Automated handling unit for boxed article and procedure
The automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods addresses inefficiencies in existing systems by using a frame with gripping bars and blocking means to handle multiple items efficiently, optimizing space and reducing complexity and cost, achieving rapid loading and unloading.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024061708
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing automated handling systems for boxed goods are complex, expensive, and inefficient, particularly when handling multiple items simultaneously, leading to slow loading and unloading operations, especially in environments requiring rapid delivery.
An automated handling unit and procedure that includes a frame with a handling surface, gripping bars, and blocking means, allowing for the simultaneous handling and alignment of multiple boxed items on a storage surface, followed by transfer to a sorting surface for delivery, optimizing space utilization and reducing complexity and cost.
The solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and rapid handling of multiple boxed goods by maximizing space utilization and ensuring high loading and unloading speeds while maintaining simplicity and functionality.
Smart Images
Figure 2025158814000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods of the type detailed in the preamble of the first claim.
[0002] In particular, it relates to a unit and procedure for automatically loading and unloading boxed items or the like onto and from shelves of a shelving unit in which such items are densely stacked in multiple rows.
[0003] As is known, there are commercially available automated systems for handling objects of relatively small size and weight, for example weighing less than 2 kg.
[0004] Known systems allow for the storage and automatic retrieval of objects on shelving units with open shelves and have several advantages.
[0005] For example, they allow for very large shelving units as they do not require space for operator movement, they have acceptable movement speeds, and require and allow for reduced personnel use.
[0006] The procedure for automatic storage involves various steps.
[0007] First, the objects to be loaded, e.g., various parcels, are identified and classified, e.g., by scanning an appropriate barcode or the like. The dimensions of the object are then processed by a specific electronic processor, which also determines the best location for the object on the shelf based on the available space.
[0008] The object is then loaded into a terminal handling unit which moves it to a specified location on a shelf and places it therein.
[0009] It may then be necessary to unload it from the shelf.
[0010] In such cases, it is necessary to request the same object from an electronic processor that stores the object's location.
[0011] The handling unit is then guided to the object to be picked up, picks it up and moves it to a position accessible to the user.
[0012] The above-mentioned known techniques have some disadvantages as well as the above-mentioned advantages.
[0013] In particular, known handling units are generally complex and expensive as they are required to perform various loading and unloading operations onto and from shelves.
[0014] A further inconvenience is caused by the fact that some known units are generally adapted to transfer a single object at a time, resulting in slow loading and unloading operations, while other units are adapted to transfer multiple items, but remain slow and complicated.
[0015] This inconvenience is particularly noticeable during loading and unloading when rapid delivery of the object is required.
[0016] It should also be noted that these inconveniences become more pronounced as the number and variety of boxed items and similar items to be handled increases due to the increasing variety of items available to consumers.
[0017] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to devise an automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods that is able to substantially overcome at least some of the above-mentioned inconveniences.
[0018] Within the scope of the above technical problem, an important object of the present invention is to devise an automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods that is simple to realize and implement, thus providing maximum guarantees of functionality and that can be implemented at lower costs.
[0019] Another important object of the present invention is to devise an automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods that makes it possible to make optimum use of the available space on the shelves of the shelving unit.
[0020] A further object of the present invention is to devise an automated handling unit and procedure for boxed goods that is capable of handling multiple boxed goods or the like at the same time, thus allowing maximum loading and unloading speeds of the boxed goods.
[0021] The technical problem and the above-mentioned objects are achieved by a unit and associated procedure for automated handling of boxed articles as claimed in appended claim 1.
[0022] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0023] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the present invention positioned near a storage surface of a counter holding multiple rows of boxed articles; [Figure 2] 3 is a schematic illustration of the start of a translation phase on a handling surface of a group of boxed articles forming part of a queue, realized by an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 3]3 highlights the progression of the later translation phase of FIG. 2, particularly the phase in which the blocking means moves forward and the designated group of boxed articles approaches the contact area of the handling surface; [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram of the handling step on the sorting surface of the last boxed article in a group of boxed articles present on the handling surface after the frame transfer step to the sorting surface; FIG. [Figure 5] 10 shows the beginning of the repositioning step at the same time as the guidance step for the boxed article. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram of the end of the repositioning phase and the delivery guidance phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] As used herein, measures, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicular and parallel), when associated with words like "approximately" or other similar terms such as "nearly" or "substantially," are understood to allow for imprecision due to measurement errors or production and / or manufacturing errors, and in particular to allow for slight deviations from the associated value, measure, shape, or geometric reference. For example, when associated with a value, such terms indicate a deviation, preferably not exceeding 10% of the value itself.
[0026] Furthermore, when used, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" do not necessarily specify an order, priority in relationship, or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from one another.
[0027] Unless otherwise specified, and as will be apparent from the discussion below, terms such as "processing," "computing," "determining," "calculating," or the like refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manage data represented as physical quantities, such as electrons, in registers of the computing system and / or memory and / or transform it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computing system, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display device.
[0028] Measurements and data reported in this document should be considered as having been carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975) unless otherwise stated.
[0029] 1, 2, 3 and 4, an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the present invention is generally designated 1. In FIG.
[0030] Generally, the unit 1 may appear as an active part of a distributor of a shelf installation, for example.
[0031] The distributor is adapted to enable the sorting of goods within it by means of said unit 1.
[0032] Preferably, therefore, the distributor comprises at least one storage surface 2 .
[0033] The storage surface 2 may be provided by virtually any holding surface capable of stably holding an object placed thereon.
[0034] In particular, the storage surface 2 is preferably adapted to allow boxed items 3 to be held.
[0035] In practice, the boxed goods 3 or similar are approximately parallelepiped packets of various products and articles. For example, the boxed goods 3 may consist of packets of pharmaceutical products.
[0036] Furthermore, preferably, the boxed articles 3 are arranged in alignment with one another on the storage surface along a main direction of deployment 6 a so as to define at least one row 6 .
[0037] Preferably, each row 6 has uniform or equal boxed items 3, and in the case of elements 3 that differ in size from one another, the larger ones are preferably placed at the greatest distance from the unit 1.
[0038] Naturally, the boxed items 3 may define a number of rows 6 which are parallel to one another and define their own main direction of deployment 6a.
[0039] In fact, the distributor is preferably adapted for use in shopping centres, stores and distribution centres which sell a large number of products and goods and a wide variety of them, and therefore require a large storage surface and also a rapid automated delivery of goods.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the distributor is part of or is constituted by the counter 100 .
[0041] Counter 100 is preferably a merchandise accumulation device that may also be used for other purposes, for example, counter 100 may be a pharmacy counter and thus may be provided with multiple compartments in which pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products are placed.
[0042] Counter 100 may therefore include at least a first compartment 100a, which may consist essentially of a shelf-like portion including one or more floors, which may collectively define storage surface 2.
[0043] Thus, the storage surface 2 may be defined by a continuous floor or may be divided and distributed over parallel or coplanar and continuous floors.
[0044] On each shelf there may be one or more rows 6 of boxed items 3 .
[0045] The distributor may also include a base device known per se, capable of translating the unit 1 on the storage surface 2. For example, the base device may include a cylindrical element extending above a cart placed on the ground or floor and equipped with hooks or guides on a shelf-like part, for horizontally translating the unit 1. For vertically translating the unit 1, it may be connected to pneumatic or electric lifting means arranged on the cylindrical element.
[0046] A distributor is shown, for example, in patent EP 2113437 by the same applicant.
[0047] In either case, the unit 1 is adapted to engage and handle a plurality of boxed articles 3 for alternately picking up or storing the boxed articles 3 on the storage surface 2 .
[0048] In this regard, the unit 1 preferably includes a frame 4 .
[0049] When the unit 1 is used in a distributor, the frame 4 is substantially configured to translate relative to the storage surface 2 by virtue of the base arrangement.
[0050] In particular, the unit 1 moves relative to the storage surface 2 so as to face it with its first edge 20. The storage surface 2 therefore defines an end or boundary that essentially forms the first edge 20.
[0051] The first edge 20 may, for example, extend along a linear axis; particularly when the storage surface 2 is part of a counter 100 .
[0052] The frame 4 may therefore be configured to move along an axis of movement 4b, which in this case is preferably parallel to the linear extension axis of the first edge 20.
[0053] Thus, the frame 4 is generally preferably movable relative to the storage surface 2 .
[0054] Additionally, the frame 4 also includes a handling surface 40 .
[0055] The handling surface 40 is adapted to be positioned near the storage surface 2. Even more particularly, the handling surface 40 is adapted to be aligned with the storage surface 2.
[0056] Preferably, the handling surface 40 is adapted to be arranged close to the storage surface 2 in the main deployment direction 6a.
[0057] Also, preferably, the handling surface 40 is movable along the central axis 4a. Preferably, the central axis 4a may be aligned with the primary unfolding direction 6a. Thus, the handling surface 40 is configured such that when the central axis 4a is aligned with the primary unfolding direction 6a, the boxed articles 3 may be translated along the primary unfolding direction 6a.
[0058] More particularly, preferably when the unit 1 is used in a distributor implemented in a counter 100 as previously described, the central axis 4a is transverse, e.g. perpendicular, to the movement axis 4b.
[0059] Thus, if the distributor comprises several rows 6 of boxed articles 3 distributed along the storage surface 2, the handling surface 40 can be moved from row 6 to row 6 by moving the frame 4 along the movement axis 4b. As already mentioned just now, where useful, the handling surface 40 can also be moved vertically along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the central axis 4a and the movement axis 4b, for example if the storage surface 2 is distributed on a shelving unit having several floors.
[0060] The unit 1 also comprises a gripping bar 5 .
[0061] Preferably, the gripping bar 5 is deployed near the handling surface 40. For example, the gripping bar 5 may be positioned above the handling surface 40.
[0062] Also, preferably, they are two in number and are spaced apart and aligned so as to flank, include or delimit at least a portion of the row 6 .
[0063] Preferably, therefore, the gripping bars 5 deploy parallel to the main deployment direction 6a.
[0064] Naturally, the installation 1 comprises control and guide means known per se, adapted to engage and support the gripping bars 5 and to move them both parallel and transverse to the central axis 4a, i.e. to the main direction of unfolding 6a when the latter are aligned.
[0065] Generally, the gripping bars 5 are configured to engage and translate at least some of the boxed articles 3 in the rows 6 .
[0066] In particular in this regard, the gripping bar 5 is preferably configured to translate specularly along the central axis 4a relative to the handling surface 40 so as to selectively approach said one or more boxed articles 3.
[0067] The control and guide means can therefore move towards and away from the gripping bars 5 so as to clamp the gripping bars 5 on the row 6 of boxed articles 3, particularly on boxed articles 3 at a distal position or at the end of the row 6 far from the frame 4, so as to be able to move the entire row 6 in a single movement.
[0068] If the advancement of the gripping bar 5 is limited, ie up to a position where it does not completely traverse the storage surface 2, another element 3 of the row 6 can still be clamped.
[0069] For the reciprocating movement of the gripping bars 5 towards and away from them, the control and guide means may comprise, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic or oleodynamic cylinders, possibly combined with levers and / or channel or tubular guides.
[0070] It is emphasized that the control and guide means of the gripping bar 5 can be structured and arranged by means of a wide variety of technical solutions and, as already mentioned, in a manner that is readily realizable by a mechanical engineer.
[0071] For example, the control and guide means may be supported directly by the frame 4 and may project as an articulated arm towards the gripping bar 5 to support and guide the gripping bar 5 through an electric motor arranged distal to the articulated arm and operating through gears on a rack made integral with the gripping bar 5 or on the gripping bar 5.
[0072] The gripping bars 5 may each present at least one gripping organ adapted to engage the boxed item 3 .
[0073] The gripping mechanism may consist, for example, of an end portion of each gripping bar 5 provided with a rough surface, preferably with a high coefficient of friction, or the like, adapted to laterally engage one or more boxed articles 3 of the row 6, or the end portions of the gripping bars 5 may be completely devoid of any coating or lateral extension.
[0074] Additional gripping members may be provided, for example suction cups or resilient means, or others.
[0075] The gripping elements preferably do not have the task of forcibly engaging and lifting the row 6 or elements of the row 6, but only of sliding the row 6 onto the storage surface 2 and then onto the handling surface 40.
[0076] In addition to what has been described, to improve the gripping performance of the gripping bars 5, each of them is preferably telescopic.
[0077] Also preferably, each gripping bar 5 is configured to expand proportionally with its translation along the handling surface 40 .
[0078] In this way, each gripping bar 5 can advantageously increase its travel relative to the handling surface 40, at least when each bar 5 extends beyond the handling surface 40. This configuration allows the unit 1 to be used efficiently even with very deep storage surfaces 2, such as those of the counter 100.
[0079] The unit 1 advantageously also includes blocking means 7 .
[0080] The blocking means 7, like the gripping bars 5, are located close to the handling surface 40. In particular, the blocking means 7 may be located at least partly above the handling surface 40.
[0081] The blocking means 7 is thus configured to stop the movement of the boxed article 3 onto the handling surface 40 at a position occupied by the blocking means 7 itself. In other words, the blocking means 7 prevents the boxed article 3 from falling off the handling surface 40 when moved along the central axis 4a. The blocking means 7 therefore determines a stop position for the boxed article 3 on the handling surface 40.
[0082] Preferably, the blocking means 7 are movable relative to the handling surface 40 so that the position occupied can be changed.
[0083] To implement the relative movement between the blocking means 7 and the handling surface 40, advantageously the handling surface 40 comprises slits 40a.
[0084] The slits 40a preferably extend along the central axis 4a, and the slits 40a extend continuously along the central axis 4a.
[0085] As such, the slits 40a are preferably substantially defined by grooves extending on the handling surface 40 from side to side and end to end.
[0086] To structurally define the slits 40a, the frame 4 may include, for example, a pair of tracks 41.
[0087] When present, the tracks 41 are arranged side by side and separated by slits 40a, so that the tracks 41, on their own sides, constitute the handling surface 40. In other words, the tracks 41 each define a moving belt which, when facing the gripping bar 5, defines the handling surface 40.
[0088] Preferably, the frame 4 further comprises movement means configured to specularly move the tracks 41. The movement means may for example comprise at least two end rotating elements spaced apart along the central axis 4a for both or each track 41. This means that each track 41 may have its own rotating element, or a rotating element may move both tracks 41 simultaneously.
[0089] In either case, the rotating elements are configured to tension each track 41, causing the tracks 41 to rotate about their own axes of rotation transverse to the central axis 4a in proportion to the rotation of the rotating elements.
[0090] The blocking means 7 is therefore advantageously at least partially housed within the slit 40a and, as already mentioned, is configured to move within the slit 40a along the central axis 4a so as to be able to change the position it occupies on the handling surface 40. Necessarily, that movement enables the blocking means 7 to simultaneously push one or more boxed articles 3 along the central axis 4a.
[0091] Even more particularly, the blocking means 7 may include a head 70, a body, and a translating means.
[0092] The head 70 preferably protrudes from the slit 40a transversely to said handling surface 40. The head 70 is therefore part of the blocking means 7 adapted to contact the boxed items 3. Indeed, the head 70 preferably comprises at least one contact area 70a.
[0093] The contact area 70a is adapted to contact and stop or push the boxed item 3. Thus, the contact area 70a may, for example, be soft and / or include serrations designed to increase the force with which it grips the boxed item 3.
[0094] The body is preferably integral with the head 70. It is therefore housed in the slit 40a. The translation means preferably face the side of the handling surface 40 opposite to the head 70. They are therefore below the handling surface 40.
[0095] The translation means is also configured to move the body along the central axis 4 a. The translation means may comprise a linear actuator or another device capable of implementing the entire movement of the blocking means 7 along the central axis 4 a.
[0096] If the unit 1 is arranged inside a distributor, the distributor preferably also includes a sorting surface 8 in addition to the storage surface 2 .
[0097] The sorting surface 8, like the storage surface 2, is adapted to receive one or more binned items 3. It therefore makes it possible to support, at least temporarily, at least one binned item 3.
[0098] Even more particularly, the sorting surface 8 is configured so that the frame 4 can move from the storage surface 2 to the sorting surface 8 and vice versa.
[0099] Also, sorting surface 8 is preferably configured such that when handling surface 40 is positioned proximate sorting surface 8, handling surface 40 is aligned with sorting surface 8. In this manner, handling surface 40 can selectively handle one or more boxed articles 3 positioned thereon.
[0100] In the simplest embodiment, the sorting surface 8 is aligned with the storage surface 2 so that a simple translational movement along the movement axis 4b of the frame 4 can pass from the storage surface 2 to the sorting surface 8 and vice versa.
[0101] The sorting surface 8 thus defines a kind of station, by means of which the boxed items 3 placed therein can be sent for delivery.
[0102] Therefore, preferably, the distributor may also include a pusher 9 .
[0103] The pusher 9, if present, is arranged on the sorting surface 8 and is movable relative to the sorting surface 8 along at least one pushing direction 9a, which is preferably parallel to the central axis 4a and in particular aligned with the central axis 4a when the frame 4 faces the sorting surface 8.
[0104] The pusher 9 is therefore configured to push one or more boxed articles 3 arranged on the sorting surface 8 outwards from the sorting surface 8 .
[0105] The distributor may therefore include a loading unit 10 .
[0106] The loading unit 10, if present, may be positioned near the sorting surface 8 and is configured such that when the pusher 9 pushes one or more boxed articles 3 out of the sorting surface 8, the boxed articles 3 fall by gravity into the loading unit 10.
[0107] Alternatively, the frame 4 may include one or more sides 42 .
[0108] When present, side 42 is aligned with handling surface 40 and is adjacent to handling surface 40 and aligned therewith perpendicular to central axis 4a.
[0109] When two sides 42 are present, the two sides 42 are disposed on opposite sides of the handling surface 40. Thus, the handling surface 40 may be disposed between the two sides 42.
[0110] In either case, the sides 42 may preferably be configured to guide the sliding of one or more boxed articles 3 from the sorting surface 8 to the loading unit 10 .
[0111] The frame 4 can then be moved along the pushing direction 9a to position the side 42 in front of the sorting surface 8, for example as shown in Figures 5-6, allowing the pusher 9 to push one or more boxed items 3 onto the side 42 and thus onto the loading unit 10.
[0112] In conclusion, if the distributor is part of the counter 100, the counter 100 may include at least a second compartment 100b. Similar to the first compartment 100a, the second compartment 100b consists of a shelf-like portion including at least one floor defining a sorting surface 8.
[0113] Thus, when the counter 100 is equipped with a distributor including a unit 1 according to the invention, the frame 4 is configured to be able to move from the first compartment 100a to the second compartment 100b and vice versa.
[0114] The present invention also teaches a new automated handling procedure for boxed items 3 and the like.
[0115] The procedure may be implemented by a distributor including the previously described unit 1, which may be implemented in a counter 100. Alternatively, the procedure may be realized by any other unit capable of moving boxed items 3, as for example described in patent EP-B-2862817.
[0116] In either case, the procedure preferably includes a positioning step in which the boxed items 3 are positioned on the storage surface 2 .
[0117] In particular, the boxed items 3 are preferably aligned in rows 6 along their respective main directions of deployment 6a.
[0118] The boxed articles 3 are also arranged in order of decreasing size in rows 6 towards the first edge 20 of the storage surface 2 .
[0119] The boxed goods 3 are therefore ready for subsequent handling.
[0120] The procedure then also includes a translation step.
[0121] During the translation step, the group of boxed articles 3, preferably comprising at least a portion of the row 6, is translated together along the main unfolding direction 6a onto the handling surface 40 of the frame 4 facing the first edge 20.
[0122] Advantageously, during the translation phase, the entire row 6 is translated along the main deployment direction 6 a so that the remaining row 6 on the storage surface 2 is adjacent to the first edge 20 of the storage surface 2 .
[0123] Naturally, the translation may be implemented by gripping bars 5 that deploy near a handling surface 40 parallel to the main deployment direction 6a. As already explained before, the gripping bars 5 are preferably spaced apart and arranged side by side to flank at least some of the rows 6 and are configured to engage and translate at least some of the boxed articles 3 in the rows 6.
[0124] Also, during translation, the blocking means 7 positioned close to the handling surface 40 can stop the group being moved over the handling surface 40 at the position occupied by the blocking means 7 itself.
[0125] In particular, the blocking means 7 is positioned so that the last boxed item 3 is positioned at the second edge 40b of the handling surface 40, which is adapted to face the first edge 20 and the sorting surface 8.
[0126] The procedure then also includes a transfer step.
[0127] During the transfer phase, the frame 4 is moved close to the sorting surface 8 so that the handling surface 40 is aligned with the sorting surface 8 .
[0128] The procedure also includes a handling step.
[0129] In the handling stage, preferably at least one last boxed article 3 of the group is handled from the handling surface 40 onto the sorting surface 8 .
[0130] The handling step can be implemented by a gripping bar 5 .
[0131] Alternatively, the handling step may be implemented by a handling surface 40 and / or a blocking means 7 .
[0132] Indeed, the handling surface 40 may be movable along a central axis 4a that may be aligned with the main unfolding direction 6a so as to be able to translate at least the boxed articles 3 arranged thereon along the main unfolding direction 6a. Thus, in the handling phase, the handling surface 40 may translate at least the last boxed article 3 onto the sorting surface 8.
[0133] The blocking means 7 may also be movable relative to the handling surface 40. Thus, during the handling phase, the second edge 40b may be positioned close to the sorting surface 8 and the blocking means 7 may push the group along the central axis 4a such that one or more boxed articles 3 of the group pass over the second edge 40b and are stored on the sorting surface 8.
[0134] The procedure then involves returning the handling surface 40 to the vicinity of the storage surface 2. This step is useful to clear the sorting surface 8 for the subsequent steps.
[0135] In fact, the procedure includes a step of sending for delivery.
[0136] In the sending for delivery step, preferably, at least one boxed article 3 on the sorting surface 8 is sent for delivery. For example, the sending for delivery step is implemented by a pusher 9, which is disposed on the sorting surface 8 and is movable relative to the sorting surface 8 at least along a pushing direction 9a to push one or more boxed articles 3 disposed on the sorting surface 8 away from the sorting surface 8.
[0137] Also, during the sending for delivery stage, the pusher 9 may in particular push one or more of the boxed items 3 arranged on the sorting surface 8 out of the sorting surface 8 so that the boxed items 3 fall by gravity onto a loading unit 10 arranged near the sorting surface 8.
[0138] The procedure may also include a repositioning step.
[0139] In the repositioning step, the remaining boxed articles 3 of the group are preferably repositioned in a row 6 on the storage surface 2. This row 6 may correspond to the row 6 from which the boxed articles 3 were handled, or may be a different row 6.
[0140] During the repositioning step, preferably the blocking means 7 pushes the remaining boxed article or articles 3 along the central axis 4a such that one or more boxed articles 3 of the group go over the second edge 40b and are placed on the storage surface 2, pushing the row 6 along the main direction of deployment 6a. Preferably, during the repositioning step the gripping bars 5 surround and compress the row 6.
[0141] Naturally, this step may also or alternatively involve movement of the handling surface 40 along the central axis 4a.
[0142] The unit 1 for automated handling of boxed articles according to the invention and its associated procedures realize significant advantages.
[0143] Indeed, automated handling units 1 and procedures for boxed goods can be simple to implement and realise, thus offering maximum functionality guarantees and being able to be implemented at lower costs.
[0144] The automated handling unit 1 and procedure for boxed goods also makes optimal use of the space available on the shelves of the shelving unit.
[0145] In conclusion, the automated handling unit 1 and procedure for boxed goods allows simultaneous handling of multiple boxed goods or the like, thus achieving maximum loading and unloading speeds for boxed goods.
[0146] In this context, all parts are interchangeable with equivalent elements, and may be of any material, shape and size. (Other possible items) (Item 1) An automated handling procedure for boxed items (3), comprising: - arranging the boxed articles (3) aligned in rows (6) on the storage surface (2) along their respective main directions of deployment (6a) in order of decreasing dimensions towards a first edge (20) of the storage surface (2) for each row (6); - translating the group of boxed articles (3) comprising at least a portion of the row (6) together along the main unfolding direction (6a) onto a handling surface (40) of the frame (4) facing the first edge (20); Equipped with - during said translation, the entire row (6) is translated along said main direction of deployment (6a) in such a way that the remaining row (6) on said storage surface (2) is adjacent to said first edge (20); and - moving the frame (4) close to the sorting surface (8) so that the handling surface (40) is aligned with the sorting surface (8); - transferring at least one last boxed item (3) of the group from the handling surface (40) onto the sorting surface (8); - returning the handling surface (40) to the vicinity of the storage surface (2); - repositioning any of the remaining boxed articles (3) of the group in the row (6) onto the storage surface (2); and - sending said at least one boxed item (3) on said sorting surface (8) for delivery; The procedure further comprises: (Item 2) 2. The procedure according to item 1, wherein the repositioning step is performed on the row (6) corresponding to the row (6) from which the boxed items (3) were handled or on another row (6). (Item 3) 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the translation is performed by gripping bars (5), which deploy near the handling surface (40) parallel to the main deployment direction (6a), are aligned and spaced apart so that they can flank at least some of the rows (6), and are configured to engage and translate at least some of the boxed articles (3) in the rows (6). (Item 4) 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handling surface (40) is movable along a central axis (4a) alignable with the main unfolding direction (6a) so as to be able to translate the boxed items (3) arranged therein at least along the main unfolding direction (6a), and wherein during the handling phase the handling surface (40) translates the last boxed item (3) onto the sorting surface (8). (Item 5) 5. The procedure according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein during the translation, a blocking means (7) positioned near the handling surface (40) stops the moving batch on the handling surface (40) at a position occupied by the blocking means (7) so that the last boxed article (3) is positioned at a second edge (40b) of the handling surface (40) adapted to face the first edge (20) and the sorting surface (8). (Item 6) Item 6. The procedure according to item 5, wherein the blocking means (7) is movable relative to the handling surface (40), and during the handling stage, the second edge (40b) is positioned near the sorting surface (8), and the blocking means (7) pushes the group along the central axis (4a) so that one or more of the boxed articles (3) of the group pass over the second edge (40b) and are placed on the sorting surface (8). (Item 7) 7. The procedure according to items 3 and 6, wherein during the repositioning step, the blocking means (7) pushes the one or more remaining boxed articles (3) along the central axis (4a), so that the gripping bar (5) surrounds and compresses the row (6), while the one or more boxed articles (3) of the group advance beyond the second edge (40b) and rest on the storage surface (2), pushing the row (6) along the main deployment direction (6a). (Item 8) 8. The procedure of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the sending for delivery step is performed after the returning step. (Item 9) 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the step of sending for delivery is performed by a pusher (9), the pusher (9) being located on the sorting surface (8) and movable along at least one propulsion direction (9a) relative to the sorting surface (8) so as to push one or more of the boxed articles (3) arranged on the sorting surface (8) out of the sorting surface (8). (Item 10) 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein during the sending for delivery stage, the pusher (9) pushes the one or more boxed articles (3) placed on the sorting surface (8) out of the sorting surface (8), so that the boxed articles (3) fall by gravity onto a loading unit (10) positioned near the sorting surface (8).
Claims
1. 1. An automated handling procedure for boxed items, comprising: - arranging the boxed articles aligned in rows on a storage surface along their respective primary deployment directions in order of decreasing dimensions towards a first edge of the storage surface for each row; - translating the group of boxed articles comprising at least a portion of the row together along the main direction of unfolding onto a handling surface of a frame facing the first edge; Equipped with - during said translation, the entire row is translated along said main deployment direction such that the remaining row on said storage surface is adjacent to said first edge; and - moving the frame close to the sorting surface so that the handling surface is aligned with the sorting surface; - transferring at least one last boxed item of said group from said handling surface onto said sorting surface; - returning the handling surface to the vicinity of the storage surface; - repositioning any of the remaining boxed items of the group in the row onto the storage surface; and - sending said at least one boxed item on said sorting surface for delivery; The procedure further comprises:
2. 2. The procedure of claim 1, wherein the repositioning step is performed on the row corresponding to the row from which the boxed article was handled or on another row.
3. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the translation is performed by gripper bars that deploy near the handling surface parallel to the primary deployment direction, are aligned and spaced apart so as to flank at least a portion of the rows, and are configured to engage and translate at least a portion of the boxed articles in the rows.
4. 4. The procedure of claim 3, wherein the handling surface is movable along a central axis alignable with the primary unfolding direction so as to translate the boxed articles disposed therein at least along the primary unfolding direction, and wherein during a handling stage, the handling surface translates the last boxed article onto the sorting surface.
5. 5. The procedure of claim 4, wherein during the translation, blocking means positioned near the handling surface stops the moving group on the handling surface at a position occupied by the blocking means so that the last boxed article is positioned on a second edge of the handling surface adapted to face the first edge and the sorting surface.
6. 6. The procedure of claim 5, wherein the blocking means is movable relative to the handling surface, and wherein during the handling stage, the second edge is positioned near the sorting surface, and the blocking means pushes the group along the central axis such that one or more of the boxed articles of the group pass over the second edge and are placed on the sorting surface.
7. 7. The procedure of claim 6, wherein during the repositioning step, the blocking means pushes the one or more remaining boxed articles along the central axis, such that the gripper bars surround and compress the row while the one or more boxed articles of the group advance over the second edge and rest on the storage surface, pushing the row along the primary deployment direction.
8. The procedure of claim 1 , wherein the sending for delivery step is performed after the returning step.
9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of sending for delivery is performed by a pusher located on the sorting surface and movable along at least one propulsion direction relative to the sorting surface to push one or more of the boxed items disposed on the sorting surface out of the sorting surface.
10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein during the sending for delivery step, the pusher pushes the one or more boxed articles disposed on the sorting surface out of the sorting surface, causing the boxed articles to fall by gravity onto a loading unit positioned near the sorting surface.
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