Three-dimensional automated pick module

Abstract

Individual items or multiple items are stored on vertical stacks (or racks) of conveyors. The stacks of conveyors are located on both sides of a vertical transport on which cartons, totes, and / or pallets are loaded. The vertical transport is able to be vertically lifted in a fashion similar to an elevator so that the totes on the conveyor can receive items from the various levels of the storage rack conveyors. To speed up the loading process, items can be loaded in the containers simultaneously from both sides of the container and / or sequentially. In one form, a cross-belt conveyor is used toload the items. Alternatively or additionally, robotic arms can be used to load the items. One or more conveyor drivers can be used to power multiple conveyors in order to index items to a loading position on the conveyors.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 626,869, filed January 25, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0002] The present application relates generally to material processing systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to three-dimensional material processing systems and techniques utilizing such systems. Background technique [0003] Picking products at distribution centers to fulfill orders has historically been one of the most labor-intensive processes. For human operators, the picking action is monotonous. This leads to quality problems (such as wrong picks), high employee turnover, and inconsistent production volumes. Furthermore, some environments may be uncomfortable or even hazardous for human operators, such as commercial cold stores used to store food. Turnaround time for storage and removal is another consideration. Th...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, powered racking systems are not economical because each conveyor within the rack requires a large number of motors

Conveyor motors are expensive and each level within a vertical stack includes multiple independent conveyors that are independently controlled by the conveyor motors

It should be recognized that the costs associated with the conveyor motor increase with the number of rack levels

Furthermore, when a large number of motors are involved, the probability of at least one motor failure increases

Furthermore, ancillary costs such as performing routine preventive maintenance on the motor can make such systems prohibitively expensive

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