Palletizing system

Abstract

A palletizing system (100) for palletizing a stream (10) of items; wherein a palletizer unit (110, 111, 112) comprises an assembly deck (115, 116, 117) arranged for assembling items of the stream of items in a layer (31, 32, 33), and after the layer has formed removing the assembly deck for forming a stack of layers in the palletizer unit; wherein the palletizing system comprises: a conveyer unit (120) arranged for conveying the stream of items; a first palletizer unit (110), wherein the first assembly deck (115) is arranged along the conveyer unit; a second palletizer unit (111, 112), wherein the second assembly deck (116, 117) is arranged along the conveyer unit, and downstream or on an opposite side of the first palletizer unit; and a conveyer dispatcher (130, 132, 134) comprising a conveyer wiper (135, 137, 139) arranged for wiping one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit; and wherein the conveyer dispatcher is arranged such that the one or more items are wipeable onto the first assembly deck and / or the second assembly deck.

Description

[0001] PALLETIZING SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a palletizing system. The invention further relates to a method for palletizing a stream of items.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] US2020 / 270069 disclosed a system for transporting items to destination locations, for example automatically placing stacked products at selected locations within a large retail facility, includes a conveyor assembly, an item identifier, a robotic arm with a plurality of end effectors, and a sorter component operable to select one of the plurality of end effectors and remove items selected for diversion from the conveyor assembly with the robotic arm. The sorter component stacks the removed items, and the stacked items are transported to a selected location within the retail facility, for example using an autonomous ground vehicle. A disadvantage of the disclosed system is that it requires a relatively large ground floor area.

[0006] US2018 / 0178994 disclosed a compact dual palletizer including a skeleton and a subassembly. Components of the skeleton are constructed of aluminum, which provides advantages over the prior art in terms of strength, rigidity, weight, and cost. The aluminum may be pre-tensioned or prestressed to provide these advantages. The subassembly is preferably mounted to the side of the skeleton. The compact dual palletizer is readily portable and control system elements of the compact dual palletizer do not need to be reprogrammed after transport, so installation time is substantially reduced compared with prior art palletizers and depalletizers. Disadvantages of the disclosed system are that it is not suitable for palletizing complete rows of items and that it contains a pick-up tool that also moves in a vertical way hence it is a relative slow and complex palletiser. Furthermore, the products are picked without bottom support hence many types of items can’t be palletized.

[0007] US2018 / 0072514 disclosed a case manipulator that receives cases from an infeed conveyer and manipulates individual cases or groups of cases and transfers the manipulated cases to a row accumulator platform in a desired and pre-determined orientation and positioned on the accumulator platform to a desired and predetermined location. The manipulation of individual cases, or groups of cases, is continued in a sequential operation until a complete row is formed on the accumulator platform according to a pre-determined build menu. The case manipulator includes a swing plate pivotal on a first axis and a paddle arm that is attached to the swing plate and pivotal on a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. The invention allows the palletizer to have the next case in a row transferred from the infeed conveyer to the row-build staging area while the case manipulator is operating on an already delivered case. Disadvantages of the disclosed system are that the row accumulation platform can collect a row of cases for only one palletiser and only one pallet hence it can’t handle a stream of mixed items for multiple palletisers. The combination of rotating and positioning cases on a row accumulator platform with one mechanism causes a slow and complex system of collecting a complete row for palletizeing.

[0008] DE 10 2021 114208 discloses a partially automated stacking device for orderly stacking / palletizing objects or object packages. It comprises of a feed unit which is provided for feeding objects and a pushing element which is provided for pushing the objects onto supporting elements on a movable transport unit. Disadvantage of the device is that the drive of the pusher(s) for pushing the objects or object packages are beside the conveyor and the tongue(s) that support the carrying systems for objects or object packages on the movable transport unit are moving to one side of the conveyor hence it is not possible to have a second movable transport unit for objects or object packages on the opposite side of the conveyor. Furthermore, the device introduces complexity in the form of only partly automating the palletizing. Furthermore the device is not able to form complex pallet patterns because the object packages are not orientated and not rotated where necessary. Furthermore the device is not capable to handle a mixed stream of items. because items are not identified and not sorted.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. According to a first aspect of the invention, a palletizing system for palletizing a stream of items; wherein a palletizer unit comprises an assembly deck arranged for assembling items of the stream of items in a layer, and after the layer has formed removing the assembly deck for forming a stack of layers in the palletizer unit; wherein the palletizing system comprises: a conveyer unit arranged for conveying the stream of items; a first palletizer unit, wherein the first assembly deck is arranged along the conveyer unit; a second palletizer unit, wherein the second assembly deck is arranged along the conveyer unit, and downstream or on an opposite side of the first palletizer unit; and a conveyer dispatcher comprising a conveyer wiper (135, 137, 139) arranged for wiping one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit; and wherein the conveyer dispatcher is arranged such that the one or more items are wipeable onto the first assembly deck and / or the second assembly deck.

[0011] Palletizing systems are systems palletizing a stream of items. Items may be boxes, packets, cases, packs, canisters, parcels, containers, cartons, crates, or combinations of the previously mentioned options. The items typically have a regular or repetitive shapes. The shapes of the items are typically such that when oriented in at least one particular way, the items may form a layer. One or more of the items, typically all, may have a cuboid shape or cube shape. One or more items may have a cylindrical, wedge, triangular prism, truncated pyramid, or truncated cone shape. This last set of examples is typically more difficult to arrange in a layer and subsequently to palletize. The stream of items is typically items arranged in a row or one after the other. The items may be spaced apart from each other some distance, typically for allowing individual handling, such as individual dispatching.

[0012] A palletizer unit is a unit wherein items are placed in the form of a stack. A palletizer unit arranges the items typically in layers on top of each other forming the stack. The palletizer unit comprises an assembly deck. The assembly deck is arranged for assembling items of the stream of items in a layer. After the layer is formed, the assembly deck may be removed such that the layer gently drops or falls on top of the previous layer. After being removed, the pallet with layers of items descends and the assembly deck is typically repositioned above the layer forming the top of the stack for forming the next layer of the stack.

[0013] The palletizing system comprises: a conveyer unit, a first palletizer unit, a second palletizer unit and a conveyor dispatcher

[0014] The conveyer dispatcher is arranged for dispatching an item of the stream of items from the conveyer unit. Dispatching may be to send off or away, preferably with speed, of an item. Dispatching may be to transact or dispose of an item promptly or speedily. Dispatching may be to reposition, position, move, relocate, locate, transfer, transport, shift, bring, wipe, deliver, or carry an item from a source location to a destination location.

[0015] The conveyer unit is arranged for conveying the stream of items. The conveyer unit may be a belt conveyer, a chain conveyer, or a roller conveyer. The conveyer transports the stream of items in a conveyer direction, typically along the belt, chain, or rollers.

[0016] The first assembly deck is arranged along the conveyer unit. This is along the conveyer unit or on a side, typically in contact with this side, of the conveyer unit. Along may be interpreted as adjoining. The first assembly deck may be seen as arranged to a side of the conveyer direction. The second assembly deck is also arranged along the conveyer unit. The second assembly deck is additionally arranged downstream or on an opposite side relative to the first assembly deck.

[0017] The conveyer dispatcher is arranged for dispatching one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit. Dispatching the one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit typically comprises removing or taking the one or more items away from the stream of items. Dispatching the one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit typically comprises removing or taking the item away from the conveyer unit. Dispatching typically interrupts or ends the stream of items.

[0018] The conveyer dispatcher is further arranged such that the one or more items are dispatchable onto the first assembly deck. Previously, dispatchers where part of the palletizer unit or present in the palletizing system per palletizer unit. Furthermore previously, a sorter was associated with each palletizer unit for sorting the item to its own corresponding conveyer unit. Each sorter is then arranged for sorting out items of the stream of items destined for the associated palletizer. Arranging the dispatcher such that the dispatcher is shared between the conveyer unit and the first assembly deck allows the dispatcher to handle the function of sorting as well as the function of dispatching onto the first assembly deck. The combination of the functionality allows for controlling one device, the dispatcher, instead of controlling two independent devices advantageously reducing control complexity. Further, the combination of the functionality reduces the size of the device having ultimately the technical effect of reducing the ground floor area. A further advantage is the handling of multiple different items with one palletizing system, as typically on an assembly deck identical items are arranged or gathered.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a palletizing system for palletizing a plurality of items, comprising: a buffer arranged for buffering the plurality of items and for releasing a buffered item; a conveyer unit arranged for conveying a stream of items; a palletizer unit comprising an assembly deck arranged along the conveyer unit; a wiper arranged for wiping one or more of the items from the conveyer unit; a positioning unit arranged for positioning a released item on the conveyer unit; wherein the wiper is also arranged for wiping one or more of the items onto the assembly deck for assembling items in a layer; and wherein positioning comprises orienting the released item and spacing the released item from the preceding released item on the conveyer unit such that multiple items are wipeable by the wiper with a single wipe. Positioning multiple items such that, when possible, multiple items can be wiped in a single wipe from the conveyer unit and onto the palletizer unit, specifically the assembly deck provides the advantage of less mechanical movement of the wiper per item. This advantage translates in the advantage that the conveyer unit may convey the items faster, further translating in the technical effect that more items can be handled in a time period.

[0020] In an embodiment of the palletizing system, releasing the buffered item comprises releasing buffered items one after the other. Having a single release of buffered items provides the advantage of less components and material. Another advantage is a less complex system.

[0021] In an embodiment of the palletizing system, the wiper is arranged for wiping multiple items providing the advantage of clearing items from the conveyer unit quicker.

[0022] In an embodiment of the palletizing system, the palletizing system is combined with any of the features added to the embodiments of the palletizer system.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In an embodiment, dispatchable and / or wipeable onto the first assembly deck comprises arranged and / or positioned on the first assembly deck. Arranging and / or positioning on the first assembly deck in the context of the invention is to have an item on the assembly deck such that it forms an element of the layer to be formed on the assembly deck or is ready to form an element of the layer to be formed on the assembly deck. Ready to form an element of the layer may comprise an item positioned such that with minimal shifting from typically two wipers having a shift direction orthogonal to each other for pressing the items together and / or compacting for forming the layer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the conveyer dispatcher is also arranged such that the one or more items are dispatchable onto the second assembly deck. Arranging the first and second assembly decks such that the dispatcher is associated with, serves, handles, or tends to the first assembly deck and second assembly deck. Arranging the first and second assembly decks relative to each other and the conveyer dispatcher allows the conveyer dispatcher, or alternatively dispatcher of items, to be shared between two palletizer units. The sharing provides the technical effect of a more compact arrangement of conveyer and palletizer units, thus a more compact palletizing system using less floorspace. The sharing further provides the technical effect of a reduction in dispatching means of dispatchers.

[0026] In an embodiment, the conveyer dispatcher comprises a conveyer shifter arranged for shifting the item from the conveyer unit onto the first assembly deck. Dispatching is advantageously limited to shifting items from the conveyer unit onto the first assembly deck. Items are typically contained in a package or wrapper. Shifting items allows to use packages and wrappers of less quality. Also, heavier items packaged in weak packages may be handled by shifting instead of for example picking an item up.

[0027] In an embodiment, the conveyer dispatcher comprises a conveyer wiper arranged for wiping the item from the conveyer unit onto the first assembly deck. Dispatching is advantageously limited to wiping items from the conveyer unit onto the first assembly deck. Items are typically contained in a package or wrapper. Wiping items allows to use packages and wrappers of less quality. Also, heavier items packaged in weak packages may be handled by wiping instead of for example picking an item up.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the conveyer wiper is also arranged for wiping the item from the conveyer unit onto the second assembly deck. Arranging the first and second assembly decks such that the dispatcher is associated with, serves, handles, or tends to the first assembly deck and second assembly deck. Arranging the first and second assembly decks relative to each other and the conveyer dispatcher allows the conveyer dispatcher, or alternatively dispatcher of items, to be shared between two palletizer units. The sharing advantageously provides a more compact arrangement of conveyer and palletizer units, thus a more compact palletizing system using less floorspace. The sharing further advantageously provides a reduction in dispatching means or dispatchers.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first and second assembly decks are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyer unit to allow the dispatcher to be associated with the conveyer, hence conveyer dispatcher. Furthermore, arranging the first and second assembly decks on opposite sides of the conveyer unit allows the dispatcher to be associated with, to serve, to handle, or to tend to the first and second assembly decks. Arranging the first and second assembly decks on opposite sides relative to each other of the conveyer dispatcher allows the conveyer dispatcher, or alternatively dispatcher of items, to be shared between two palletizer units. The sharing advantageously provides a more compact arrangement of conveyer and palletizer units, thus a more compact palletizing system using less floorspace. The sharing further advantageously provides a reduction in dispatching means or dispatchers.

[0030] In an embodiment, the second assembly deck is arranged downstream of the first palletizer unit; the palletizing system further comprises a second conveyer dispatcher arranged for dispatching one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit; and the second conveyer dispatcher is arranged such that the one or more items are dispatchable onto the second assembly deck. The embodiment provides the advantage of handling multiple different items with one palletizing system. The embodiment also provides the advantage of giving more flexibility in the ground plane when arranging one palletizer unit downstream of the other. In a further embodiment, the two palletizer units are arranged or positioned adjacent to each other providing the advantage of a more compact and / or smaller ground plane.

[0031] In an embodiment, the stream of items is a mixed stream of items. Having multiple assembly decks advantageously allows to handle the mixed stream of items.

[0032] In an embodiment, on the assembly deck identical items are assembled in a layer. Identical items are advantageously arranged more easily, preferably arranged more compact, on the assembly deck. Still, items in one layer in the stack may differ from items in the other layers. In a further embodiment, the palletizer unit palletizes identical items. Thus, all layers are advantageously equal.

[0033] In an embodiment, the palletizing system comprises: an identification unit arranged for identifying an item of the stream of items; and a controller arranged for instructing the conveyer dispatcher based on the identified item. Based on the identified item, the item is advantageously sorted to one of the palletizer units. The identification unit may comprise one or more cameras or scanners for identifying an item of the stream of items.

[0034] In an embodiment, the palletizing system comprises: a positioning unit arranged for positioning an item on the conveyer unit, wherein positioning comprises orienting the item and spacing the item from the preceding item on the conveyer unit such that the conveyer dispatcher is also arranged for wiping one or more of the items onto the assembly deck for assembling items in a layer. The positioning unit causes positioning on the conveyer unit for thereafter advantageously allowing the dispatching, specifically the shifting and / or the wiping, of the one or more items from the conveyer unit onto an assembly deck. In a further embodiment, the positioning unit comprises the identification unit advantageously integrating the identification unit for decreasing the footprint.

[0035] In an embodiment, the stream of items has a maximum height; the conveyer dispatcher is positionable on either side of the conveyer unit; the conveyer dispatcher during positioning on either side of an item on the conveyer unit has a clearance from the conveyer unit; and the clearance is larger than the maximum height. This embodiment advantageously allows to reposition the dispatcher on either side of the item during the operation. In a further embodiment, the dispatchers comprises a shifter and / or a wiper such that the shifter and / or the wiper is advantageously placeable behind the item for shifting and / or wiping the item.

[0036] In an embodiment, the dispatcher comprises a multi axis robot, such as a pick-and-place device, arranged for dispatching an item of the stream of items from a conveyer position on the conveyer unit; and the multi axis robot is arranged such that the item is dispatchable onto the assembly deck of either the first palletizer unit or the second palletizer unit. The multi axis robot may be a Cobot or Scara robot. The multi axis robot provides the advantage that the conveyer unit may continue to convey as soon as the item is pushing and rotating, optionally lifting up, from the conveyer unit and the lifted item does not collide with an item on the conveyer unit.

[0037] In an embodiment, the conveyer unit comprises a conveying plane arranged for conveying the stream of items over the conveying plane. The conveying plane is typically flat and / or placed horizontally. In a further embodiment, the conveying plane, the first assembly deck and the second assembly deck are substantially flush for advantageously easy shifting and / or wiping of items from the conveyer unit onto the first and / or second assembly decks. In another further embodiment, a dispatched item from the stream of items has an item orientation; the conveying plane is higher compared to the first assembly deck and / or the second assembly deck; and the height is selected such that the item orientation of the dispatched item is retained during dispatching for advantageously providing more certainty that during dispatching the dispatched item will not be entrapped between the conveyer unit and the assembly deck.

[0038] In an embodiment, the palletizer unit comprises a compacting wiper arranged for compacting the items on the assembly deck. The compacting wiper typically advantageously cooperates with the dispatcher, specifically the conveyer wiper, for advantageously compacting the items on the assembly deck.

[0039] In an embodiment, the conveyer dispatcher is also arranged for compacting the items on the assembly deck. The conveyer dispatcher, typically the conveyer wiper, and compacting wiper are typically arranged to dispatch or to wipe in orthogonal directions of each other for advantageously compacting the items on the assembly deck in both directions. In a further embodiment, the compacting wiper and the conveyer wiper are advantageously arranged for cooperating for compacting the items on the assembly deck into a layer. In a further embodiment, the compacting wiper and the conveyer wiper advantageously compact the items on the assembly deck in a substantial perpendicular or orthogonal direction, preferably perpendicular or orthogonal direction.

[0040] In an embodiment, the conveyor unit comprises more than one conveyor section and each conveyor section can run independently of the other conveyer sections, such as in a forward or reverse direction or at different velocities. The multiple conveyer sections allow for optimizing the position or minimizing the delay to transport an object in front of the conveyer dispatcher or conveyer wiper.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a palletizing system;

[0044] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a palletizing system; Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a palletizer module; Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a top module; and Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of a palletizing system.

[0045] The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The following figures may detail different embodiments. Embodiments can be combined to reach an enhanced or improved technical effect. These combined embodiments may be mentioned explicitly throughout the text, may be hint upon in the text or may be implicit. Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a palletizing system 100. The palletizing system comprises a conveyer unit 120, a first palletizer unit 110, and a conveyer dispatcher 130. The palletizing system further comprises a second palletizer unit 111 and / or a third palletizer unit 112.

[0047] The conveyer unit conveys a stream of items 10 away from a stream of items start 141 in a transport direction T towards the different palletizer units. In an alternative embodiment, the conveyer unit conveys a stream of items originating from both ends of the conveyer unit, wherein the conveyer unit is typically subdivided in sections to accommodate the both stream of items. The palletizer unit 110, 111 , 112, 113 comprises an assembly deck 115, 116, 117, 118. Items 30, 31 , 32, 33 are assembled in a layer on the respective assembly decks. As shown on the first assembly deck 115 the items 30 may be arranged in a layer with some spacing in between. The conveyer dispatcher 130 may be used to compact the items on the assembly deck. The palletizer unit may comprise a compacting wiper cooperating with the conveyer dispatcher, typically the conveyer wiper for compacting the items forming a layer on the assembly deck. The compacting wiper and the conveyer dispatcher, such as the conveyer wiper, are typically compacting the items in orthogonal directions.

[0048] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a palletizing system 100. The palletizing system may comprise an empty pallet input 150. The pallet input buffers empty pallets which are provided from the pallet input to the palletizer units 110, 111 , 112, 114. The pallet output 160 receives pallets with stacked or palletized items arranged on the pallet from the palletizer units. The transportation of empty pallets as well as pallets with palletized items is performed by a pallet transport system. The pallet transport system is arranged below, preferably directly below, the conveyer unit. The height clearance between the conveyer unit and the pallet conveyer is typically at least the maximum height of the pallet with the palletized items. Arranging the pallet conveyer directly below the conveyer unit provides for a compact palletizing system. The direction of transportation of the conveyer unit of the stream of items and the pallet transport system of the pallets is typically in the same direction or in opposing directions.

[0049] The palletizing system may have a modular setup. The stream of items 141 may start at an infeed module 140. The infeed module may input or infeed, such as lift, the item or the items up to the level of the conveyer unit. The palletizing system may comprise a first palletizer module 101 , a second palletizer module 102, and a third palletizer module 103 arranged downstream of each other in view of the conveyer unit and the transport direction of the items on the conveyer unit. The palletizing system may comprise a pallet module 106 comprising the pallet input 150 and the pallet output 160. The palletizing system may further comprise a top module 105. The top module comprises a conveyor loader, a first conveyer dispatcher 130, a second conveyer dispatcher 132, and a third conveyer dispatcher 134. The modular system provides the advantage of an adaptable yet compact palletizing system. The conveyor loader may manipulate the stream of items by positioning, such as wiping or shifting, the item onto the conveyer unit.

[0050] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a palletizer module 101 , 102, 103. The palletizer module may comprise a first palletizer unit 110, and a second palletizer unit 111. In between the two palletizer units on the top side the conveyer unit 120 may be arranged. In between the two palletizer units on the bottom side the pallet transport system directly below the conveyer unit may be arranged.

[0051] Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a top module 105. The top module may comprise a conveyor loader 142, a first conveyer dispatcher 130, a second conveyer dispatcher 132, and a third conveyer dispatcher 134. Each conveyer dispatcher may comprise a conveyer wiper 135, 137, 139 for wiping an item from the conveyer unit onto the assembly deck of a palletizer unit. The wiping is typically sideways relative to or orthogonal to the transportation or conveying direction of the conveyer unit. The wiper can be moved to a maximum height M relative to the conveyer unit to move over the item such that the item is wipeable to either side of the conveyer unit. In a specific embodiment, the conveyer dispatcher comprise a wiper frame, and the maximum height is relative to the wiper frame. In this specific embodiment, the wiper is typically moved to the required side of the conveyer unit before the item comes into a range where the item is wipeable to either side of the conveyer unit.

[0052] Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of a palletizing system 100. The palletizing system shows on the left the stream of items start 141 in a positioning module 140 followed by three conveyer dispatchers 130, 132, 134. Below the conveyer dispatchers are three palletizer units 110, 112, 114 arranged or three palletizer modules 101 , 102, 103. The palletizer units or palletizer modules are followed by a pallet output 160, or a pallet module 106 on the left. It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent. Devices functionally forming separate devices may be integrated in a single physical device.

[0053] The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all emission” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

[0054] The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

[0056] The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0057] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and “to include”, and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0058] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0059] The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings.

[0060] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Palletizing system (100) for palletizing a stream (10) of items; wherein a palletizer unit (110, 111 , 112) comprises an assembly deck (115, 116, 117) arranged for assembling items of the stream of items in a layer (30, 31 , 32, 33), and after the layer has formed removing the assembly deck for forming a stack of layers in the palletizer unit; wherein the palletizing system comprises:- a conveyer unit (120) arranged for conveying the stream of items;- a first palletizer unit (110), wherein the first assembly deck (115) is arranged along the conveyer unit;- a second palletizer unit (111 , 112), wherein the second assembly deck (116, 117, 118, 119) is arranged along the conveyer unit, and downstream or on an opposite side of the first palletizer unit; and- a conveyer dispatcher (130, 132, 134) characterized in that: the conveyer dispatcher comprises a conveyer wiper (135, 137, 139) arranged for wiping one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit; and the conveyer dispatcher is arranged such that the one or more items are wipeable onto the first assembly deck and / or the second assembly deck.

2. Palletizing system according to the preceding claim, wherein wipeable onto the first assembly deck comprises arranged and / or positioned on the first assembly deck.

3. Palletizing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second assembly decks are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyer unit.

4. Palletizing system according to any of the preceding claims 1-2, wherein the second assembly deck is arranged downstream of the first palletizer unit; wherein the palletizing system further comprises a second conveyer dispatcher arranged for dispatching one or more items of the stream of items from the conveyer unit; andwherein the second conveyer dispatcher is arranged such that the one or more items are dispatchable onto the second assembly deck.

5. Palletizing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stream of items is a mixed stream of items.

6. Palletizing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein on the assembly deck identical items are assembled in a layer (30, 31 , 32, 33); and wherein preferably the palletizer unit palletizes identical items.

7. Palletizing system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising- an identification unit arranged for identifying an item of the stream of items; and- a controller arranged for instructing the conveyer dispatcher based on the identified item.

8. Palletizing system according to the preceding claim, comprising a positioning unit arranged for positioning an item on the conveyer unit, wherein positioning comprises orienting the item and spacing the item from the preceding item on the conveyer unit such that the conveyer dispatcher is also arranged for wiping one or more of the items onto the assembly deck for assembling items in a layer, wherein the controller is arranged for instructing the positioning unit.

9. Palletizing system according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the positioning unit comprises the identification unit.

10. Palletizer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stream of items (10) has a maximum height (M); wherein the conveyer dispatcher is positionable on either side of the conveyer unit; wherein the conveyer dispatcher during positioning has a clearance from the conveyer unit; and wherein the clearance is larger than the maximum height.11 . Palletizer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyer unit comprises a conveying plane arranged for conveying the stream of items over the conveying plane.

12. Palletizer system according to the preceding claim, wherein the conveying plane, the first assembly deck and the second assembly deck are substantially flush.

13. Palletizer system according to the preceding claim 11 , wherein a dispatched item from the stream of items has an item orientation; wherein the conveying plane is higher compared to the first assembly deck and / or the second assembly deck; and wherein the height is selected such that the item orientation of the dispatched item is retained during dispatching.

14. Palletizer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the palletizer unit comprises a compacting wiper arranged for compacting the items on the assembly deck.

15. Palletizer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyer dispatcher is also arranged for compacting the items on the assembly deck.

16. Palletizer system according to the preceding claim, and claim 14, wherein the compacting wiper and the conveyer wiper are arranged for cooperating for compacting the items on the assembly deck into a layer; and wherein preferably the compacting wiper and the conveyer wiper compact the items on the assembly deck in a substantial perpendicular direction, preferably perpendicular direction.

17. Palletiser system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stream of items has a transport direction; wherein the palletiser system is arranged for palletizing a second stream of items having a second transport direction, preferably opposite to the transport direction;wherein the conveyor unit comprises multiple conveyor sections; wherein each conveyor section is arranged for transporting items in the transport direction and the second transport direction.

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