Conveyor intervention station

Abstract

TITLE: Conveyor Service Station A conveyor service station (1) for processing orders contained in containers (2) comprises a conveyor track (10) configured to transport the containers (2), the conveyor track (10) comprising a service portion (13) adjacent to an operator's service area (Z), said service portion (13) being configured so that the operator (3) can perform operations on the containers (2), the conveyor track (10) comprising a fixed portion (15) and a moving portion (14) comprising the service portion (13), the service station (1) further comprising an adjustment mechanism (4) for the conveyor track (10) to adjust the height of the service portion (13), said height being measured relative to a reference height of the service area by moving the moving portion (14) relative to the fixed portion (15). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Conveyor intervention station technical field

[0001] The scope of this disclosure is that of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and any other system for transporting articles or goods using conveyors. Prior art

[0002] On conveyor systems, operators are required to perform a number of tasks on orders contained in containers transported by the conveyors. For this purpose, one or more work stations may be provided. The term "conveyor" refers to a system or device designed to transport goods, products, or materials from one point to another within a logistics or industrial facility. These systems automate the movement of loads, optimize workflows, and improve operational efficiency by reducing human effort and the time required for transport. The ergonomics of the work stations are an important aspect of automated storage systems.

[0003] The tasks performed can be strenuous if the operator's position is not perfectly adapted. Furthermore, the items or containers being transported, on which the operators work, can vary in size. Such a diversity of containers can lead to frequent changes of position.

[0004] It is known to position adjustable platforms next to intervention stations to allow the operator's working height to be adjusted. Indeed, rather than being positioned on the ground or on a fixed structure, the operator can climb onto a platform, and thus lower or raise their height to improve their comfort.

[0005] Such an adjustment can be made, in particular, according to the operator's height, so that they can adopt a working height perfectly suited to their physique. However, this consideration is only one example among many situations where a height adjustment may prove necessary. For example, some operators prefer to limit the range of their movements to reduce muscle fatigue, which requires positioning the work area at a specific height. Similarly, imperfect vision may lead an operator to get closer to the items in order to better identify them or handle them with precision.

[0006] Furthermore, some tasks involve handling heavy or bulky items, for which it is essential to minimize the distance between the operator's arms or hands and the items themselves, thus reducing the constraints physical factors and improved ergonomics are also important. The nature of the orders being processed can also play a decisive role: items requiring high precision, delicate handling, or increased effort to grasp often necessitate fine-tuning the working height. Ultimately, there are a great many work situations that involve or require an adjustment of the operator's working height.

[0007] That being said, elevated platforms have disadvantages that are sometimes insurmountable.

[0008] First, their presence necessarily implies a step to access them, which forces operators to climb up and down regularly, thus increasing the risk of falls. This risk is all the more significant because several operator shift changes may take place each day at the same workstation, amplifying the likelihood of incidents.

[0009] Furthermore, these platforms require the installation of bulky and expensive structures, which clutter the warehouse and significantly reduce available space. This reduction impacts not only the movement of operators and equipment, but also storage capacity, which is essential for optimizing logistics operations. Moreover, once on the platform, the operator is confined to a limited space. To overcome this limitation and cover multiple workstations or work areas, it is necessary to design large platforms, which further exacerbates the problems of clutter, cost, and adaptation to the warehouse space. In short, such solutions are far from ideal in the face of the demands of modern logistics environments.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is therefore to mitigate at least in part the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above. Summary

[0011] The objectives mentioned above are achieved in particular by a conveyor handling station for processing orders contained in containers, comprising a conveyor track configured to transport the containers, the conveyor track comprising a handling portion, adjacent to and elevated relative to an intervention zone Z on which an operator is positioned, said handling portion being configured so that the operator can perform operations on the containers transported by the conveyor track, the conveyor track comprising a fixed part and a moving part, the moving part comprising the handling portion, the handling station further comprising an internal mechanism for adjusting the conveyor track configured to adjust the height of the handling portion, said height being measured relative to at a reference height of the operator's intervention zone, by moving the moving part of the conveyor track relative to the fixed part.

[0012] Advantageously, the intervention station according to this disclosure has a height-adjustable intervention portion, typically in a vertical direction, forming part of the conveyor track. This configuration improves operator ergonomics and efficiency by allowing optimal access to containers, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. It also allows for quick and precise adjustment of the working height to suit the operator's specific needs or the container characteristics, thereby enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the intervention station.

[0013] Such a solution makes it possible, where applicable, to do without additional lifting platforms, and therefore to eliminate the risk of falls caused by such platforms. The space and cost associated with these platforms are also eliminated.

[0014] Furthermore, the presence of a moving part incorporating the intervention section onto which the containers are conveyed ensures continuity in the conveying flow during the adjustment of the working height. This allows for high order processing rates, thus optimizing the overall efficiency of the conveying system.

[0015] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0016] According to an improvement, the conveyor track, including the intervention portion, includes an aisle configured to allow an automatically guided vehicle supporting a container to drive on said conveyor track.

[0017] Such an alley can form a substantially flat surface on which automatic vehicles can drive to transport the containers.

[0018] In this way, the intervention station further improves the efficiency and speed of order processing. Indeed, the containers can thus be transported autonomously to the intervention area, where the operator can then concentrate on high value-added operations, without having to manually handle the containers to bring them back to the intervention area.

[0019] According to an improvement, the conveyor track comprises a first conveying section and a second conveying section connected to each other by the intervention section, the conveyor track being configured to convey the containers through the first conveying section to the second conveying section via the intervention section.

[0020] This arrangement makes it possible to maintain an uninterrupted conveying flow, even when operations are being carried out on the containers in the section being serviced. This improves the efficiency of the conveying system by minimizing interruptions and allowing simultaneous processing of containers on different sections of the track.

[0021] According to an improvement, the first routing portion and the second routing portion extend side by side, both on the same side of the intervention portion.

[0022] This configuration allows the intervention station to have a "U" shape, with the intervention portion forming one end of the conveyor track. Such a configuration reduces the complexity of the mechanism required for the movement of the moving part of the conveyor track. By simplifying the adjustment mechanism in this way, this arrangement allows for easier and less expensive maintenance, as well as a reduction in the risk of malfunction.

[0023] The simplified movement of the moving part makes it more reliable and durable, which helps to extend the service life of the intervention station. Finally, by having both delivery sections on the same side of the intervention section, the intervention station can be integrated more compactly and efficiently into the work environment, allowing for better use of available space and more effective workflow organization.

[0024] According to an improvement, the conveyor track has a general direction V along which the containers progress, the moving portion of the conveyor track is connected to the fixed part or the frame in a rotational manner by a joint having an axis of rotation extending transversely to the direction V, typically horizontal, the adjustment of the height of the intervention portion being carried out by rotation of the moving part relative to the fixed part around said joint.

[0025] Connecting the moving part to the fixed part by a hinge allows for better integration of the intervention station into existing conveyor systems, offering a flexible and adaptable solution that can be easily adjusted to meet the specific needs of the application. This optimizes order processing and improves the overall efficiency of the conveyor system. Furthermore, the fact that the hinge is positioned transversely to the general direction of travel of the containers, or, where applicable, of automated guided vehicles, allows for adjustment of the intervention section's height without interrupting the conveyor flow. Containers typically transported by vehicles can continue to move along the track even while it is being adjusted.

[0026] According to an improvement, the movable part of the conveyor track extends lengthwise along the general direction V from said joint to a distal end, the intervention portion being adjacent to said distal end.

[0027] Thus, the intervention station constitutes one end of the conveyor track, and the intervention portion is positioned near the intervention zone. The movable portion then forms a lever arm allowing, by means of a simple mechanism, the height of the intervention portion to be adjusted by rotation around said joint.

[0028] According to an improvement, the intervention portion includes an intervention edge at said distal end, the intervention zone Z being located on a first side of the intervention edge, and the containers being routed onto the intervention portion from a second side of the intervention edge opposite to the first side.

[0029] Furthermore, the distance between the intervention portion and the axis of the joint can typically be greater than 1 meter, or even greater than 1.5m, or even greater than 2m, or even greater than 2.5 meters, for example 3 meters, so as to allow an adjustment stroke of the intervention portion along the vertical direction of at least equal to plus or minus 100 mm (±100mm) and with respect to a nominal position of the intervention portion, corresponding to an angular stroke of the moving part around the axis of joint less than or equal to plus or minus 5°, and preferably plus or minus 4° such that plus or minus 2°.

[0030] A vertical adjustment range of plus or minus 100 mm covers 95% of the adjustment needs of an adult population.

[0031] According to one embodiment, and for a nominal position corresponding to a nominal angle of inclination of the intervention portion, which may be 9° towards the intervention zone (±3°), a variation in the angular stroke of the movable portion around the nominal angle of inclination results in a vertical adjustment stroke of the intervention portion of at least ±100 mm around the height of the intervention portion when in its nominal inclination. For example, the distance between the intervention portion and the axis of the joint may be 3 meters and the nominal angle of inclination is 9°. A variation of ±2° results in a rise of ±104 mm.

[0032] By way of example, the intervention portion may extend, away from the intervention zone, or where applicable, away from the intervention edge, over a distance equal to the maximum dimension of the largest container transported over the intervention portion. Typically, the intervention portion extends over a length, away from the intervention zone, of between 30 and 100 cm. By way of example, the distance between the intervention portion and the axis of the joint may be measured between an orthogonal projection of said axis onto a plane formed by the conveyor track and an edge of the intervention portion.

[0033] Such an edge of the intervention portion may be, according to a first example, an intervention edge of the intervention portion, constituting the edge closest to the operator, or according to another example, such an edge may be an edge of the intervention portion opposite the intervention edge, corresponding to the edge of the intervention portion closest to the joint.

[0034] According to an improvement, the moving part comprises a first ascending track portion, following the main direction V towards the distal end, and the intervention portion forms a second track portion, at an opposite inclination to the first portion, the second portion being descending towards the distal end, configured to tilt a container transported on the intervention portion towards the intervention zone.

[0035] In this way, the access section has a slope that allows the containers to be tilted towards the operator, thus facilitating access to the containers. The first, upward-sloping section of the track allows the containers to be transported to a height greater than a working height chosen by the operator, so that the downward slope required to tilt the containers towards the operator brings the access section back down to the chosen height.

[0036] Furthermore, the downward slope of the second section of track which is configured to tilt a container transported on the intervention section towards the intervention area, is downward inclined for all height values ​​H permitted by the internal adjustment mechanism.

[0037] According to an improvement, the adjustment mechanism includes a toothed part mounted remotely, in the general direction V, from the joint on one of the fixed or moving parts of the conveyor track, and a complementary part mounted on the other of the fixed or moving parts of the conveyor track, the toothed part including a plurality of notches corresponding to several height values ​​of the intervention portion of the conveyor track, one notch of the toothed part being configured to cooperate with the complementary part to manually adjust the intervention portion to a chosen height.

[0038] A reliable, simple and economical manual adjustment mechanism is thus proposed for adjusting the height of the intervention portion of the moving part.

[0039] According to an improvement, the intervention station includes an actuator, a first end of which is pivotally mounted on the fixed part of the conveyor track and a second end of which is pivotally mounted on the moving part so that an extension or retraction of the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion to be adjusted.

[0040] This configuration allows for complete automation of the height adjustment process, which significantly improves the efficiency and speed of adjustments. The operator can thus focus on order processing tasks without having to manually perform height adjustments, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing productivity.

[0041] According to an improvement, the internal adjustment mechanism comprises two cylinders positioned each on either side of a longitudinal median plane along the advance direction V of the conveyor track.

[0042] In this way, a balanced distribution of the forces exerted during height adjustment of the intervention section is ensured. This arrangement also stabilizes the moving part of the conveyor track during height adjustments, thus reducing the risk of imbalance and vibration. This improves the accuracy and reliability of the adjustments, guaranteeing a stable and secure position of the intervention section. The laterally positioned cylinders maintain the center of gravity between them, which improves the overall stability of the structure.

[0043] According to an improvement, the intervention station comprises a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track, the first conveying portion of the first conveyor track extending next to the first conveying portion of the second conveyor track, so that the intervention portion of the first conveyor track is positioned next to the intervention portion of the second conveyor track, the internal adjustment mechanism being configured to adjust the height of each of the intervention portions of the first and second conveyor tracks.

[0044] Thus, the intervention station allows for the simultaneous processing of order collection and preparation thanks to the integration of two conveyor tracks. The first transport section of the first conveyor track extends alongside the first transport section of the second conveyor track, so that the intervention sections of the two tracks are positioned side by side and accessible from the same intervention station.

[0045] According to an improvement, the internal mechanism includes at least two actuators, including a first actuator linked to the first conveyor track, and a second actuator linked to the second conveyor track, so that the heights of the two intervention portions are adjustable independently of each other.

[0046] In this way, the intervention station allows independent height adjustment of the two intervention portions of the two conveyor tracks. This makes it possible to process containers of different sizes simultaneously and to meet varied requirements without compromising the efficiency, productivity, or ergonomics of the workstation.

[0047] According to an improvement, the intervention station includes a human-machine interface connected to a processor and memory, the human-machine interface being configured to, in response to a command from the operator, either: - adjust the height of the intervention portion to a height value available in memory, or - increase or decrease the height of the intervention portion up to a chosen height value.

[0048] In this way, the operator can adjust the height of the intervention portion as desired, and easily adapt to different work situations.

[0049] Furthermore, the ability to preset height values ​​in memory saves time and ensures repeatability and accuracy of settings. The operator can thus quickly select a predefined height, which improves productivity and reduces the risk of errors.

[0050] This disclosure further relates to an assembly comprising an intervention station as described above and at least one automated container transport vehicle configured to transport containers along the conveyor track and at least to the intervention portion.

[0051] This configuration allows for increased automation of the conveying and order processing.

[0052] This disclosure also relates to an order preparation process implemented by an assembly as previously described, the process comprising a step in which a container is transported by an automated vehicle to the intervention portion, and a step of intervention on the container carried out by an operator, for example an operation of collecting an object from the container, or an operation of depositing an object into the container.

[0053] By autonomously transporting containers to the intervention area, the automated vehicle frees operators from transport tasks, allowing them to focus on higher value-added activities. This reduces fatigue and the risk of injury associated with manually handling containers, thereby improving working conditions and operator satisfaction.

[0054] According to an improvement, where the intervention station comprises a human-machine interface connected to a processor and memory, and includes an actuator whose first end is pivotally mounted on the fixed part of the conveyor track and whose second end is pivotally mounted on the moving part such that extending or retracting the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion to be adjusted, the method includes a step of adjusting the height of the intervention portion in which the operator sends an instruction via said human-machine interface to the processor that controls the actuator to respond at the operator's instruction, and, once the intervention portion is settled according to said instruction, the operator intervenes on the container.

[0055] According to an improvement, when the internal adjustment mechanism of the intervention station comprises at least two actuators, of which a first actuator is linked to a first conveyor track, and a second actuator is linked to a second conveyor track, so that the heights of the two intervention portions are adjustable independently of each other, the method comprises a first step of adjusting the height of the first conveyor track in which the processor controls the first actuator, and a second step of adjusting the height of the second conveyor track in which the processor controls the second actuator, the adjustment of the height of the first step being independent of the adjustment of the height of the second step.

[0056] Thus, when, for example, a first type of container of a given size is transported to the first intervention section, and another type of container of another given size is transported to the second intervention section, it is possible for the operator to make an independent adjustment of the height of the two intervention sections so that each intervention section adopts an optimal working height for the operator. Brief description of the drawings

[0057] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0058] [Fig-1] shows a schematic representation of a conveyor and a ground intervention area, according to an example,

[0059] [Fig.2] shows a top view of the conveyor of [Fig.1], on which different sizes of containers can be seen being conveyed and an operator standing in the intervention zone, ready to intervene on the containers,

[0060] [Fig.3] shows, in a non-exhaustive manner, in two views 3A and 3B, two examples of conveyor tracks,

[0061] [Fig.4] shows a schematic representation of a first example of an intervention station according to the present disclosure,

[0062] [Fig.5] shows a schematic top-view representation of a second example of an intervention station according to the present disclosure, in which the movable part of the conveyor track constitutes one end of the conveyor track,

[0063] [Fig.6] shows a schematic side view representation of the example intervention station of [Fig.5],

[0064] [Fig.7] shows a schematic top-view representation of a particular example of an intervention station comprising two conveyor tracks,

[0065] [Fig.8] shows a perspective representation of a particular example of a station intervention,

[0066] [Fig.9] shows a side view of the example from [Fig.8],

[0067] [Fig. 10] shows a cross-sectional view of a particular example comprising two jacks, particularly visible. Description of the implementation methods

[0068] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better explain this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0069] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0070] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as "above," "below," "superior," "lower," etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal," "vertical," etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of an automated transport vehicle in its normal operating position. Furthermore, the term "approximately" is to be interpreted as indicating that the result obtained is as precise as the known method for measuring it.

[0071] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1], which shows an intervention station 1 of a conveyor. Such an intervention station 1 is specifically intended for processing orders contained in containers 2, which are conveyed to the intervention station 1.

[0072] Such processing may typically include order preparation but also control, loading, unloading, etc. operations.

[0073] The containers 2 can be of various sizes and weights. It can be seen in particular in [Fig.2] that containers 2 of different sizes can be transported to the intervention station 1.

[0074] The intervention station 1 includes a conveyor track 10 configured to transport containers 2, typically from another portion of conveyor located upstream of the intervention station 1.

[0075] It is understood by "configured to convey" that the conveyor track 10 may, according to a first example in particular illustrated in [Fig.3] (diagram a), include moving parts such as rollers to set the containers 2 in motion. According to a known embodiment, at least one of the rollers can be motorized, and transmit the rotational torque to the other rollers via transmission belts.

[0076] According to another example, notably illustrated in [Fig. 3] (diagram b), the conveyor track 10 comprises an aisle 6, forming a substantially flat surface on which the containers 2 can roll. Such a solution can notably be adapted for the transport of containers 2 by motorized automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

[0077] The intervention station 1 is further provided at the level of an intervention zone Z in which an operator can stand in order to intervene on the intervention station.

[0078] The operator can typically be a human operator, but it can also be a robot or a robotic installation.

[0079] The intervention station can be placed on the ground, and the intervention zone Z can be a ground area.

[0080] In another example (not shown), the intervention zone Z may be a designated area on a platform, separate from the ground. For example, it may be a platform raised above the ground.

[0081] Generally, the intervention zone Z, on the ground or on a platform, allows the operator to stand at a height H0 called "reference height".

[0082] The conveyor track 10 further includes an intervention portion 13, adjacent to and positioned at a height relative to the intervention zone Z.

[0083] Herein, "adjacent" is understood to mean that the intervention portion 13 can, for example, be defined as a portion of the intervention station 1 that includes an intervention edge 131 near the operator's intervention zone Z. In this way, said intervention portion 13 is configured so that the operator 3 can perform operations on the containers 2 transported by the conveyor track 10 from the intervention zone Z. Typically, the operator may be required to stand on one side of said intervention edge 131 and perform an operation on a container 2 located on the other side of said intervention edge 131.

[0084] Such an intervention portion 13 is "elevated" relative to the intervention zone Z, in that it has a height H measured relative to the reference height H0 of the intervention zone Z. Typically, the height H is greater than the height H0, so that the intervention portion 13 is elevated relative to the intervention zone Z, making the intervention portion 13 easily accessible to the operator. In one particular example, the height H of the intervention portion 13 may vary in the vicinity of an ergonomic height for the operator.

[0085] Typically, the height of the intervention portion 13 is the height H relative to the intervention zone Z. The height H is typically measured at the level of said intervention edge 131. For example, the reference height HO of the intervention zone Z may be equal to zero, and the height H may, for example, be between 65 and 110 cm, to optimize the ergonomics of the workstation. In other cases, if the intervention zone Z is not on the ground, and is located, for example, on a platform, the reference height HO may be the height of said platform, and the height H of the intervention portion 13 may be between 65 and 110 cm in addition to the height HO of the intervention zone Z.

[0086] The intervention station 1 may include a frame 100, for example fixed to the ground, on which the conveyor track 10 is mounted.

[0087] The conveyor track 10 further comprises a fixed part 15 and a movable part 14. The fixed part 15 of the conveyor track 10 is a portion of the conveyor track integral with the frame 100. The movable part 14 is then movable relative to the fixed part 15.

[0088] Generally, the fixed part 15 of the conveyor track can extend substantially horizontally, at least in the vicinity of the junction with the moving part 14.

[0089] The mobile part 14 of the intervention station 1 further includes the intervention portion 13. Thus, the intervention edge 131 of the intervention portion 13 is mobile with the mobile part 14 of the conveyor track 10.

[0090] According to this disclosure, the intervention station 1 includes an internal adjustment mechanism 4 for the conveyor track 10 configured to move the moving part 14 relative to the fixed part 15, so as to adjust a height of the intervention portion 13 carried by the moving part 14.

[0091] By "internal mechanism" is meant a mechanism that is an integral part of the intervention station 1, and which is therefore physically and structurally linked to other elements of said station. More specifically, the internal adjustment mechanism 4, as described in this disclosure, is configured to allow height guidance of the moving part 14 of the conveyor track 10, which is used to transport the containers 2, relative to the fixed part, and preferably configured to actuate the moving part in height. This configuration ensures that the adjustment of the moving part is carried out directly by internal guidance within the station, and preferably by internal actuation within the station, and thus preferably without the intervention of external components for height actuation.In this way, thanks to the internal adjustment mechanism 4, it is possible to adjust a height H of the intervention portion 13 relative to the height H0 of the intervention zone Z of the operator. by setting in motion the moving part 14 of the conveyor track 10 relative to the fixed part 15.

[0092] In particular, the intervention portion 13 is set in motion and moves by a height AH to vary its height H. As described previously, the height values ​​are measured relative to a reference height HO of the intervention zone Z.

[0093] The height variation AH allowed by the adjustment mechanism can be positive or negative. Thus, it is possible to raise or lower the intervention portion 13, particularly for the purpose of improving the ergonomics of the intervention station 1.

[0094] Generally, the conveyor track 10 can have a general direction V along which the containers 2 progress. Such a general direction V typically corresponds to an elongation direction of the conveyor track.

[0095] According to a particular example, the movable portion 14 of the conveyor track 10 is connected to the fixed part 15, or to the frame 100, in a rotational manner by a joint 5 having an axis of rotation extending transversely to the direction V. The adjustment of the height H of the intervention portion 13 is then carried out by rotating the movable part 14 relative to the fixed part 15 around said joint 5.

[0096] In other words, the axis of rotation of the joint 5 can be substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the conveyor track 10, typically horizontal.

[0097] Typically, the movable part 14 includes a proximal edge, near the fixed part 15, which it is advantageous to maintain at the same height as the fixed part 15, so that the transport of the containers 2 occurs without obstruction. Thus, the joint 5, preferably positioned at the level of this proximal edge, allows the height of the intervention portion 13 to be varied by rotation.

[0098] In particular, the movable part 14 of the conveyor track 10 can extend in length along the general direction V from said joint 5 to a distal end 101, the intervention portion 13 being adjacent to said distal end 101. A lever arm is thus formed, so that the height of the movable part 14, at the joint 5, remains unchanged, while it varies at the intervention portion 13 located at a distal end 101 of the movable part 14.

[0099] Consequently, adjusting the height of the intervention portion 13 leads to a change in the inclination of the moving part 14: a slope forms downstream of the joint 5. In order to minimize the change in inclination, and thus minimize the impact on the routing of the containers 2 that pass through the joint 5, the distance L between the intervention portion 13 and the axis of the joint 5 may be dimensioned to be relatively large. For example, such a distance L could be greater than 1 meter, or even greater than 1.5m, or even greater than 2 meters.

[0100] In particular, such a distance L may be measured between the axis of the joint, and an edge of the intervention portion 13 closest to said axis of the joint 5, such an edge may be defined as being distant from the intervention edge 131 by a distance equal to the dimension of the largest container intended to be transported on the intervention portion 13.

[0101] According to another example, such a distance can be measured between the intervention edge 131 and the axis of the joint.

[0102] Advantageously, the variation in inclination A0 (or otherwise called "angular stroke") can be between -5° and +5° with respect to the horizontal. In other words, it may be advantageous for a distance between the intervention portion 13 and the axis of the joint 5 to be greater than 1 meter, or even greater than 1.5 mm, or even greater than 2 meters, or even greater than 2.5 meters, so as to obtain a height adjustment stroke of the intervention portion 13 along the vertical direction of at least plus or minus 100 mm (±100 mm) with respect to a nominal position of the intervention portion, corresponding to an angular stroke of the moving part around the joint axis less than or equal to plus or minus 5°, and preferably plus or minus 4°, for example plus or minus 2°, namely a limited angular stroke.

[0103] According to one embodiment, and for a nominal position of the intervention portion 13 corresponding to a nominal angle of inclination of the intervention portion 13 which can be 9° (to ±3°) towards the intervention zone, a variation of the angular stroke of the movable portion 14 around the nominal angle of inclination results in a vertical adjustment stroke of the intervention portion of at least equal to plus or minus 100mm (± 100mm) around the height of the intervention portion 13 when in its nominal inclination.

[0104] For example, the distance between the intervention portion 13 and the axis of the joint 5 can be 3 meters and the nominal angle of inclination of the intervention portion 13 is 9°. A variation of more than 2° above the nominal position results in a positive elevation of more than 104 mm and a negative elevation below the nominal position results in a negative elevation of less than 104 mm.

[0105] The variation in inclination A0 of the mobile part 14 is therefore a consequence of the height adjustment of the intervention portion, which it may be desirable to mitigate.

[0106] In particular, the conveyor track 10 of the intervention station 1 may comprise a first conveying section 11 and a second conveying section 12 connected to each other by the intervention section 13. In this case, the intervention section 13 constitutes a segment of a path for the containers 2, located between two sections of the conveyor track 10, through which the containers 2 "pass The conveyor track 10 is then configured to transport the containers 2 through the first conveying section 11 to the second conveying section 12 via the intervention section 13.

[0107] According to examples, it may be provided that the automated vehicles and / or the conveyor track 10 are configured to temporarily stop the transport of containers 2 at the intervention portion 13, while the operator carries out the desired operation.

[0108] A particular example of intervention station 1 is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0109] In this example, the intervention portion 13 is located between a first routing portion 11 and a second routing portion 12.

[0110] Containers 2 are transported from the first transport segment 11 to the second transport segment 12 via the intervention segment 13. As a result, the containers are transported along a main direction V.

[0111] The internal adjustment mechanism 4 (not shown in this example) can typically include cylinders, one end of which is linked to the fixed frame 100, and another movable end is linked to the movable part 14. The adjustment mechanism 4 is configured to adjust a height H of the intervention portion 13 by varying it by a height AH.

[0112] In this example, the vertical displacement AH of the intervention portion 13 creates a variation in the inclination of the conveyor track 10, in particular by creating a first slope 16 of a first inclination 01, and a second slope 17 of a second inclination 02 opposite to the first inclination.

[0113] According to the example shown, the first slope 16 is upward and a second slope 17 is downward. Of course, depending on the value of the height variation AH, which can also be negative, the first slope 16 can be downward and the second slope 17 upward.

[0114] Another example of intervention station 1 is shown in [Fig.5].

[0115] In this example, the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12 extend side by side, both on the same side of the intervention section 13. In this way, the intervention section 13 forms one end of the conveyor track 10, so that the containers 2 are conveyed, before the operator's intervention, in a first direction of travel moving towards the intervention section 13, and then towards a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel moving away from the intervention section 13 after the operator's intervention.

[0116] According to a particular example, and in particular as represented, the conveyor track can form a "U", the first conveying portion 11 and the second conveying portion 12 being distinct from each other.

[0117] According to examples, the first routing portion 11 can be a portion of the conveyor track through which the containers 2 pass to reach the intervention portion 13, and the second routing portion 12 can be a portion of the conveyor track 10 through which the containers 2 pass when they leave the intervention portion 13.

[0118] Furthermore, it is possible that the first routing portion 11 and the second routing portion 12 are confused and that the containers 2 reach the intervention portion 13 and leave it by the same route.

[0119] Generally, the conveyor track 10 has a general direction V, which defines the direction in which the containers 2 progress. In the particular example of [Fig. 5], the direction V typically corresponds to the general extension direction of the conveyor track 10, in which the containers 2 progress to the intervention portion 13 and in which they leave it.

[0120] According to a particular example, and in particular as represented in [Fig.6], the movable portion 14 of the conveyor track 10 is connected to the fixed part 15 in a rotational manner by a joint 5 extending transversely in the direction V.

[0121] Indeed, the joint 5 allows a rotation of the mobile part 14 relative to the fixed part 15 along an axis which cuts transversely the direction V.

[0122] Preferably, the axis of the joint 5 is substantially perpendicular to the general direction V.

[0123] According to this example, the joint 5 is such that an adjustment of the height H of the intervention portion 13 induces a variation of the inclination A0 of the advance direction V of the conveyor track 10 at the level of the moving part 14. The variation of the inclination of the advance direction V can typically be carried out in a vertical plane, as shown in the example of [Fig.6].

[0124] In this way, it is possible to adjust the height of the intervention portion 13, and thus vary its height by a value AH while containers 2 progress from the fixed part 15 to the mobile part 14. The creation of a slope, as a consequence of a variation in the height of the intervention portion 13, can indeed make it possible not to interrupt the flow of containers 2 during the adjustment.

[0125] Such a variation in inclination A0 of the direction V corresponds to a variation in inclination of the moving part 14.

[0126] To this end, the intervention station 1 may include an actuator 43, configured to vary the height H of the moving part, typically by tilting the moving part 14 relative to the fixed part 15.

[0127] The actuator 43 may for this purpose include a first end 431 pivotally mounted on the fixed part 15 of the conveyor track 10, and a second end 432 pivotally mounted on the moving part 14 of the conveyor track 10, so that an extension or retraction of the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion 13 to be adjusted.

[0128] In particular, herein it is understood by "mounted on the fixed part" that the first end 431 of the actuator 43 is mounted on a part integral with the fixed part 15, for example the frame 100, or directly on the ground on which the fixed part 15 is mounted.

[0129] According to a particular example, the movable part 14 of the conveyor track 10 extends lengthwise along the general direction V from said joint 5, and terminates with a distal end 101 adjacent to the intervention portion 13, so that the intervention area is adjacent to said distal end 101 of the movable part 14.

[0130] Typically, said distal end 101 includes an intervention edge 131 of the intervention portion 13. Such an intervention edge 131 separates the intervention zone Z, in which an operator is located, from the intervention portion 13, to which the containers 2 are routed. In practice, according to one example, the operator stands on one side of the intervention edge 131 at the level of the intervention zone Z, and reaches the containers 2 on a second side of the intervention edge 131.

[0131] In particular, the movable part 14 of the conveyor track 10 extends lengthwise along the general direction V over a distance L which may be greater than 1 meter, preferably greater than 2 meters.

[0132] Indeed, it can be advantageous for the distance L, which separates the distal end 101 from the joint 5, to be relatively large. Depending on the magnitude of the desired height variation, and for the same height variation AH, the inclination variation A0 is less significant if the distance L is large. In this way, the slope formed by the joint 5 does not impede the transport of the containers 2.

[0133] In general, the height adjustment of the intervention portion 13 is such that the height variation AH, measured with respect to the reference height of the intervention zone Z of the operator, is greatest at the intervention edge 131 of the intervention portion 13.

[0134] According to a particular example shown in [Fig.7], the intervention station 1 comprises a first conveyor track 10.1 and a second conveyor track 10.2 extending side by side, so that a first intervention portion 13.1 of the first conveyor track 10.1 is positioned next to a second intervention portion 13.2 of the second conveyor track 11.2.

[0135] In this case, the internal adjustment mechanism 4 is configured to adjust the height of each of the intervention portions 13.1, 13.2 of the first and second conveyor track 10.1, 10.2.

[0136] Advantageously, it is possible for the adjustment of the first intervention portion 13.1 and the second intervention portion 13.2 to be independent of each other. To this end, the internal mechanism 4 may include at least two actuators, a first actuator of which is linked to the first conveyor track 10.1, and a second actuator is linked to the second conveyor track 10.2, so that the height of the two intervention portions 13.1, 13.2 is adjustable independently of each other.

[0137] A particular example of intervention station 1 illustrated in figures 8 to 10 will now be described.

[0138] In these figures, the movable part 14 of the conveyor track 10 is particularly visible, the fixed part 15 not being shown. The movable part 14 is movable relative to the frame 100 on which the fixed part 15 is mounted.

[0139] According to this example, and in particular with reference to [Fig. 9], the mobile part 14 comprises a first section of track 141 inclined so that it is upward when approaching the distal end 101, and the intervention section 13 forms a second section of track 142 inclined at an opposite angle to the first section of track 141. Indeed, the second section 142 is downward in the direction of the distal end 101. In this way, the intervention station is configured to tilt, towards the intervention zone Z, a container 2 transported on the intervention section 13.

[0140] The term "tilt towards the intervention zone" means that the intervention portion 13 includes a low point located at the level of the intervention edge 131, in the vicinity of the operator's intervention zone Z.

[0141] In this way, if a container 2 is open on top, a bottom of the container 2 is more easily accessible thanks to this inclination.

[0142] In addition, according to one example, and in particular as shown in figures 8 to 10, the adjustment mechanism 4 may include means for manually adjusting the height of the intervention portion 13.

[0143] In particular, the intervention station 1 may include a toothed part 41 mounted remotely, in the general direction V, from the joint 5 on one of the fixed portion 15 or the moving portion 14 of the conveyor track 10, and a complementary part 42 mounted on the other of the fixed portion 15 or the moving portion 14 of the conveyor track 10, the toothed part 41 comprising a plurality of notches corresponding to several height values ​​of the intervention portion 13 of the conveyor track 10, one notch of the toothed part 41 being configured to cooperate with the additional part 42 to manually adjust the intervention portion 13 to a chosen height.

[0144] In this way, it is possible for an operator, for example using a jack, to raise the distal end 101 of the movable part 14 to a desired height, and to make a notch of the toothed part 41 cooperate with the complementary part 42 to manually adjust the height of the intervention portion 13 to the desired height.

[0145] According to examples, the internal adjustment mechanism 4 may further include means for automatically adjusting the height of the intervention portion 13.

[0146] Indeed, the intervention station 1 can include an actuator 43, a first end 431 of which is pivotally mounted on the fixed part 15 of the conveyor track 10, or directly fixed to the frame 100, and a second end 432 of which is pivotally mounted on the movable part 14 so that an extension or retraction of the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion 13 to be adjusted.

[0147] Indeed, the intervention portion 13 is typically located in the vicinity of the distal part 101 of the mobile part 14, so that a rotation at the level of the joint 5 of the mobile part 14 with respect to the fixed part 15 generates a variation in height AH at the level of the intervention portion 13.

[0148] According to a particular example, and in particular as represented in [Fig. 10], the internal adjustment mechanism 4 comprises two cylinders positioned on either side of a longitudinal median plane PI of the conveyor track 10. Preferably, the two cylinders are positioned at an equal distance from said median plane PI, so that the mechanical forces are balanced between the two cylinders.

[0149] In addition, the intervention station 1 may include a human-machine interface (not shown) typically connected to a processor and memory, through which an operator can transmit a command, either: - adjust the height of the intervention portion 13 to a height value available in memory, or - increase or decrease the height of the intervention portion 13 up to a chosen height value.

[0150] This disclosure further relates to an order preparation process implemented by an assembly comprising the intervention station 1 and an automated vehicle 7.

[0151] According to one example, the process includes a step in which a container 2 is transported by an automated vehicle 7 to the intervention portion 13, and an intervention step on the container 2 carried out by an operator.

[0152] Typically, during the intervention step, the operator is positioned in the intervention zone Z, on one side of an intervention edge 131 of the intervention section 13, and intervenes on containers 2 transported on intervention section 13 on the other side of intervention edge 131 opposite to the first side.

[0153] According to an example in which the intervention station 1 comprises a human-machine interface connected to a processor and memory, and an actuator as described above, the method includes a step for adjusting the height H of the intervention portion 13 in which the operator sends an instruction via said human-machine interface to the processor, which controls the actuator to respond to the operator's instruction. Thus, if the operator's command is to increase the height of the intervention portion 13, or to adopt a pre-recorded height value that implies raising the intervention portion 13, the processor controls the actuator to extend and raise the movable part 14 that supports the intervention portion 13.

[0154] The cylinder may include a servo means configured so that the processor can stop the actuator when the chosen height value is reached.

[0155] Once the intervention portion 13 has been set according to said instruction, the operator intervenes on container 2 during an intervention step.

[0156] According to a particular example in which the intervention station comprises a first and a second conveyor track 10.1, 10.2 adjustable independently of each other, the method comprises a first step of adjusting the height of the first conveyor track 10.1, in which the processor controls the first actuator, and a second step of adjusting the height of the second conveyor track 10.2 in which the processor controls the second actuator, the adjustment of the height of the first step being independent of the adjustment of the height of the second step.

[0157] Such an example can be advantageous when a first container 2 of a first height is conveyed to the first intervention section 13.1, and a second container 2 of a second height is conveyed to the second intervention section 13.2. Indeed, particularly for ergonomic reasons, the operator can choose a first height value suitable for the first container 2 for the first conveyor track 10.1, and a second height value suitable for the second container 2 for the second conveyor track 10.2.

[0158] In this way, the difference in size between the two containers 2 can be advantageously compensated by an independent adjustment of the heights of the two intervention tracks 13.1, 13.2.

Claims

Demands

1. A conveyor service station (1) for processing orders contained in containers (2), comprising a conveyor track (10) configured to transport the containers (2), the conveyor track (10) comprising a service portion (13), adjacent to and elevated relative to a service zone Z on which an operator is positioned, said service portion (13) being configured so that the operator (3) can perform operations on the containers (2) transported by the conveyor track (10), the conveyor track (10) comprising a fixed part (15) and a moving part (14), the moving part (14) comprising the service portion (13), the service station (1) further comprising an internal adjustment mechanism (4) for the conveyor track (10) configured to adjust the height of the service portion (13),said height being measured relative to a reference height in the operator's intervention zone, by setting in motion the moving part (14) of the conveyor track (10) relative to the fixed part (15).

2. Intervention station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor track (10), including the intervention portion (13), comprises an aisle (6) configured to permit an automated vehicle (7) supporting a container (2) to drive on said conveyor track (10).

3. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor track (10) comprises a first conveying portion (11) and a second conveying portion (12) connected to each other by the intervention portion (13), the conveyor track (10) being configured to convey the containers (2) through the first conveying portion (11) to the second conveying portion (12) via the intervention portion (13).

4. Intervention station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first conveying portion (11) and the second conveying portion (12) extend side by side, both on the same side of the intervention portion (13).

5. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor track (10) has a direction general V according to which the containers (2) progress, the mobile portion (14) of the conveyor track (10) is connected to the fixed part (15) in a rotational manner by a joint (5) having an axis of rotation extending transversely to the direction V, the adjustment of the height of the intervention portion (13) being carried out by rotation of the mobile part (14) relative to the fixed part (15) around said joint (5).

6. Intervention station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the movable part (14) of the conveyor track (10) extends lengthwise along the general direction V from said joint (5) to a distal end (101), the intervention portion (13) being adjacent to said distal end (101).

7. Intervention station (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the movable part (14) comprises a first ascending track portion (141), following the main direction V towards the distal end (101), and the intervention portion (13) forms a second track portion (142), at an inclination opposite to the first portion (141), the second portion (142) being descending towards the distal end (101), configured to tilt a container (2) routed on the intervention portion (13) towards the intervention zone (Z).

8. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 5, the adjustment mechanism (4) comprising a toothed part (41) mounted remotely, along the general direction V, from the joint (5) on one of the fixed part (15) or the moving part (14) of the conveyor track (10), and a complementary part (42) mounted on the other of the fixed part (15) or the moving part (14) of the conveyor track (10), the toothed part (41) comprising a plurality of notches corresponding to several height values ​​of the intervention portion (13) of the conveyor track (10), one notch of the toothed part (41) being configured to cooperate with the complementary part (42) to manually adjust the intervention portion (13) to a selected height.

9. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuator (43) having a first end (431) pivotally mounted on the fixed part (15) of the conveyor track (10) and having a second end (432) pivotally mounted on the movable part (14) so ​​that an extension or retraction of the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion (13) to be adjusted.

10. Intervention station (1) according to the preceding claim in which the internal adjustment mechanism (4) comprises two cylinders positioned each on either side of a longitudinal median plane (PI) along the advance direction V of the conveyor track (10).

11. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 3, wherein the intervention station (1) comprises a first conveyor track (10.1) and a second conveyor track (10.2), the first conveying portion of the first conveyor track (11.1) extending alongside the first conveying portion of the second conveyor track (11.2), such that the intervention portion (13.1) of the first conveyor track (10.1) is positioned alongside the intervention portion (13.2) of the second conveyor track (11.2), the internal adjustment mechanism (4) being configured to adjust the height of each of the intervention portions (13.1, 13.2) of the first and second conveyor tracks (10.1, 10.2).

12. Intervention station (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal mechanism comprises at least two actuators, of which a first actuator is linked to the first conveyor track (10.1), and a second actuator is linked to the second conveyor track (10.2), so that the height of the two intervention portions (13.1, 13.2) is adjustable independently of each other.

13. Intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the intervention station (1) comprising a human-machine interface connected to a processor and a memory, the human-machine interface being configured to, in response to a command from the operator, either: - set the height of the intervention portion (13) to a height value available in memory, or - increase or decrease the height of the intervention portion (13) up to a chosen height value.

14. Assembly comprising an intervention station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one vehicle (7) automated container transport configured to transport containers (2) along the conveyor track (10) and at least to the intervention portion (13).

15. Order preparation method implemented by an assembly according to the preceding claim, the method comprising a step in which a container (2) is transported by an automated vehicle (7) to the intervention portion (13), and an intervention step on the container carried out by an operator.

16. Order preparation method according to the preceding claim, the intervention station (1) comprising a human-machine interface connected to a processor and a memory, and comprising an actuator having a first end pivotally mounted on the fixed part (15) of the conveyor track (10) and a second end pivotally mounted on the movable part (14) such that an extension or retraction of the actuator allows the height of the intervention portion (13) to be adjusted, the method comprising a step of adjusting the height of the intervention portion (13) in which the operator sends an instruction via said human-machine interface to the processor which controls the actuator to respond to the operator's instruction, and, once the intervention portion (13) has been adjusted according to said instruction, the operator intervenes on the container (2).

17. Order preparation method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the intervention station (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in combination with claim 12, the method comprising a first step of adjusting the height of the first conveyor track (10.1) in which the processor controls the first actuator, and a second step of adjusting the height of the second conveyor track (10.2) in which the processor controls the second actuator, the adjustment of the height of the first step being independent of the adjustment of the height of the second step.

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