Automatic locker device for loading/retrieving loads and method of handling loads

Abstract

An automatic locker arrangement having at least one buffer zone for loading / retrieving loads and a corresponding method of handling loads. The present application proposes an automatic locker device (1). The device is of the type configured for handling loads (7) in loading and extraction operations and comprises at least one storage area (2) for storing the loads, at least one extraction point (3) and handling means (5 ), the handling member configured to move the load from the at least one storage area to the at least one retrieval point for the retrieval operation. The automatic locker arrangement also includes at least one buffer zone (4) distinct from the at least one storage area. The handling means is configured to move the load from the at least one buffer zone to the at least one storage area for the loading operation.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an automatic locker device (also known as automatic locker, automatic parcel dispenser or parcel storage) configured to handle loads (also known as cargo) such as parcels, wrappers, bags, etc. cabinet). [0002] Such automatic locker units are often configured to perform a variety of operations: [0003] Loading of the load into the automatic locker unit by the operator (or delivery person); [0004] Collecting (or taking out) loads from the automatic locker unit by the customer; [0005] • Reclaim (empty) the load from the automatic locker device by the operator (in case the load was not collected by the customer). [0006] Many applications exist. For example, the invention is suitable for the automatic distribution of goods to customers who have placed an order (eg via the Internet). In this context, the invention is in the field of out-of-home logistics and delivery, especially in the context of BtoC e-commerce. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0024] A disadvantage of the third known technique is that as long as all the mobile trolleys preloaded with goods (items) are not moved, positioned and fixed inside the boxes of the automatic locker device, it is impossible to retrieve the items

[0025] Another disadvantage of the third known technology is that the height of the mobile trolley is reduced and therefore the storage unit decrease in the number of

[0026] Another disadvantage of the third known technology is that after collecting the goods, the units that become free are distributed among all the moving trolleys

This principle dictates that for the next stage of loading, the courier should be able to remove all carts in order to locate the free units required for the load, or be able to locate a cart with a spare unit in a box before removing the carts and then remove them to locate them loading, which is complex and time-consuming

[0027] Another disadvantage of the third known technology is that if goods that have not been collected by the end customer have to be recovered, the units containing the items to be recovered are distributed among all the trolleys

This principle means that in order to carry out the recycling phase, the courier must be able to take out all carts in order to locate the units containing the goods to be recycled, or be able to locate all those carts with units containing the goods to be recycled in the box before taking out the carts: This is a complex and time-consuming task

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