Automated warehouse systems, assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for assembling mixed pallets and facilitating order picking
AssigneeNewteq Holding B.V.
InventorHans Eil
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This disclosure is directed to automated warehouse facilities that are configured to assemble mixed pallets. The warehouse facilities can include one or more layer handling devices that are configured to remove layers from pallets in a delayering operational mode, and to add layers to pallets in a palletizing operation mode. The warehouse facilities also may include one or more item retrieval devices that are configured to retrieve individual items from storage racks. The warehouse facilities can include other automated devices as well.
Claims17
A layer handling device, comprising:
- a grabbing portion comprising a plurality of pusher plates, wherein:
- each of the plurality of pusher plates are individually controllable to engage a pallet layer situated beneath the grabbing portion;
- the grabbing portion is adapted to grip and retract the pallet layer to an upward position;
- and
- the grabbing portion is adapted to extend to a downward position while gripping the pallet layer;
- a center adjustment mechanism configured to calculate a center point of the pallet layer based, at least in part, on the engagement of the pallet layer by the plurality of pusher plates;
- wherein the center point of the pallet layer is utilized to control placement of pallet layer on a structure situated beneath the grabbing portion when the grabbing portion extends to the downward position.
A method for operating a layer handling device comprising:
- situating a pallet layer beneath a grabbing portion of the layer handling device;
- engaging the pallet layer with a plurality of pusher plates included on the grabbing portion of the layer handling device;
- executing a center adjustment mechanism configured to calculate a center point of the pallet layer based, at least in part, on the engagement of the pallet layer by the plurality of pusher plates;
- and
- extending the grabbing portion downward while the pallet layer is gripped by the plurality of pusher plates, wherein the center point of the pallet layer is utilized to control placement of pallet layer on a structure situated beneath the grabbing portion.
A layer handling means, comprising:
- a grabbing portion means comprising a plurality of pusher plates, wherein:
- each of the plurality of pusher plates are individually controllable to engage a pallet layer situated beneath the grabbing portion;
- the grabbing portion is adapted to grip and retract the pallet layer to an upward position;
- and
- the grabbing portion is adapted to extend to a downward position while gripping the pallet layer;
- a center adjustment means configured to calculate a center point of the pallet layer based, at least in part, on the engagement of the pallet layer by the plurality of pusher plates;
- wherein the center point of the pallet layer is utilized to control placement of pallet layer on a structure situated beneath the grabbing portion when the grabbing portion extends to the downward position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.