Crate unstacking machine, has stack tilting and separation devices located at opposite ends of conveyor

摘要

The machine (1) comprises a support path (4) for supporting one side of the stack, a conveyor (7) for moving the stack from one end of this path to the other, a device (5) at the second (downstream) end of this path for separating the crates from the stack and a stack tilting device (4) at the first (upstream) end. The separation device comprises ejectors for holding a crate in position whilst the crate before it is removed from the stack. An independent claim is also included for a method for unstacking crates using this machine, comprising the following steps: (A) placing the stack of crates on the tilting device in a receiving position; (B) tilting the device into a transfer position in order to place the crates on the support path; and (C) tilting the device back into the receiving position and at the same time separating the transferred stack into individual crates.