Robotic trailer loading/unloading system

• US 20070160449A1
• Filed: 01/12/2006
• Published: 07/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Johnson, Brian, Turnbull, Michael, Girn, Paramjit, Kolhatkar, Amit
• Application Number:
  US11/330,672
• Publication Number:
  US 20070160449A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/390
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 67/02 Loading or unloading land vehicles

Abstract

A loading/unloading system for a trailer includes at least one loader/unloader positioned adjacent an opening of the trailer that incrementally removes material from the trailer. A material handling device is movable relative to the loader/unloader and transports material from the loader/unloader to a predetermined location within a manufacturing facility.

Claims

1. A loading/unloading system for a trailer comprising:

at least one loader/unloader positioned adjacent an opening of the trailer and operable to incrementally remove material from the trailer; and

a material handling device movable relative to said loader/unloader and operable to transport material from said loader/unloader to a predetermined location.

2. The loading/unloading system of claim 1, wherein said loader/unloader includes at least one robot.

3. The loading/unloading system of claim 2, wherein said at least one robot is operably attached to a gantry to guide movement of said at least one robot relative to said opening.

4. The loading/unloading system of claim 2, wherein said at least one robot is rotatably mounted to a pedestal adjacent to said opening for movement relative to said opening.

5. The loading/unloading system of claim 2, wherein said at least one robot is operably attached to a track to guide movement of said at least one robot relative to said opening.

6. The loading/unloading system of claim 2, wherein said at least one robot includes three-dimensional vision apparatus operable to locate said material on the trailer and/or to locate said material on said material handling device.

7. The loading/unloading system of claim 1, wherein said material handling device is an automated electric guidance cart.

8. The loading/unloading system of claim 1, wherein said material handling device includes a conveyor.

9. The loading/unloading system of claim 1, wherein said loader/unloader is moveable in a direction parallel to said opening and in a direction perpendicular to said opening.

10. The loading/unloading system of claim 1, wherein said loader/unloader is rotatable relative to said opening.

11. A method loading and unloading a trailer comprising:

positioning a trailer adjacent to a loading and unloading facility;

positioning a loader/unloader in the facility relative to an opening of said trailer;

removing a portion of a total amount of material from said trailer;

placing said removed material on a container of a material handling device; and

driving said material handling device to transport said material to a predetermined location within the facility.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said positioning of said loader/unloader includes moving at least one robot about at least one of a gantry, a track, and a pedestal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said positioning of said robot includes at least one of translational and rotational movement.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing containers from said material handling device.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising placing said containers on said trailer.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising using three-dimensional vision apparatus to locate said material on said trailer.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing material from said trailer in a predetermined sequence.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising timing said predetermined sequence with said material handling device.