Method for storing and / or preparing a control command
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-25
AI Technical Summary
Current storage and order preparation processes for refrigerated products face challenges such as the need for large storage spaces, increased logistics complexity and costs due to temperature segregation, and the limitations of battery-powered trolleys at low temperatures, which hinder efficient order preparation and increase operator fatigue.
A method involving motorized trolleys with thermally insulated containers that utilize a cold accumulator to maintain internal temperatures below ambient temperatures, allowing for efficient storage and transport of refrigerated products across varying temperature ranges within a controlled warehouse environment, reducing energy costs and optimizing storage density.
This solution enables efficient storage and preparation of refrigerated products across different temperature ranges within a single warehouse, reducing energy costs and operator fatigue by using motorized trolleys with thermally insulated containers and cold accumulators, thus optimizing logistics and storage capacity.
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050591_21112024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Description Title: STORAGE AND / OR ORDER PREPARATION PROCESS Technical field
[0001] This description relates to the field of storage and / or order preparation processes, in particular for refrigerated products. Prior art
[0002] In the field of food logistics, for which strict compliance with a storage temperature must be ensured from the initial stage of production to the final stage of use or consumption, as well as throughout the duration of packaging, transport and storage, it is known to store the products in dedicated warehouses according to their storage temperature.Thus, to guarantee the cold chain of each product, frozen products (i.e. products with a storage temperature lower than -18°C) are stored in a warehouse in which an ambient temperature is lower than or equal to -18°C, frozen products (i.e. products with a storage temperature lower than -12°C) are stored in a warehouse in which an ambient temperature is lower than or equal to -12°C, fresh products (i.e. products with a storage temperature between 0°C and 4°C) are stored in a warehouse in which an ambient temperature is between 0°C and 4°C, and finally products that do not need to be stored at a specific temperature are stored in a warehouse whose temperature is generally not controlled.
[0003] The term "cold chain" refers to the succession of stages a product goes through from its freezing or deep-freezing, and more generally from its temperature setting for proper preservation, to its consumption or use.
[0004] However, segmenting product storage according to their storage temperature requires storage spaces with a large surface area, which goes against the current challenges of limiting the footprint of buildings and reducing the distance between logistics warehouses and end consumers. In addition, this complicates and makes more expensive the logistics of order preparation including products that do not have the same storage temperature since they are not stored juxtaposed.
[0005] Furthermore, in the field of logistics and more specifically in the preparation of an order in a warehouse, a human operator traditionally moves around the warehouse to collect one or more items from the order in different shelves of the warehouse. The operator may have to travel long distances which causes fatigue, even more so when it comes to a cold storage warehouse. Also, the operator must be perfectly familiar with the layout of the warehouse shelves at the risk of traveling a route that is not optimized and therefore longer, which increases the order preparation time.
[0006] To reduce operator fatigue and order preparation time, it is common to use a fleet of motorized forklifts. Each forklift can then travel around the warehouse along an optimized route to collect the items in the order. These forklifts can be powered by an integrated battery.
[0007] However, battery performance degrades as the temperature decreases. Also, from 5°C, a degradation of battery performance is observed, and from -5°C, battery performance becomes critical, or even irremediably reduced. In particular, at low temperatures, a physicochemical degradation of the battery cells is observed when they deliver a significant electrical current, for example during a vertical ascent of a motorized trolley along a vertical rack upright. Such physicochemical degradation results in a significant reduction in the battery capacity and an increase in the internal resistance of the battery, which results in a reduction in voltage which is all the more significant as the current delivered is significant.Such battery-powered trolleys are therefore not suitable for order preparation of frozen or deep-frozen products in a warehouse in which the ambient temperature is respectively below -12°C and -18°C, nor for order preparation of fresh products in a warehouse in which the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 4°C.
[0008] Other trolleys are known that are directly electrically powered by a mains connection or by contact on a conductive track (for example via collectors). However, these trolleys have the disadvantage of being less flexible in terms of their freedom of movement and the number of storage spaces served compared to a motorised trolley powered by battery.
[0009] Thus, document WO 2020 / 047313A2 discloses an automated order preparation system comprising several item storage areas configured to store items, at ordinary room temperature, refrigeration temperature or freezing temperature, respectively, as well as one or more order preparation stations, one or more delivery stations and autonomous vehicles configured to move between each of these storage areas, the order preparation stations and the delivery stations. In each area, the bins storing the items are passively cooled by maintaining the environment around the bins at a controlled temperature. The exposure time of the autonomous vehicles to the coldest storage areas is limited. This solution is not optimal in that it also limits the availability of the autonomous vehicles.
[0010] This document WO 2020 / 047313A2 also proposes actively cooled containers, for example by placing a cold pack inside the containers, under or in a lid. These containers with a cold pack are used during delivery of the order to keep the items cool. Only after the customer has collected their order and the container is emptied, is the cold pack in the lid possibly regenerated.
[0011] US 10,919,699 describes an automated grid-type storage system in which several storage containers may include, among other things, means for thermoelectric refrigeration to refrigerate and control the temperature inside each of the containers. This system is relatively complex in that the containers must be connected to each other and to a power source.
[0012] The present description aims in particular to provide a simple, economical and effective solution to the problems mentioned above. Summary
[0013] A method of storing and / or preparing orders in a warehouse is proposed which has an ambient temperature, preferably controlled, of between -5°C and 20°C, and which comprises a transport and storage system comprising: - a storage device which comprises a plurality of storage locations for containers, - a transport device, comprising a plurality of motorized trolleys each comprising means for loading and unloading containers, said motorized trolleys comprising a battery power supply and being configured to move in said warehouse subjected to said ambient temperature to serve the storage locations of the storage device, said method comprising the successive steps: / A / provide at least one container of a first type which comprises at least one thermally insulated internal compartment, ZBZ transport said container of the first type by means of one of the motorized trolleys to place it at one of the storage locations of the storage device; HERE positively cool, at least periodically or continuously, the internal compartment to maintain an internal temperature lower than or equal to a set temperature, the set temperature being strictly lower than the ambient temperature, and preferably lower than or equal to -18°C.
[0014] Step ICI may comprise at least the following alternative: supplying the container of the first type with a cold accumulator adapted to cool and maintain the internal compartment at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature. Step ICI may comprise replacing the cold accumulator.
[0015] Step ICI may comprise replacing the cold accumulator remotely from the storage locations of the storage device, the movement of the container of the first type for the periodic replacement of the cold accumulator being carried out in an automated manner by means of the plurality of motorized trolleys.
[0016] The ICI step may include the replacement of the cold accumulator after the container of the first type has been transported by one of the motorized trolleys to a replacement station suitable for replacing the cold accumulator.
[0017] Providing said container of the first type in step / A / may comprise allocating at least one refrigerated product to said container of the first type, and loading said refrigerated product into the compartment of said container of the first type.
[0018] The method may comprise an IDI step which comprises transporting said container of the first type by means of one of the motorized trolleys from the corresponding storage location to an order preparation station.
[0019] The method may comprise a step / E / which comprises the allocation of at least one refrigerated product to said container of the first type, and the loading of said refrigerated product into the compartment of said container of the first type at the order preparation station.
[0020] The method may comprise, prior to step ICI, measuring the internal temperature in the compartment of the container of the first type, step ICI being executed when the internal temperature in the internal compartment is higher than the set temperature.
[0021] The method may be adapted to the storage of products at room temperature, juxtaposed to the products, the method comprising: - provide at least one container of a second type containing at least one product at room temperature, - transport said container of the second type containing said product at room temperature by means of one of the motorized trolleys to place it at one of the storage locations of the storage device.
[0022] The process may have all or part of the following characteristics: - at least one refrigerated product contained in the container of the first type is a frozen product; and / or - said at least one product at room temperature in said container of the second type is a fresh product.
[0023] The HERE step may further include at least one of the following alternatives: - supplying refrigerating means of the container of the first type with electrical energy, said refrigerating means being configured to transform the electrical energy into a refrigerating load suitable for cooling and maintaining the compartment at the set temperature; and / or - supply the compartment of the container of the first type with refrigerated air at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature.
[0024] The container of the first type may comprise a body which has a bottom and at least one side wall delimiting the internal compartment, and a removable cover configured to close the internal compartment, said cold accumulator being coupled to the cover, and the replacement of the cold accumulator may comprise the replacement of the cover of the container of the first type.
[0025] The cold accumulator may comprise a eutectic fluid or a sublimable material.
[0026] The storage device may include at least one storage rack defining the plurality of storage locations. Brief description of the drawings
[0027] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which:
[0028] Figure 1 represents a schematic view of a storage and / or order preparation method of the present invention according to a first embodiment.
[0029] Figure 2 represents a schematic view of a storage and / or order preparation method of the present invention according to a second embodiment.
[0030] Figure 3 includes Figures 3A to 3C which represent alternative embodiments of a container of a first type implemented in the methods of Figures 1 and 2. Description of the embodiments
[0031] Reference is now made to Figure 1 which represents a method of storing and / or preparing an order according to a first embodiment. The method of storing and / or preparing an order is carried out in a warehouse 10 which has an ambient temperature, preferably controlled, of between -5°C and 20°C, and which comprises a transport and storage system comprising: - a storage device 12 which comprises a plurality of storage locations 18 for containers, - a transport device, comprising a plurality of motorized trolleys 20 each comprising means for loading and unloading containers, said motorized trolleys 20 comprising a battery power supply and being configured to move in said warehouse 10 subjected to said ambient temperature to serve the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12.
[0032] The said method comprises the successive steps: / A / provide at least one container of a first type which comprises at least one thermally insulated internal compartment 106, / B / transporting said container of the first type 100 by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20 to place it at one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12; / C / positively cool, at least periodically or continuously, the internal compartment 106 to maintain an internal temperature lower than or equal to a set temperature, the set temperature being strictly lower than the ambient temperature, and preferably lower than or equal to -18°C.
[0033] The method as described above therefore makes it possible to store said container of the first type 100, the internal temperature of the internal compartment 106 of which is kept lower than or equal to the set temperature, in the warehouse 10 which has an ambient temperature higher than the set temperature and which is therefore suitable for the use of motorized trolleys 20 with power supply battery-powered electric trolleys to carry out the logistics flows of the container of the first type 100 in the warehouse 10. Thus, this makes it possible to avoid human operators having to travel long distances in a warehouse 10 and in a cold environment. Also, the motorized trolleys 20 with battery-powered electric power offer greater freedom of movement in the warehouse 10, allowing optimization of the storage density and storage capacity. Furthermore, the fact that it is not necessary to maintain the entire warehouse 10 at a temperature substantially equal to the set temperature makes it possible to reduce energy costs. Indeed, it is thus possible to cool only the required number of containers of the first type 100, thus adjusting energy costs to what is strictly necessary.
[0034] The expression "cooling positively" means that a positive action is carried out to cool, that is to say a voluntary action by supplying cold or by extracting heat.
[0035] The ambient temperature may correspond to the air temperature of the ambient (or surrounding) environment inside the warehouse 10. The ambient temperature may be stable, preferably in a controlled manner. The ambient temperature may be between -5°C and 10°C, preferably between 0°C and 8°C and more preferably between 0°C and 4°C.
[0036] One or more of the plurality of motorized trolleys 20 may be autonomous or self-guided. Each motorized trolley 20 may be of the “automated guided vehicle” or AGV type. For this purpose, each motorized trolley 20 may include on-board guidance means adapted to automatic guidance.
[0037] One or more of the plurality of motorized carts 20 may include at least one respective battery-powered electric motor adapted to provide movement of the motorized cart 20 in said warehouse 10.
[0038] The set temperature may be between -15°C and -20°C (in the case of frozen products). Alternatively, the set temperature may be -12°C (in the case of frozen products). Alternatively, the set temperature may be between 0°C and 8°C, preferably between 0°C and 4°C, more preferably 4°C (in the case of fresh products).
[0039] The provision of said container of the first type 100 in step / A / may comprise the allocation of at least one refrigerated product PR to said container of the first type 100, and the loading of said refrigerated product PR into the compartment of said container of the first type 100. The method advantageously allows the storage and preparation of orders of refrigerated products PR by means of motorized trolleys 20 with battery power supply. The loading of said refrigerated product PR into the compartment of said container of the first type 100 may be carried out at the order preparation station 30.
[0040] The method may comprise a step / DI which comprises the routing of said container of the first type 100 by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20 from the corresponding storage location to an order preparation station 30. The order station may be adapted to order preparation. An order may comprise, in whole or in part, the product refrigerated PR. Following step ZD / , said refrigerated product PR (or the order) can be shipped outside the warehouse (for example to a logistics intermediary, a distributor or a consumer), either directly in the container of the first type 100, or in a container of a third type suitable for transporting said refrigerated product.
[0041] Said at least one refrigerated product PR may in particular be “frozen” (i.e. having a maximum storage temperature of -18°C), or “frozen” (i.e. having a maximum storage temperature of -12°C) or even “fresh” (i.e. having a storage temperature of between 0°C and 8°C, preferably between 0°C and 4°C).
[0042] The method may comprise, prior to step ICI, measuring the interior temperature in the compartment of the container of the first type 100, the step ICI being executed when the interior temperature in the internal compartment 106 is higher than the set temperature. Alternatively, the step ICI may be executed when the interior temperature in the internal compartment 106 differs from the set temperature by + / - 1°C. Alternatively again, the interior temperature in the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 may be determined by evaluating the heat dissipation between the ambient air of the warehouse 10 and the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100.
[0043] The method can be adapted to the storage of products at room temperature PA, in juxtaposition to refrigerated products PR. The method can comprise the steps: - provide at least one container of a second type containing at least one product at room temperature PA, - transporting said container of the second type 200 containing said product at room temperature PA by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20 to place it at one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12.
[0044] It is thus possible to store in the same warehouse 10 a refrigerated product PR and a product at ambient temperature PA. In fact, the surface area of the warehouse 10 can be reduced and the logistics flows can be optimized, thus allowing a reduction in costs. These additional steps can be carried out before, after or simultaneously with any of the steps / A / to / D / described above. The order may include one or more refrigerated products PR and / or one or more product(s) at ambient temperature PA.
[0045] By room temperature product is meant a product having a storage temperature coinciding with the ambient temperature of the warehouse 10 (i.e. without being “positively” cooled). In the case where the ambient temperature of the warehouse 10 is between 0°C and 4°C, or even between 0°C and 8°C, the room temperature product PA may be a fresh product or a “non-fresh” product which does not need to be stored at a specific temperature. In the case where the ambient temperature of the warehouse 10 is above 8°C, the room temperature product PA may be a “non-fresh” product.
[0046] The process may have all or part of the following characteristics: - at least one refrigerated product PR contained in the container of the first type 100 is a product frozen; and / or - said at least one product at room temperature PA in said container of the second type 200 is a fresh product.
[0047] An embodiment is not excluded in which the ambient temperature of the warehouse 10 is greater than 8°C and in which step / A / comprises the provision of a first container of the first type 100 intended to receive at least one frozen product and a second container of the first type 100 intended to receive at least one fresh product. Step / C / may comprise the positive cooling, at least periodically or continuously, of the internal compartment 106 of the first container of the first type 100 to maintain an internal temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature, the set temperature being lower than or equal to -18°C.Alternatively or additionally, step ICI may comprise the positive cooling, at least periodically or continuously, of the internal compartment 106 of the second container of the first type 100 to maintain an internal temperature equal to the set temperature, the set temperature being between 0°C and 8°C, preferably between 0°C and 4°C. In this embodiment, said at least one container of the second type 200 may contain at least one product at room temperature PA called “non-fresh” which may therefore be stored at a temperature greater than or equal to 8°C.
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, step / A / may comprise the provision of a third container of the first type 100 intended to receive at least one frozen product. Step ICI may comprise the positive cooling, at least periodically or continuously, of the internal compartment 106 of the third container of the first type 100 to maintain an internal temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature, the set temperature being lower than or equal to -12°C.
[0049] Step HERE can be performed according to at least one of the following alternatives: Zi / supply the container of the first type 100 with a cold accumulator 120 adapted to cool and maintain the internal compartment 106 at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature (see figure 3A); / ii / supplying refrigerating means 140 of the container of the first type 100 with electrical energy 142, said refrigerating means 140 being configured to transform the electrical energy into a refrigerating load suitable for cooling and maintaining the compartment at the set temperature (see figure 3B); and / or / iii / supply the compartment of the container of the first type 100 with refrigerated air at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature (see figure 3C).
[0050] Alternative / i / of step ICI allows the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 to be cooled passively, which makes it advantageously economical. Alternatives / ii / and / iii / of step ICI allow manual activation of the cooling, or even which can be programmed, which allows the internal temperature of the internal compartment 106 to be controlled more precisely.
[0051] Step / C / according to alternative / ! / may comprise the (periodic) replacement of the cold accumulator 120. In other words, a first cold accumulator 120 referred to as "used" or "empty" or even "discharged" may be replaced by a second cold accumulator 120 referred to as "new" or "recharged" which has a refrigerating charge greater than that of the first cold accumulator 120. The first cold accumulator 120 may then be recharged for future use, for example by being stored in a cold environment. The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 may be carried out manually or in whole or in part in an automated manner. According to the first embodiment of the method, step ICI according to alternative 11 may be carried out while a refrigerated product PR is placed in the internal compartment 106.
[0052] As seen in Figure 3A, the container of the first type 100 may comprise a body which has a bottom 102 and at least one side wall 104 delimiting the internal compartment 106, and a removable cover 108 configured to close the internal compartment 106, said cold accumulator 120 being coupled to the cover 108. The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 may comprise the replacement of the cover 108 of the container of the first type 100.
[0053] In other words, a first cover 108 comprising a first cold accumulator 120 called “used” or “empty” or even “discharged” can be replaced by a second cover 108 comprising a second cold accumulator 120 called “new” or “recharged” which has a refrigerating charge greater than that of the first cold accumulator 120.
[0054] The cover 108 of said container of the first type 100 may comprise an internal cavity 114, the cold accumulator 120 being housed in the internal cavity 114 of the cover 108. The cover 108 may comprise an external wall 112 configured to cooperate with the side wall 104 and close the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 and an internal wall 110 secured to the external cavity. Said internal cavity 114 may be delimited by the external wall 112 and the internal wall 110 of the cover 108. The internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 may be, in whole or in part, delimited by the internal wall 110 of the cover 108. The external wall 112 of the cover 108 may be thermally insulated. The internal wall 110 can be adapted for a heat exchange between the cold accumulator 120 arranged in the internal cavity 114 and the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100.In other words, the internal wall 110 can be adapted to diffuse cold from the internal cavity 114 of the cover 108.
[0055] The transport and storage system comprises a replacement station 40 adapted to replace the cold accumulator 120. The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 can be ensured after the transport by one of the motorized trolleys 20 of the container of the first type 100 to the replacement station 40. The replacement station 40 can coincide with the order preparation station 30 in order to limit the space requirement in the warehouse and maintain maximum storage space. In this case, the replacement of the cold accumulator 120 or the replacement of the cover 108 of the container of the first type 100 containing a cold accumulator 120 can be ensured at the order preparation station 30, after the step IDI. Alternatively, the replacement station 40 can be specific, that is to say dedicated, to the replacement of the cold accumulator 120. After the replacement of the cold accumulator 120, the container of the first type 100 can be transported by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20 from the replacement station 40 to one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12 or to the order preparation station 30.
[0056] In general, the replacement of the cold accumulator can be carried out remotely from the storage locations of the storage device. The movement of the container of the first type 100 for the periodic replacement of the cold accumulator can be carried out automatically by means of the plurality of motorized trolleys 20. This avoids the movement of an operator to carry out this task. The transport and storage system, in particular a central unit of the transport and storage system, can be configured to determine that the cold accumulator of the container of the first type is to be replaced. In particular, the measurement of the interior temperature in the compartment of the container of the first type 100 can be sent to the central unit, or the interior temperature in the compartment of the container of the first type 100 can be determined by the central unit as described above.The transport and storage system, in particular the central unit of the transport and storage system, may be configured to allocate or assign one of the motorized trolleys 20 to the routing of the container of the first type 100 for the periodic replacement of the cold accumulator. The central unit may be capable of communicating with each of the motorized trolleys 20. This provides automated management of the flows of containers of the first type 100 whose cold accumulator is to be replaced, in particular during the storage phase at the storage locations. This makes it possible to carry out this operation without altering the order preparation flows and therefore to avoid reducing the order preparation rates.
[0057] Thus, one or more motorized trolleys 20 can be assigned to the movement of containers of the first type 100 for the periodic replacement of their cold accumulator, and simultaneously, one or more other motorized trolleys 20 can be assigned to the movement of containers of the first type 100 for the purpose of order preparation.
[0058] Alternatively, the replacement of the cold accumulator 120 can be carried out, manually or in whole or in part automatically, while the container is arranged at one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12.
[0059] The cold accumulator 120 may comprise a eutectic fluid or a sublimable material. The cold accumulator 120 may be a mass of carbon dioxide in the form of snow or ice, preferably contained in an envelope such as a sachet, bag or the like. The cold accumulator 120 may be in the form of sticks, balls, granules or blocks. During step ICI according to alternative / i / , the replacement of the cold accumulator 120 may therefore comprise a supply of eutectic fluid or sublimable material, in particular where appropriate in the internal cavity 114 of the cover 108 of the container of the first type 100.
[0060] The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 can be carried out when the interior temperature in the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 is higher than the set temperature. The interior temperature in the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 can be determined by evaluating the heat dissipation between the air ambient of the warehouse 10 and the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100. The evaluation may further take into account the physicochemical characteristics of the container of the first type 100 and / or of the cold accumulator 120 and / or of the contents of the container of the first type 100.
[0061] The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 can be carried out at fixed time intervals or at regular intervals. The replacement of the cold accumulator 120 can be carried out according to a predefined series of intervals.
[0062] As visible in Figure 3B, the refrigerating means 140 (alternative / ii / ) may be a heat pump, in particular integrated into the container of the first type 100. For this purpose, the refrigerating means 140 may comprise a working fluid circulating in a sealed conduit to extract calories from the internal compartment 106 to the outside of the container, the movement of the working fluid being carried out by a member, such as a pump, supplied with electrical energy. The container of the first type 100 may comprise a body which comprises a bottom 102 and at least one side wall 104 delimiting the internal compartment 106, and a removable cover 108 configured to close the internal compartment 106, the refrigerating means 140 being integral with, or embedded in, the side wall 104 or the removable cover 108. Alternatively or in addition, the refrigerating means may comprise Peltier effect cells.Such Peltier cells can advantageously be devoid of moving parts, which makes them more reliable. The step ICI according to alternative / ii / (namely the electrical supply of the refrigerating means 140), can be carried out when the container of the first type 100 is in one of the storage locations of the storage device, or at a recharging station, preferably coinciding with the order preparation station 30, after transporting the container of the first type 100 by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20.
[0063] As seen in Figure 3C, during step ICI according to alternative / i ii / , the container of the first type 100 may comprise a body which has a bottom 102 and at least one side wall 104 delimiting the internal compartment 106, and a removable cover 108 configured to close the internal compartment 106, the side wall 104 comprising at least one inlet opening 130 adapted for the supply of refrigerated air and at least one outlet opening 132 for evacuating the air contained in the internal compartment 106. Thus, when the internal compartment 106 is supplied with refrigerated air through the inlet opening 130, the air contained in the internal compartment 106 is pushed towards the outlet opening 132 and evacuated through the outlet opening 132. The inlet opening 130 and the outlet opening 132 may advantageously be opposite one another. the other.A supply duct 134 and an exhaust duct 136 may be connected to the container of the first type 100 respectively at the inlet opening 130 and the outlet opening 132. The container of the first type 100 may comprise at least one ventilation means adapted to circulate air from the inlet opening 130 to the outlet opening 132. The step ICI according to alternative / iii / (namely the supply of refrigerated air), may be carried out when the container of the first type 100 is in one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12, or at a refrigerated air supply station, preferably coinciding with the. order preparation station 30, after transport of the container of the first type 100 by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20.
[0064] Alternatively or additionally, step / C / can be carried out by thermal conduction through the walls of the container of the first type 100 so as to cool and maintain the compartment at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature.
[0065] The storage device 12 may comprise at least one storage rack 14 defining the plurality of storage locations 18. Said at least one storage rack 14 may also be designated by the term “shelving”. Said storage rack may comprise a vertical structure, formed by a set of vertical uprights, in particular in the form of vertical metal profiles. Said at least one rack 14 may comprise at least two parallel rows of uprights 16. Said at least one rack 14 may comprise cells defining the plurality of storage locations 18. For this purpose, pairs of mechanical interfaces, in particular in the form of brackets, may be secured to the uprights 16, to ensure the centering and support of containers of the first type and / or containers of the second type at the storage locations 18.
[0066] One or more of the plurality of motorized trolleys 20 may be adapted to move horizontally on the ground in said warehouse 10 and vertically along said at least one rack 14, in particular along the uprights 16 of said at least one rack 14.
[0067] One or more of the plurality of motorized trucks 20 may comprise a respective gripping device comprising a chassis and a support movable relative to the chassis. The movable support may be configured to move from a retracted position for loading a container of the first type or a container of the second type onto the chassis of the vehicle in which the movable support is housed on (or opposite) the chassis, and to a deployed unloading position in which the movable support extends cantilevered from the chassis to unload / deposit the container of the first type or the container of the second type, in particular in one of the storage locations.
[0068] Said at least one container of the first type and / or said at least one container of the second type may be configured to be housed in one of the storage locations bearing on two mechanical interfaces (or brackets) secured to the uprights. Also, the gripping device of one or more of the plurality of trolleys may be configured, during loading, to load a container of the first type (or the second type) arranged above the chassis from the retracted position of the mobile support, and up to the deployed position of the mobile support for which the receptacle may be placed in the storage location, the container of the first type (or the second type) supported by simultaneously bearing on the first interface and the second interface of the storage location.
[0069] More particularly, the movable support of the gripping device of one or more of the plurality of trolleys may comprise a tray (or a frame or a bar), and a finger fixed relative to the tray (or a frame or a bar), the fixed finger being projecting upwards. Said at least one container of the first type and / or said at least one container of the second type may comprise, in particular at the level of an external face of the bottom, an imprint configured so as to be able to accommodate at least a portion of the finger of the mobile support of the gripping device of one or more of the plurality of trolleys.
[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 2 which represents a method of storing and / or preparing an order according to a second embodiment.
[0071] The method according to the second embodiment may comprise a step ZEZ which comprises the allocation of at least one refrigerated product PR to said container of the first type 100, and the loading of said refrigerated product PR into the internal compartment 106 of said container of the first type 100 at the order preparation station 30.
[0072] The method makes it possible to cool the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 before placing a refrigerated product PR there, in particular to ensure that the cold chain is maintained.
[0073] The second embodiment may be distinct from or complementary to the first embodiment. When the second embodiment of the method is said to be “complementary” to the first embodiment of the method, steps IN to ZD / as described above are carried out before step ZEZ. In other words, at least one first refrigerated product PR may be loaded into the container of the first type 100 during step IN and at least one second refrigerated product PR may be loaded into the container of the first type 100 during step ZEZ. Alternatively, as visible in FIG. 2, when the second embodiment of the method is said to be “distinct” from the first embodiment of the method, steps IN to ZDZ as described above may be carried out with the exception that no frozen product is loaded into the internal compartment of the container of the first type during step IN.In other words, steps IN to ZDZ can be carried out with the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 empty. Also, a refrigerated product can be loaded into the internal compartment 106 of the container of the first type 100 only at the stage of step ZEZ. Furthermore, according to this variant of the second embodiment of the method, step ICI according to alternative Zi / can be carried out while the internal compartment 106 is empty for the purpose of subsequent loading of a refrigerated product PR.
[0074] Following step ZEZ, said container of the first type 100 comprising said refrigerated product PR can be transported again by means of one of the motorized trolleys 20 from the order preparation station 30 to one of the storage locations 18 of the storage device 12 to be stored there. Alternatively, said refrigerated product PR can be shipped outside the warehouse (for example to a logistics intermediary, a distributor or a consumer), either directly in the container of the first type 100, or in a container of a third type suitable for transporting said refrigerated product.
Claims
Claims
1. Method for storing and / or preparing orders in a warehouse (10) which has an ambient temperature, preferably controlled, of between -5°C and 20°C, and which comprises a transport and storage system comprising: - a storage device (12) which comprises a plurality of storage locations (18) for containers, - a transport device, comprising a plurality of motorized trolleys (20) each comprising means for loading and unloading containers, said motorized trolleys (20) comprising a battery power supply and being configured to move in said warehouse (10) subjected to said ambient temperature to serve the storage locations (18) of the storage device (12), said method comprising the successive steps: / A / providing at least one container of a first type which comprises at least one thermally insulated internal compartment (106), / B / conveying said container of the first type (100) by means of one of the motorized trolleys (20) to place it at one of the storage locations (18) of the storage device (12); / C / positively cooling the internal compartment (106) to maintain an internal temperature lower than or equal to a set temperature, the set temperature being strictly lower than the ambient temperature, and preferably lower than or equal to -18°C, the cooling being carried out at least by supplying the container of the first type (100) with a cold accumulator (120) adapted to cool and maintain the internal compartment (106) at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature, in which in which step ICI comprises the replacement of the cold accumulator (120) at a distance from the storage locations of the storage device, the movement of the container of the first type (100) for the periodic replacement of the cold accumulator being carried out in an automated manner by means of the plurality of motorized trolleys (20)
2. Method of storing and / or preparing an order according to the preceding claim, in which step ICI comprises replacing the cold accumulator (120) after transporting the container of the first type (100) by one of the motorized trolleys (20) to a replacement station (40) suitable for replacing the cold accumulator (120).
3. Method of storing and / or preparing an order according to claim 1 or 2, wherein providing said container of the first type (100) in step / A / comprises allocating at least one refrigerated product (PR) to said container of the first type (100), and loading said refrigerated product (PR) into the compartment of said container of the first type (100).
4. Method for storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a step / D / which comprises transporting said container of the first type (100) by means of one of the motorized trolleys (20) from the corresponding storage location to an order preparation station (30).
5. Method for storing and / or preparing an order according to the preceding claim, the method comprising a step ZEZ which comprises the allocation of at least one refrigerated product (PR) to said container of the first type (100), and the loading of said refrigerated product (PR) into the compartment of said container of the first type (100) at the order preparation station (30).
6. Method for storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, prior to step ICI, measuring the internal temperature in the compartment of the container of the first type (100), step ICI being executed when the internal temperature in the internal compartment (106) is higher than the set temperature.
7. Method of storage and / or order preparation according to any one of the preceding claims, the method being suitable for the storage of products at ambient temperature (PA), juxtaposed with refrigerated products (PR), the method comprising: - provide at least one container of a second type containing at least one product at room temperature (RT), - transporting said container of the second type (200) containing said product at room temperature (PA) by means of one of the motorized trolleys (20) to place it at one of the storage locations (18) of the storage device (12).
8. Method for storing and / or preparing an order according to the preceding claim, the method having all or part of the following characteristics: - at least one refrigerated product (PR) contained in the container of the first type (100) is a frozen product; and / or - said at least one product at room temperature (PA) in said container of the second type (200) is a fresh product.
9. A method of storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step ICI further comprises: - supplying refrigerating means (140) of the container of the first type (100) with electrical energy (142), said refrigerating means (140) being configured to transform the electrical energy into a refrigerating load suitable for cooling and maintaining the compartment at the set temperature; and / or - supply the compartment of the container of the first type (100) with refrigerated air at a temperature lower than or equal to the set temperature.
10. Method for storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, the container of the first type (100) comprising a body which has a bottom (102) and at least one side wall (104) delimiting the internal compartment (106), and a removable cover (108) configured to close the internal compartment (106), said cold accumulator (120) being coupled to the cover (108), and in which the replacement of the cold accumulator (120) comprises the replacement of the cover (108) of the container of the first type (100).
11. A method of storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cold accumulator (120) comprises a eutectic fluid or a sublimable material.
12. Method of storing and / or preparing an order according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the storage device (12) comprises at least one storage rack (14) defining the plurality of storage locations (18).