014-02-10 2014-03-26 Ocado Ltd Intermediate holding facility for picking station
CA3083095A1 (fr) * 2017-11-21 2019-05-31 Fulfil Solutions, Inc. Systeme de manipulation et d'emballage de produits
DE102018222816B4 (de) * 2018-12-21 2023-01-26 Adidas Ag Verfahren und System zum automatisierten Verpacken von Schuhen
DE112019006556A5 (de) * 2019-01-04 2021-10-14 Tgw Logistics Group Gmbh Kommissionierstation und verfahren zum automatischen kommissionieren und automatischen verpacken von waren
EP4035843A4 (fr) * 2019-09-26 2023-09-20 Financiera Maderera S.A. Procédé d'emballage de pièces par un robot manipulateur et tête de support et de transport desdites pièces par une partie du robot manipulateur

Also Published As

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JP2026506788A (ja) 2026-02-26
DE102023104357A1 (de) 2024-08-22
EP4577459A1 (fr) 2025-07-02
EP4577459C0 (fr) 2026-01-14
WO2024175591A1 (fr) 2024-08-29

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