Method for picking a package

摘要

A storage apparatus has an rack of storage bins, a pick head drive unit to drive a pick head to an access location for a selected bin, and a platform drive unit to drive a platform forming part of the pick head into and out of the rack to pick or load packages at a selected bin of the rack. The platform has a cam formation which, in the course of entry of the platform into the rack acting to lift a desired package until the platform reaches a clearance position at which the cam formation clears the package. Subsequent withdrawal of the platform from the rack acts to drag the desired package from the selected bin.

主权项

1. A method for retrieving a package from a rack of storage bins in a row and column array, each said storage bin having a floor supporting the package, and each package having a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion, the method comprising:
driving a pick head having a platform to an access location corresponding to a selected said storage bin, wherein the platform has a projection therefrom that has a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion; and telescoping the platform into the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that:
the leading portion of the projection progressively tilts the leading portion of the package away from and off of the floor in the selected said storage bin as the leading portion of the projection progressively telescopes into the selected said storage bin under the package;the trailing portion of the projection progressively tilts the trailing portion of the package towards and back on to the floor in the selected said storage bin as the trailing portion of the projection progressively telescopes under and past the trailing portion of the package; andtelescoping the platform out of the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that the trailing portion of the projection engages the trailing portion of the package to drag the package on the floor out of the selected said storage bin.