Method for collecting articles in warehouse and warehouse

Abstract

A method of collecting articles (A) in a warehouse (100), comprising the steps of: providing an article storage unit (1) comprising an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried on a respective container (3) and a support system (5) supporting the movable containers (3) relative to a frame (2) according to a closed loop path having a collection zone (50c); moving means (6) providing the support system (5); providing a transfer device for transferring a frame of at least one article storage unit (1); identifying the article (A); placing the identified articles (A) into the containers (3), each container (3) placing at most one article; associating the identifier (4) with the placed article (A); receiving a request for a placed item (A); retrieving the associated identifier (4); the mobile device (6) is activated to deliver the container (3) carrying the retrieved identifier (4) to a collection point or area (50c) of the item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics technology, in particular to the management of items in a warehouse; the term "warehouse" includes various scenarios, such as warehouses serving industrial facilities, warehouses serving points of sale, and warehouses serving logistics centers.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for collecting items in a warehouse and a warehouse capable of meeting various functional requirements, such as requirements related to known processes such as inbound logistics, dynamic storage solutions, automated feeding, downstream logistics, and sorting, according to terms widely used in the field. Background Art

[0003] Self-moving or transportable rack units, such as those used in EP 1920396 A2, are known for temporarily storing various items, for example in a logistics center for collecting, packing, and dispatching stored items. In a conventional method, items from different suppliers are identified and sorted by reading barcodes or the like, temporarily stored in the rack unit, and a location memorized by the warehouse management system is assigned to the item, and the item is collected according to the memorized location, loaded into a receiver and prepared for shipment. The location of the item is usually defined by an identification code, such as a barcode on the rack unit. The receiver can be used according to various logics, such as collecting items belonging to the same order or items belonging to different orders. There are various known methods and systems for storing items and managing items in a warehouse, many of which have been proposed in patent applications.

[0004] Generally, at the time of inbound, the items are separated and sorted by assigning an identification code, which is usually associated with other data such as its quality and size.

[0005] Although warehouses including an automatic item collection function are well known, in the case of self-moving or transportable rack units, the collection still requires manual operation and has a limited level of automation, or requires costly automated equipment, such as humanoid robots.

[0006] Currently available self-moving or transportable rack units can reach different stations, but each time an item is collected or unloaded, the item needs to be re-identified. When using a conveyor such as a belt conveyor to transport items between different stations, multiple identifications are also required; in addition, the presence of the belt conveyor limits the available space for logistics.

[0007] In other words, once an item is collected from the rack unit, the memorized location is no longer useful; the tracking is removed, and a new location needs to be assigned and memorized after each item transfer.

[0008] EP 3256290 B1 (specific reference Figure 3B and 3C) describe a self - moving or transportable article storage unit, which includes a frame, article containers arranged in first and second columns, and a moving system for the containers to move between a first inclined position (to prevent articles from falling) and a second inclined position towards the ground (to facilitate collection by a collection system). The solution of EP 3256290 B1 facilitates the collection of articles, but does not facilitate the overall loading and unloading of articles. In addition, the above - mentioned system is oversized relative to the volume of the stored articles.

[0009] US2018201445 A1 describes a solution for article transfer using stackable article storage modules. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior - art solutions.

[0011] The primary objective is to simplify the management of articles temporarily stored in a warehouse.

[0012] The second objective is to limit or avoid identification operations after each transfer of articles.

[0013] A further objective of some embodiments is to simplify automatic collection.

[0014] These and other objectives are achieved by a method and a warehouse for collecting articles according to the claims, and these objectives will be obvious to those skilled in the art from reading the following text.

[0015] According to the teachings of this specification, the method includes the steps of:

[0016] - providing at least one article storage unit, which includes a frame, containers for articles, identifiers for each container carried by the corresponding containers, and a support system for the containers to support the containers so that they can be movable relative to the frame along a closed - loop path having at least one collection point or area for articles;

[0017] - providing moving means for moving the support system to move the containers relative to the frame;

[0018] - providing transfer means for transferring the frame of at least one article storage unit;

[0019] - providing articles;

[0020] - identifying the articles;

[0021] - placing the identified articles into the containers, with each container holding at most one article;

[0022] - associating the identifier of the container with the placed article;

[0023] ——Receive a request for an item to be placed;

[0024] ——Restore the identifier associated with the requested item;

[0025] ——Activate the mobile device to send the container carrying the retrieved identifier to the collection point or area of the item.

[0026] According to the teachings of this specification, the warehouse includes at least one item storage unit, including a frame, item containers, and corresponding identifiers carried by each container, a loading device for loading items into the containers, a transfer device for moving at least one item storage unit, and a warehouse management system including item identification means and identifier reading means.

[0027] The warehouse management system is configured to associate each item with the container identifier in which it is stored.

[0028] Advantageously:

[0029] ——At least one item storage unit includes a support system for the container, and the support system supports the container in such a way that the container can move relative to the frame along a closed-loop path;

[0030] ——The warehouse includes a mobile device for moving the support system to move the container relative to the frame;

[0031] ——The warehouse management system controls the loading device and / or the mobile device and is configured to allow each container to hold at most one item. Description of the Drawings

[0032] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in the subsequent part of this specification in conjunction with the claims and the drawings, wherein:

[0033] —— Figure 1 Show a perspective side view of an embodiment of an item storage unit according to the present invention;

[0034] —— Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Details of the embodiment;

[0035] —— Figures 3 to 5 Show Figure 1 The automatic loading sequence of the embodiment;

[0036] —— Figures 6 to 8 Show Figure 1 The automatic collection sequence of the embodiment;

[0037] —— Figure 9 Show a perspective view of two units or modules of another embodiment of an item storage unit according to the present invention;

[0038] —— Figure 10Yes Figure 9 Perspective view of the unit of the embodiment;

[0039] —— Figure 11 and 12 Yes Figure 9 Details of the embodiment, excluding some components for understanding the functional and structural features;

[0040] —— Figure 13 Showing the Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the container of the embodiment according to the vertical plane cutting all containers (without background);

[0041] —— Figure 14 Showing Figure 9 Perspective view of the unit of the embodiment at the first station;

[0042] —— Figure 15 Yes Figure 14 Details of different perspectives of;

[0043] —— Figure 16 Showing the first station of the embodiment of the warehouse according to the present invention;

[0044] —— Figure 17 Showing the top perspective view of the embodiment of the warehouse according to the present invention;

[0045] —— Figure 18 Showing Figure 17 Perspective side view of the embodiment;

[0046] —— Figure 19 Showing the top schematic view of another embodiment of the warehouse according to the present invention;

[0047] —— Figure 20 and 21 Are schematic side views of some embodiments of the article storage unit according to the present invention;

[0048] —— Figure 22 Is a perspective side view of the self - moving base of the article storage unit;

[0049] —— Figure 23 Showing details of the article storage unit that is completely similar to Figure 1 with the self - moving base of Figure 22 ;

[0050] —— Figure 24 Yes Figure 22 Perspective views of different perspectives of the self - moving base of. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 100 denotes a warehouse.

[0052] The cited documents are only for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0053] An embodiment of a method for collecting an item (A) in a warehouse (100) according to the present invention includes the steps of:

[0054] - Providing at least one item storage unit (1), which includes a frame (2), a container (3) for the item (A), an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by the corresponding container (3), and a support system (5) for supporting the container (3) of the container (3), enabling it to be movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed-loop path having at least one collection point or area (50c) of the item;

[0055] - Providing a moving device (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2);

[0056] - Providing a transfer device for transferring the frame of at least one item storage unit (1);

[0057] - Providing the item (A);

[0058] - Identifying the item (A);

[0059] - Placing the identified item (A) into the container (3), with at most one item placed in each container (3);

[0060] - Associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A);

[0061] - Receiving a request for the placed item (A);

[0062] - Retrieving the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A);

[0063] - Starting the moving device (6) to send the container (3) carrying the retrieved identifier (4) to the collection point or area (50c) of the item.

[0064] The association of the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the item (A) facilitates the management of the warehouse (100). Since the item (A) is uniquely traced, the need for further identification of the item (A) is restricted or avoided.

[0065] In addition, it facilitates the automatic collection of the item (A) from at least one item storage unit (1) while maintaining the tracking of the collected item (A).

[0066] The identifier (4) can be a barcode (including a two-dimensional code or a data matrix), a radio frequency tag, or a character sequence. Preferably, the identifier (4) is a barcode. Figure 9 The embodiment includes a radio frequency tag (not visible in the figure), but it can also be asFigure 1 As shown, it is a bar code.

[0067] A closed-loop path generally can reduce the floor area occupied and includes an upper section (50a), a lower section (50b), a first section (50d) extending in the vertical direction, and a second section (50e) extending in the vertical direction, wherein both the upper section (50a) and the lower section (50b) are located between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e). The article storage unit (1) facilitates the automation of the operation of the warehouse (100) and can be advantageously used in multiple steps of the process and / or multiple areas of the warehouse (100).

[0068] The article (A) is stored three-dimensionally, reducing the floor area occupied. Its structure has good flexibility both when loading and collecting, which will be described in detail below.

[0069] At least one article storage unit (1) can move by itself or, more preferably, be transported by an external transfer device; in both cases, known equipment is used.

[0070] For the transportable article storage unit (1), the frame (2) preferably includes support feet (200) for placing on the ground (G); these support feet are particularly useful and can provide space below the container (3) for the transfer device.

[0071] The transfer device preferably includes at least one automated guided or autonomous vehicle (71). As is known to those skilled in the art, a group of automated guided or autonomous vehicles (71) can interchangeably move multiple article storage units (1), and / or can make the article storage unit (1) not associated with any automated guided or autonomous vehicle (71) for a period of time.

[0072] The transfer device moves the frame (2) at least between a first spatial position and a second spatial position and generally moves the frame (2) between multiple points in the warehouse (100).

[0073] For the self-movable article storage unit (1), it preferably includes drive wheels (73a).

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the article storage unit (1) includes a self-movable base (73), the base including drive wheels (73a), a control unit (73d) for controlling the drive wheels (73a), and a battery unit (73c) for powering the control unit (73d) and the drive wheels (73a). In Figure 22 , 23 and 24, the self-movable base (73) further includes steering wheels (73b), a navigation device (73e) functionally associated with the control unit (73d), a control panel (73f) including a safety switch, and a collision avoidance sensor (73g).

[0075] Typically, the identification of the item (A) and the step of placing the identified item (A) are at least partially simultaneous, as shown in Figures 3 to 5 the example.

[0076] When the item (A) is at the collection point or area (50c) of the item, the step of collecting the item (A) is included: the item (A) can fall by gravity or be collected, for example, by a humanoid robot. "By gravity" refers to the transfer towards the ground (G) due to the gravity acting on the item (A).

[0077] The method preferably includes the steps of: providing a warehouse management system (1000) configured to associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A), receiving a request for the placed item (A), retrieving the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A), and controlling the activation of the mobile device (6).

[0078] The warehouse management system (1000) is of a known type and can be in physical, virtual, or hybrid form, such as a cloud system. Exemplarily, the warehouse management system (1000) can include an application server and a data storage. The server typically includes one or more processing units or processors and at least one memory and is configured to execute instructions. It usually also includes a communication channel, a network interface, a graphics controller, and an input / output interface. The method preferably includes the step of providing a reading device to read the identifier (4) and the step of reading the identifier (4) before associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A).

[0079] The reading device can read the identifier (4) before, during, or after the item (A) is placed in the container (3), for example, considering the movement that the container (3) will or has undergone.

[0080] The method preferably includes the steps of:

[0081] - providing receivers (104, 105), each receiver for receiving the item (A) from at least one item storage unit (1);

[0082] - receiving an instruction to arrange the item (A) to be placed in the second receiver (105);

[0083] - retrieving the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A) in the second receiver (105);

[0084] - transferring at least one self - moving item storage unit (1) corresponding to the identifier (4) associated with the first receiver (104) to the second receiver (105);

[0085] - activating the mobile device (6) to send the container (3) carrying the retrieved identifier (4) to the collection point or area (50c) of the item.

[0086] The method of the present invention is particularly applicable to the case of multiple receivers (104, 105), such as a sorting scenario.

[0087] When the article (A) approaches the second receiver (105), it includes the step of collecting the article (A): the article (A) can fall into the second receiver (105) by gravity or be placed by a humanoid robot.

[0088] The method preferably includes the steps of:

[0089] - Providing a loading device for loading the article (A) into a container (3) having an unloading area (90) for the article.

[0090] In the step of placing the identified article (A) into the container (3), the mobile device (6) is activated to transport the empty container (3) to the unloading area (90) of the article.

[0091] At least one article storage unit (1) can facilitate and accelerate the loading of the article (A).

[0092] Multiple methods can be adopted. For example, according to the first method, when the container (3) is at a point or area in the first section (50d), loading is carried out, and the mobile device (6) moves the container in such a way that the loaded container (3) faces the second section (50e), and then unloading is carried out at a point or area in the lower section (50b) below the second section (50e).

[0093] In the first embodiment, after loading the container (3), the mobile device (6) moves the container in the reverse direction to unload it at a point or area in the lower section (50b) below the first section (50d).

[0094] Two variants can be combined to form a collection point or area (50c) for two articles.

[0095] Generally, the following steps are performed after the article is placed into the container (3):

[0096] - Transporting the article storage unit (1) to the storage area (103) of at least one article storage unit (1).

[0097] Depending on the application, at least one article storage unit (1) can wait in the storage area (103) for several minutes to several days.

[0098] For multiple article storage units (1), the method can include:

[0099] - Identifying the article storage unit (1) storing the requested article (A);

[0100] - Transferring the identified article storage unit (1).

[0101] Preferably, in the step of transferring the identified article storage unit (1), the unit is removed from the storage area (103) of at least one article storage unit (1).

[0102] The method is preferably implemented by the device described in detail below.

[0103] The present invention also relates to a warehouse (100) for articles (A). Embodiments of the warehouse (100) include:

[0104] - At least one article storage unit (1), which includes a frame (2), a container (3) for the article (A), and an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by the corresponding container (3);

[0105] - A loading device for loading the article (A) into the container (3);

[0106] - A transfer device for transferring at least one article storage unit (1);

[0107] - A warehouse management system (1000), which includes an identification device for identifying the article (A) and / or a reading device for reading the identifier (4).

[0108] The warehouse management system (1000) is configured to associate each article (A) with the identifier (4) of the container (3) in which it is contained, and the type is a known type, as described above.

[0109] At least one article storage unit (1) preferably has a support system (5) for the container. The support system (5) supports the container (3) in such a way that the container (3) can move relative to the frame (2) along a closed-loop path. The warehouse (100) includes a moving device (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2). The warehouse management system (1000) controls the loading device and / or the moving device (6), and is configured to make each container (3) accommodate at most one article (A).

[0110] In the warehouse (100) of the present invention, due to the direct association between the container (3) and the article (A) it contains, the management of the article (A) is simplified, with the aforementioned advantages. The positioning of the article (A) in the container (3) can adopt various logical systems. The warehouse management system (1000) can manage the movement of the article (A) into the container (3) and / or the movement of the container (3). In Figures 3 to 5 , the loading device has a fixed speed (for example, due to the operator loading the removed article (A)), and the warehouse management system (1000) controls the movement of the container (3). In other versions, the loading device can also be controlled based on the availability of the empty container (3).

[0111] The transfer device moves at least one article storage unit (1) at least between a first station (101) and a second station (102) or a storage area (103) of the article storage unit (1).

[0112] A variety of known devices can have the function of an identification device. For example, the identification device can include a data input device, a first barcode reader (92), an identification system with a camera and / or a video camera, etc. The identification device generally includes multiple devices integrated in an entrance or a station (101, 102). The identification device preferably includes a first optical barcode reader (92). More preferably, the identification device includes a quality detector and / or a size detector for the article (A).

[0113] The closed-loop path can generally reduce the floor area occupied and includes an upper section (50a), a lower section (50b), a first section (50d) extending in the vertical direction, and a second section (50e) extending in the vertical direction, wherein both the upper section (50a) and the lower section (50b) are located between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e). Preferably, the container (3) has an opening (33) for the entry and exit of the article (A), and the support system (5) of the container (3) carries the container (3) in such a way that at at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article, the opening (33) faces the ground (G), so that the article (A) is discharged from the container (3) by gravity. More preferably, at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article is located in the lower section (50b).

[0114] Thus, the articles stored in at least one article storage unit (1) can be collected simply and automatically.

[0115] At least one collection point or area (50c) of the article is preferably lower than the point or area on the path where the loading device loads the article (A) into the container (3).

[0116] This further simplifies the automatic collection and warehouse operations.

[0117] The warehouse preferably includes a door (10) for the passage of articles located at at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article (A), and the door is movable between a closed position that blocks passage and an open position that allows passage. The warehouse management system (1000) controls the mobility of the door (10).

[0118] The presence of the door (10) (for example, on at least one article storage unit (1)) can determine which containers (3) will be loaded, thus bringing application advantages such as sorting.

[0119] The warehouse (100) preferably includes a first station (101) of at least one article storage unit (1). Further:

[0120] The mobile device (6) includes a motion transmission device that is installed at the first station (101) and configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when at least one article storage unit (1) is located at the first station (101); and / or

[0121] - The reading device includes a bar code reader (81) or a radio frequency tag reader (81) installed at the first station (101), and the bar code includes a two-dimensional bar code.

[0122] The first station (101) is generally used for article (A) transfer. The availability of the stations (101, 102) (as Figure 14 shown in the example) reduces the cost, weight, and implementation and management complexity of the article storage unit (1), and has a minimal impact on the implementation of the warehouse (100).

[0123] The warehouse (100) preferably includes guide rails (107) installed at the first station (101) to ensure the correct positioning of the article storage unit (1) and the motion transmission device. The mobile device (6) preferably includes at least one motor (61) that drives the motion transmission device and is installed at the first station (101).

[0124] The motion transmission device preferably includes a gear (62) configured to be coupled to a coupling device, particularly to Figure 15 the couplable gear (56) shown. The motion transmission device preferably further includes a planetary gear.

[0125] The warehouse (100) preferably includes a transporter or conveyor (106) for articles (A) and a plurality of stations (101, 102) for at least one article storage unit (1). The stations are arranged in sequence along the transporter or conveyor (106) such that when at least one self-mobile article storage unit (1) is at any one of the plurality of stations (101, 102), it can place the article (A) on the transporter or conveyor (106).

[0126] Therefore, articles (A) can be transferred quickly and / or automatically, such as through Figure 17 the examples shown in 18 and 19. Figure 17 and 18 In, a belt conveyor can convey the article (A) to other areas within the warehouse (100) or to a plurality of exit points with different destinations or activities.

[0127] Figure 19 A particularly complete embodiment of the warehouse (100) is shown, including a first station (101), a second station (102) with a transporter or conveyor (106), a storage area (103) for at least one article storage unit (1), a warehouse management system (1000), and a first receiver (104) and a second receiver (105).

[0128] Figure 17 18 and 19 are the displays of examples of the present invention in the case of multiple article storage units (1) according to the present invention.

[0129] The preferred embodiment of the at least one article storage unit (1) related to the method is clearly applicable inside the warehouse (100).

[0130] Each container (3) preferably includes a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33) located between the first part (31) and the second part (32) for the entry and exit of articles (A).

[0131] The support system (5) preferably supports the container (3) in the following manner, or is configured to:

[0132] - A plurality of containers (3) overlap each other in the first section (50d), and a plurality of containers (3) overlap each other in the second section (50e);

[0133] - Each container has a first part (31) above the second part (32) in the first section (50d), and a second part (32) above the first part (31) in the second section (50e). The opening (33) faces away from the container (3) in the second section (50e) in the first section (50d), and the opening (33) faces the ground (G) in the lower section (50b) so that the article (A) falls under the action of gravity.

[0134] In addition, the container (3) and the path are configured such that the second part (32) in the first section (50d) and the first part (31) in the second section (50e) are horizontal or inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (H) to prevent the article (A) from falling.

[0135] Those skilled in the art should understand that there are various possible variants of the support system (5), all of which can achieve the foregoing support manner of the container (3), that is, using moving parts different from the frame (2) and / or different coupling manners between the container (3) and the same moving parts. By way of example only, each container (3) can be independently moved by a device along a guide rail, or the container (3) can be coupled to the same part, or the container (3) can be fixed relative to the device or part or movable relative to any of the foregoing parts. Figure 20 and 21 It is also schematically shown how to prevent the article (A) from falling by changing the shape of the container (3) and / or the path. Different lines are used in these figures to identify the first part (31) and the second part (32), and the inclination angles with respect to the horizontal plane (H) and / or with respect to the container (3) are marked, wherein the first part (31) and the second part (32) are perpendicular to the path. Figure 20Shows how the cross-section of the container (3) tapers towards the opening (34) to prevent the article (A) from falling. Figure 21 Illustrates how the inclination of the path can be used for the same purpose.

[0136] Some preferred features will be described below; Figure 1 and Figure 9 Illustrates a preferred embodiment that simplifies implementation and / or obtains other advantages.

[0137] As shown, the path is designed for vertically stacking articles (A), i.e., a large number of containers (3) are arranged in the first section (50d) and the second section (50e).

[0138] It is explicitly stated that in this specification, the expression "in a section" is equivalent to "at the position of the section", i.e., it represents the part of the path being traversed.

[0139] The opening (33) facing away simplifies side loading. More preferably, the support system (5) supports the container (3) such that the opening (33) of each container (3) in the second section (50e) faces away from the containers in the first section (50d).

[0140] The feature is preferably achieved by a flexible mechanism (51, 52) that rigidly connects the container (3) to the support system (5), with the opening (33) facing away from the path direction.

[0141] The openings (33) visible on both sides enable better control of the article storage unit (1), for example when the article storage unit pauses in the storage area (103).

[0142] Preferably at least one (more preferably both) is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (H) between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e), so that as Figure 20 Schematically reduces the floor footprint.

[0143] At least one and preferably both, i.e., between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e) are preferably inclined with respect to the vertical plane (V) such that the path gradually widens towards the lower section (50b). In this case, especially when the container (3) is constrained by a part of the flexible mechanism (51, 52), the possibility of the article (A) falling is reduced, as Figure 21 shown.

[0144] Theoretically Figure 20 and 21 The configurations of can be combined, such as a vertical first section (50d) and an inclined second section (50e).

[0145] The inclined section makes it more difficult to discharge the article (A) and / or allows the use of a container (3) with a gradually expanding cross-section at the opening (33). The solution can be more easily achieved by molding the container (3) and / or restricting the transfer of the article (A) when the container (3) moves with the same opening (33).

[0146] The support system (5) preferably includes at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52) to which the container (3) is fixed, thereby achieving a closed-loop path in a simple manner.

[0147] More preferably, at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52) is a chain, belt or belt in a broad sense, i.e., including, for example, a metal mesh belt, a slat mesh or a similar structure. As Figure 1 Schematically shown, the container (3) can be directly fixed to the flexible mechanism (51), and the flexible mechanism (51) can be a belt, as Figure 1 in the case of.

[0148] However, other particularly effective and / or simple forms are also possible. As Figure 9 shown, the support system (5) preferably includes a first flexible mechanism (51) with belt fittings (51a) and a second flexible mechanism (52) with belt fittings (52a) arranged at intervals from the first flexible mechanism (51), and the container (3) is directly or indirectly fixed to the fittings (51a, 52b) of the first flexible mechanism (51) and the second flexible mechanism (52).

[0149] The support system (5) more preferably includes a connecting element (53), and each connecting element (53) is fixed to at least the fitting (51a) of the first flexible mechanism (51), the fitting (52a) of the second flexible mechanism (52), and the corresponding container (3).

[0150] Each connecting element (53) is preferably fixed to the opposite side of the opening (33) of the container (3).

[0151] At least one flexible mechanism (51, 52) with belt fittings can be a flexible mechanism with wings; preferably but not limited to Figure 11 and 12 the winged chain shown.

[0152] Each container (3) preferably includes a base (34) opposite to the opening (33), and a first part (31) and a second part (32) extend relatively from the base (34) and face each other. In this case, the connecting element (53) is preferably fixed to the base (34). For example, in Figure 12 the connecting element (53) is arranged on the base (34) and is located between the Figure 13 protrusions shown.

[0153] In other embodiments, the connecting element (53) and / or at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52) can be used to block the discharge of the article (A).

[0154] The container (3) is preferably shaped like a bag or a basket.

[0155] The container (3) is preferably made by molding and has a first part (31) and a second part (32) that gradually widen from the base (34) towards the opening (33) to facilitate molding.

[0156] The advantages of the first part (31) and the second part (32) flaring towards the opening (33) regardless of the specific embodiment were discussed above, as Figure 21 shown by the schematic lines inside the container.

[0157] The support system (5) preferably includes a pulley or an upper roller (54) and a pulley or a lower roller (55), both of which are rotatable relative to the frame (2) and are connected to at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52).

[0158] Generally, the upper section (50) corresponds to the engagement section of the pulley or the upper roller (54) with at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52), and the lower section (50b) corresponds to the engagement of the pulley or the lower roller (55) with at least one flexible mechanism (51, 52).

[0159] The pulley or the upper roller (54) and the pulley or the lower roller (55) preferably have rotation axes located in the same vertical plane (V), that is, they overlap each other, and the diameter of the pulley or the upper roller (54) is smaller than that of the pulley or the lower roller (55), so that both the first section (50d) and the second section (50e) are inclined relative to the vertical plane (V), thus widening the path towards the lower section (50b) gradually, similar to Figure 21 shown.

[0160] The support system (5) preferably includes a coupling device for coupling the pulley or the lower roller (55) or the pulley or the upper roller (54) (more preferably the pulley or the lower roller (55)) to an independent moving device (6) outside the article storage unit (1), so that the container (3) moves relative to the frame (2). In addition, the coupling device includes a couplable gear (56). The couplable gear (56) is preferably mounted on the shaft of the pulley or the lower roller (55), or the coupling device includes a connecting shaft between them.

[0161] The moving device (6) can be carried by the frame (2) and, for example, can include a motor or a gear reducer coupled to or integrated with the pulley or the lower roller (55). These configurations have a series of negative consequences; these include factors such as an increase in the empty load mass of the article storage unit (1), cost, and limited usage time of the motor or the gear reducer.

[0162] The electric machine can also be carried by an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous vehicle (71), which affects its mass, transportable mass and energy reserve.

[0163] The couplable gear (56) is configured to engage with a motion transmission device installed at the stations (101, 102) to load and / or collect the articles (A), or to engage with other motion transmission devices carried by a transfer device (such as an automated guided vehicle or an autonomous vehicle (71)) of the article storage unit (1).

[0164] Such as Figure 15 and 16 As shown, the couplable gear (56) can be a gear. A motor (61) of the further moving device (6) is visible in these figures.

[0165] The article storage unit (1) preferably has a blocking device (11) in the lower section (50b), which is configured to prevent the articles (A) from being discharged from the opening (33).

[0166] The blocking device (11) can more precisely determine the collection point or area (50c) of at least one article. The blocking device (11) is preferably rigidly connected to the frame (2). For example, the blocking device (11) can include a part that matches the shape of the path to prevent the articles (A) from being discharged. The blocking device (11) can include or be coated with an anti-friction material relative to the container (3).

[0167] The blocking device (11) preferably includes one or more wall plates, for example made of steel plates or achieved by molding.

[0168] The article storage unit (1) preferably includes a door (10) provided in the lower section (50b).

[0169] The door (10) is preferably formed on the blocking device (11), such as Figure 6 shown.

[0170] The transfer device preferably includes a device (72) configured to open or close the door (10). The device (72) can be, for example, a known type of starter for a vehicle with an automatic drive device (71).

[0171] Combined or alternatively, the door (10) can be driven by a starter of the article storage unit (1), or a starter can be installed at the first station (101).

[0172] The loading device preferably includes a transporter or a conveyor, such as Figure 3 the belt conveyor (91) shown.

[0173] It should be understood that the above has been illustrated by non-limiting examples, and any structural variations fall within the protection scope of the present technical solution, as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for collecting items (A) in a warehouse (100), comprising the steps of: - providing at least one item storage unit (1), which includes a frame (2), a container (3) for the item (A), an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by the corresponding container (3), and a support system (5) for the container (3) that supports the container (3) and enables it to move relative to the frame (2) along a closed-loop path according to at least one collection point or area (50c) having the item; - providing a moving device (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2); - providing a transfer device for transferring the at least one item storage unit (1); - providing the item (A); - identifying the item (A); - placing the identified item (A) into the container (3), with each container (3) receiving at most one item (A); - associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A); - receiving a request for the placed item (A); - retrieving the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A); - activating the moving device (6) to send the container (3) carrying the retrieved identifier (4) to the collection point or area (50c) of the item.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps of: providing a warehouse management system (1000) configured to associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A), receive a request for the placed item (A), retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A), and control the activation of the moving device (6).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of: before the step of associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A), providing a reading device for reading the identifier (4) and reading the identifier (4).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - providing a receiver (104, 105), each receiver for receiving the item (A) from the at least one item storage unit (1); - receiving an instruction to arrange the item (A) to be placed in a second receiver (105); - retrieving the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A) in the second receiver (105); - transferring the at least one item storage unit (1) with the associated identifier (4) from a first receiver (104) to a second receiver (105); - activating the moving device (6) to send the container (3) carrying the retrieved identifier (4) to the collection point or area (50c) of the item.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - providing a loading device for loading the item (A) into the container (3) in an unloading area (90) having the item; In the step of placing the identified article (A) into the container (3), the mobile device (6) is activated to transport the empty container (3) to the unloading area (90) of the article.

6. A warehouse (100) for articles (A), which comprises: - at least one article storage unit (1), which includes a frame (2), a container (3) for the article (A), and an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by the corresponding container (3); - a loading device for loading the article (A) into the container (3); - a transfer device for transferring the at least one article storage unit (1); - a warehouse management system (1000), which includes an identification device for identifying the article (A) and a reading device for reading the identifier (4); wherein the warehouse management system (1000) is configured to associate each article (A) with the identifier (4) of the container (3) in which it is located, and the warehouse (100) is characterized in that: - the at least one article storage unit (1) includes a support system (5) for the container (3), and the support system (5) supports the container (3) in such a way that the container (3) can move relative to the frame (2) along a closed-loop path; - the warehouse (100) includes a mobile device (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2); - the warehouse management system (1000) controls the loading device and / or the mobile device (6), and is configured to allow each container (3) to accommodate at most one article (A).

7. The warehouse (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the container (3) has an opening (33) for the article (A) to enter and exit, and wherein the support system (5) of the container (3) carries the container (3) in such a way that at at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article, the opening (33) faces the ground (G), so that the article (A) is discharged from the container (3) by gravity.

8. The warehouse (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article is lower than the point or area of the path where the loading device loads the article (A) into the container (3).

9. The warehouse (100) according to claim 7 or 8, which includes a door (10) for the article (A) to pass through at at least one collection point or area (50c) of the article, and the door (10) can move between a closed position that blocks passage and an open position that allows passage, and wherein the warehouse management system (1000) controls the mobility of the door (10).

10. The warehouse (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, which includes a first station (101) of the at least one article storage unit (1), wherein: - The mobile device (6) includes a drive transmission device mounted on the first station (101) and configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when the article storage unit (1) is located at the first station (101); and / or - The reading device includes a bar code reader (81) or a radio frequency tag reader (81) mounted on the first station (101), and the bar code includes a two-dimensional bar code.

11. The warehouse (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a transporter and a conveyor (106) for articles (A) and a plurality of stations (101, 102) of the at least one article storage unit (1) arranged in sequence such that when located at any one of the plurality of stations (101, 102), the at least one article storage unit (1) places the article (A) on the transporter or the conveyor (106).

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