Automated drive units with cleaning modules for inventory systems
US10678254B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L2201/06
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A drive unit with a cleaning module for cleaning an inventory system includes a frame, a drive module, a blower module, and at least one cleaning module mounted to the frame. The drive module includes at least two drive wheels that can move the unit, and the blower module can generate negative pressure in a debris container for applying to one or more cleaning modules. A first cleaning module includes a rotating brush and spans a cleaning path at least as wide as the drive wheels of the drive module as the drive unit with a cleaning module operates. Some cleaning-enabled drive units can include a bifurcation of the first cleaning module to avoid damaging fiducial markings in the inventory system. Such units include a second cleaning module with a stationary brush positioned in line with the bifurcation to clean the fiducial markings along the cleaning path without causing damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.