SYSTEM FOR MOVING OBJECTS IN A STOREHOUSE

• US 20110268546A1
• Filed: 05/03/2011
• Published: 11/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OTO Melara SPA (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Original Assignee: OTO Melara SPA (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Inventors: MORICCA, Tonino, BISELLI, Gianluca, CHIAPPINI, Andrea
• Granted Patent: US 8,864,434 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/589
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 13/04 Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or preventing cable slack
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 9/02 for underhung trolleys or cranes
• CPC Class Codes: B66D 3/18 Power-operated hoists
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 9/87 Ammunition handling dollies or transfer carts F41A9/86 takes precedence

Abstract

System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, includes at least one manipulator (3), adapted to grip and orient the objects in the desired positions and at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism (2), adapted to move said manipulator in the closed space in at least two different directions substantially horizontal.

An electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, is able to electronically and automatically determine the movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator.

Claims

1. System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, comprising:

at least one manipulator, adapted to grip and orient the objects in desired positions;

at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism, adapted to move said manipulator in said closed space in at least two different substantially horizontal directions,

an electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, the electronic processing unit being able to determine electronically and automatically movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the overhead-crane mechanism comprises at least one pair of longitudinal guides sliding on which is at least one pair of transverse guides, on which the manipulator slides.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator comprises a sliding plate, which proceeds on transverse guides, and an elongated body constrained to the sliding plate by a circular joint that enables rotation of the manipulator about its longitudinal axis.

4. System according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator comprises gripping means for one of said objects, the gripping means including a plurality of pliers moveable along the longitudinal axis of the manipulator.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the pliers are moved by linear guides to enable gripping of objects of different sizes.

6. System according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator comprises positioning means comprising a bottom resting plate and a top guiding device, adapted to enable resting and proper positioning of the objects in the manipulator.

7. System according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator has an access interface for the operator comprising a control joystick equipped with control pushbuttons to enable an operator'"'"'s direct control, the operator being able to determine and follow movements of the manipulator in the closed space.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the manipulator comprises a checking display equipped with control pushbuttons.

9. System according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator is provided with proximity sensors adapted to prevent its unexpected contact of the manipulator with objects.