Automated case order sequencing method and system

摘要

A system and method for automatically preparing client orders in a distribution facility, where the inputs to the system are complete pallets of cases of individual products and the outputs of the system are client order pallets of mixed products. Specifically, the methods and systems are for conveying, storing, and dispensing cases using automated case order sequencing typically using non-product-dedicated and non-accumulating buffer conveyors.

主权项

1. A system of non-accumulating case conveyors and guides for storing and selectively dispensing cases of products according to predetermined order sequences, the system comprising:
a plurality of non-accumulating buffer conveyors being substantially parallel to one another for accumulating at least one case of a respective said products; an output sequencing transport conveyor being locally substantially perpendicular to a respective downstream end of the non-accumulating buffer conveyors for sequentially transferring cases of the products therefrom; for each said plurality of non-accumulating buffer conveyors, a case transfer device connecting to the downstream end of respective said non-accumulating buffer conveyor for selectively transferring a case of the products therefrom, each said case transfer device having a respective downstream end thereof connecting to the output sequencing transport conveyor for selectively transferring the corresponding case of products thereon; a controller unit connecting to the plurality of non-accumulating buffer conveyors, the plurality of case transfer devices and the output sequencing transport conveyor to control respective operation thereof so as to allow the forming of the predetermined order sequences of cases of products on the output sequencing transport conveyor from the cases of respective products from the plurality of the non-accumulating buffer conveyors; wherein each said conveyor is a powered conveyor for respective selective activation thereof by the controller unit, and each said non-accumulating buffer conveyor includes a clutch mechanism for selective activation thereof by the controller unit, each said clutch mechanism connecting to a common drive shaft controlled by the controller unit; and wherein said controller unit further stopping rotation of the common drive shaft; disengaging corresponding one said clutch mechanism from a currently engaged one of said plurality of buffer conveyors and corresponding said case transfer device; engaging corresponding one said clutch mechanism for engaging another one of said plurality of buffer conveyors with corresponding said case transfer device; and rotating the common drive shaft to operate said another one of said plurality of buffer conveyors with corresponding said case transfer device to transfer a case of product in or out thereof.