H-bot case erector
AssigneePearson Packaging Systems
InventorJoshua A. Burright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques for erecting folded-flat cases are described herein. In a first example, a grasping tool is moved along a supporting beam in two directions in a first dimension. The supporting beam is configured for movement along first and second beams two directions in a second dimension. The grasping tool is configured to grasp and open a folded-flat case. In a second example, the grasping tool is configured with a rotation arm. A rotation-control beam defines a track, within which a pin connected to the rotation arm is configured to slide. A motor drives the rotation-control beam in two directions in one dimension, to thereby rotate the grasping tool.
Claims12
A case-erection apparatus, comprising:
- a grasping tool comprising at least one suction cup to grasp a case;
- an H-Bot assembly comprising:
- a supporting beam comprising a pivot connected to support the grasping tool, wherein the supporting beam allows movement of the grasping tool in two directions in a first dimension;
- first and second beams comprising fasteners connected to support the supporting beam for movement by the supporting beam in two directions in a second dimension, wherein the first dimension and the second dimension are perpendicular;
- and
- a rotation-control beam defining a slot within which a pin of a rotation arm of the grasping tool slides;
- a second tool, configured for grasping the case, wherein the second tool is fastened in a stationary position;
- and
- programming defined in memory and executed by a processor of the case-erection apparatus, and configured to move the grasping tool to perform movements, comprising:
- a first movement to move the case in a folded-flat configuration into contact with the second tool;
- and
- a second movement to open the case while the second tool remains stationary;
- wherein the first movement and the second movement are both responsive to movements comprising:
- movement of the supporting beam with respect to the first and second beams;
- and
- movement of the grasping tool along the supporting beam;
- wherein a
- movement of the rotation-control beam moves the pin of the rotation arm of the grasping tool.
A case-erection apparatus, comprising:
- a grasping tool configured to grasp a case, wherein the grasping tool comprising at least two suction cups positioned to allow at least one suction cup to be attached to each of two adjacent panels of the case;
- an H-Bot assembly comprising:
- a supporting beam configured to support the grasping tool, and configured for movement of the grasping tool in two directions in a first dimension;
- first and second beams configured to support the supporting beam for movement by the supporting beam in two directions in a second dimension, wherein the first dimension and the second dimension are perpendicular;
- and
- a rotation-control beam defining a slot within which a pin of a rotation arm of the grasping tool slides;
- a second tool, configured for grasping the case;
- and
- programming defined in memory and executed by a processor of the case-erection apparatus, and configured to move the grasping tool to perform movements, comprising:
- a first movement to move the case in a folded-flat configuration into contact with the second tool;
- and
- a second movement to open the case while the second tool remains stationary;
- wherein the first movement and the second movement are both responsive to movements comprising:
- movement of the supporting beam with respect to the first and second beams;
- and
- movement of the grasping tool along the supporting beam;
- wherein a
- movement of the rotation-control beam moves the pin of the rotation arm of the grasping tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.