Automated handling unit and procedure for boxed item

Abstract

To provide a unit and an automated handling procedure for boxed items that are simple to achieve and implement, therefore being able to offer maximum guarantees of functionality and implementable at lower costs.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an automated handling unit for boxed items (3) that comprises a frame (4), gripping bars (5), and hindering means (7). A handling surface (40) includes a slit (40a) developing continuously along a central axis (4a), wherein the handling means (7) is at least partially housed inside the slit (40a) and is configured to move inside the slit (40a) along the central axis (4a) in such a way to be able to change the occupied position and simultaneously push on one or more boxed items (3) along the central axis (4a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit and an automated handling procedure for boxed goods of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In particular, it relates to a unit and procedure for the automated loading and unloading of boxed articles or the like onto and from shelves of a shelving unit in which the elements are densely stacked in rows.

[0003] As is known, automated systems exist on the market for handling objects of relatively small size and weight, for example weighing less than 2 kg.

[0004] Known systems allow for the storage and automatic retrieval of objects on shelving units with open shelves and have several advantages.

[0005] For example, they allow for very large shelving units as no space is required for operator movement, they have acceptable movement speeds, and this reduction is possible as well as the reduction in required personnel use.

[0006] The procedure for automatic storage involves various steps.

[0007] First, the objects to be loaded, e.g., various packages, are identified and classified, e.g., by scanning an appropriate bar code or the like. The dimensions of the object are then processed by a specific electronic processor, which also determines the best position for the object on the shelf based on the available space.

[0008] The object is then loaded into an end handling unit which carries it to the identified location on the shelf and places it there.

[0009] The object may then need to be removed from the shelf.

[0010] In such a case, this same object must be queried from the electronic processor, which stores the object's location.

[0011] The handling unit is then guided to the object to be picked up, picks it up and carries it to a position accessible to the user.

[0012] Along with the above advantages, the known techniques mentioned above also have some drawbacks.

[0013] In particular, known handling units are generally complex and expensive because they have to perform various loading and unloading operations to and from the shelves.

[0014] A further disadvantage is presented by the fact that some known units are generally adapted to transport a single object at a time, thus slowing down loading and unloading operations, while other units are adapted to transport multiple elements, but remain slow and complex.

[0015] This disadvantage is significant during retrieval when rapid delivery of the object is required.

[0016] It should also be noted that these disadvantages become more significant as the number and variety of boxed goods and the like being handled increases due to the increasing variety of goods available to consumers.

[0017] In this context, the technical problem at the basis of the present invention is to devise a unit and an automated handling procedure for boxed goods that is able to substantially overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0018] Within the scope of the above technical problem, an important object of the present invention is to devise a unit and an automated handling procedure for boxed goods that is simple to achieve and implement, and therefore capable of providing maximum guarantees of functionality, and that can be implemented at lower costs.

[0019] Another important object of the present invention is to devise a unit and automated handling procedure for boxed items that makes optimal use of the space available on the shelves of the shelving unit.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to devise a unit and an automated handling procedure for boxed goods that is capable of handling multiple boxed goods or the like simultaneously, thus allowing maximum loading and unloading speed of the boxed goods.

[0021] The technical problem and the stated object are achieved by a unit for automated handling of boxed articles and an associated procedure as claimed in the attached claim 1.

[0022] Preferably, the technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0023] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the present invention positioned near a storage surface of a counter holding multiple rows of boxed articles; [Figure 2] 3 shows a schematic representation of the start of a translation phase on a handling surface of a group of boxed articles forming part of a queue, achieved by an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 3]3A and 3B show how the translation stage proceeds after FIG. 2, and in particular the forward movement of the restraining means and the approach of a designated group of boxed articles at the contact area on the handling surface. [Figure 4] 10 shows a handling step on the sorting surface of the last boxed item of a group of boxed items present on the handling surface after a frame movement step on the sorting surface. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates the initiation of the repositioning phase simultaneously with the prompt phase for a boxed item. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates the end of the repositioning and delivery prompt phases. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometrical criteria (e.g., perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "approximately" or "nearly" or "substantially" or other similar terms, should be understood to allow for imprecision due to measurement error or production and / or manufacturing error, and to allow for slight deviations from the associated value, measurement, shape, or geometrical criteria as a whole. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 10% from the value itself.

[0026] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary," when used, do not necessarily identify an order, relationship priority, or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from one another.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, and as will be apparent from the discussion that follows, terms such as "processing," "calculating," "determining," "computing," or similar words refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manage and / or transform data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities in the registers and / or memory of a computing system, into other data that are similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0028] Measurements and data reported in this text should be assumed to be performed in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975) unless otherwise indicated.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, an automated handling unit for boxed articles according to the present invention is generally designated by the number 1.

[0030] Unit 1 General The unit 1 may appear, for example, as an active part of a distributor of a shelving system.

[0031] The distributor is adapted to enable the sorting of the goods therein by the unit 1 described above.

[0032] Preferably, therefore, the distributor comprises at least one storage surface 2 .

[0033] The storage surface 2 is essentially provided by any holding surface that is capable of stably holding an object placed thereon.

[0034] In particular, the storage surface 2 is preferably adapted to make it possible to hold boxed items 3 .

[0035] In practice, the boxed item 3 or the like is generally a parallelepiped package of various products and items. For example, the boxed item 3 may consist of a package of pharmaceutical products.

[0036] Furthermore, preferably, the boxed articles 3 are arranged in alignment with one another on the storage surface along a main direction of deployment 6 a so as to define at least one row 6 .

[0037] Preferably, each row 6 has uniform or identical boxed items 3, and in the case of elements 3 of different sizes, the larger one is preferably placed at the greatest distance from the unit 1.

[0038] Naturally, the boxed items 3 may define a number of rows 6 parallel to one another and defining their own main direction of deployment 6a.

[0039] In practice, the distributor is preferably adapted to be used in shopping centers, stores, distribution centers that sell a large number of products and items and a wide variety of these, and therefore require large storage areas and also rapid automated distribution of these items.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the distributor is part of or consists of the counter 100 .

[0041] Counter 100 is preferably an item accumulation device that may also be used for other purposes, for example, counter 100 may be a pharmacy counter and thus may be provided with multiple compartments in which medicines or dietary supplements are placed.

[0042] Thus, the counter 100 may include at least a first compartment 100a, which may essentially consist of a shelf including one or more floors, which may collectively define the storage surface 2.

[0043] Thus, the storage surface 2 can be defined by one continuous floor, or can be divided and distributed over several parallel or coplanar continuous floors.

[0044] On each shelf there may be one or more rows 6 of boxed items 3 .

[0045] The distributor may comprise a base device known per se, capable of translating the units 1 in the storage surface 2. For example, the base device may comprise a column-like element extending above a cart placed on the ground or floor, and equipped with hooks or guides on the shelf for horizontally translating the units 1. For vertically translating the units 1, it may be connected to pneumatic or electric lifting means arranged on the column-like element.

[0046] A distributor is shown, for example, in patent EP2113437 by the same applicant.

[0047] In either case, the unit 1 is adapted to engage and handle a plurality of boxed articles 3 for alternately picking up or storing the boxed articles 3 on the storage surface 2 .

[0048] In this regard, the unit 1 preferably includes a frame 4 .

[0049] When the unit 1 is used in a distributor, the frame 4 is configured to translate substantially relative to the storage surface 2 due to the base device.

[0050] In particular, the unit 1 moves relative to the storage surface 2 so as to face it at its first edge 20. The storage surface 2 therefore defines an end or boundary that essentially forms the first edge 20.

[0051] The first edge 20 may, for example, extend along a linear axis, particularly when the storage surface 2 is part of a counter 100 .

[0052] The frame 4 can therefore be configured to move along an axis of movement 4b, which in this case is preferably parallel to the linear extension axis of the first edge 20.

[0053] Generally, therefore, the frame 4 is preferably movable relative to the storage surface 2 .

[0054] The frame 4 also includes a handling surface 40 .

[0055] The handling surface 40 is adapted to be positioned near the storage surface 2. Even more particularly, the handling surface 40 is adapted to be aligned with the storage surface 2.

[0056] Preferably, the handling surface 40 is adapted to be arranged close to the storage surface 2 in the main deployment direction 6a.

[0057] Moreover, the handling surface 40 is preferably movable along a central axis 4a, which may preferably be aligned with the primary unfolding direction 6a. Thus, the handling surface 40 is configured to allow the boxed articles 3 to be translated along the primary unfolding direction 6a when the central axis 4a is aligned with the primary unfolding direction 6a.

[0058] More particularly, preferably when the unit 1 is used in a distributor mounted in a counter 100 as described above, the central axis 4a is preferably transverse, for example perpendicular, to the axis of movement 4b.

[0059] Thus, if the distributor includes several rows 6 of boxed articles 3 distributed along the storage surface 2, the handling surface 40 can be moved from row 6 to row 6 by moving the frame 4 along the movement axis 4b. As already mentioned earlier, if useful, the handling surface 40 can also be moved vertically, along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the central axis 4a and the movement axis 4b, for example if the storage surface 2 is distributed on a shelving unit having several floors.

[0060] The unit 1 also comprises a gripping bar 5 .

[0061] Preferably, the gripping bars 5 are deployed near the handling surface 40. For example, the gripping bars 5 can be positioned above the handling surface 40.

[0062] Moreover, preferably they are two in number, side by side and spaced apart so as to flank, contain or bound at least some of the rows 6.

[0063] Preferably, therefore, the gripping bars 5 deploy parallel to the main deployment direction 6a.

[0064] The installation 1 naturally includes control and guide means known per se, adapted to engage with and support the gripping bars 5 and to move them relative to the central axis 4a, i.e. both parallel and transverse to the main unfolding direction 6a when the latter are aligned.

[0065] Generally, the gripper bar 5 is configured to engage and translate at least a portion of the boxed articles 3 in the row 6 .

[0066] In particular in this regard, the gripping bar 5 is preferably configured to translate specularly along the central axis 4a relative to the handling surface 40 so as to selectively move closer to the one or more boxed articles 3.

[0067] The control and guide means can therefore move towards and away from the gripping bar 5 so as to clamp the gripping bar 5 on the row 6 of boxed articles 3, particularly on the boxed articles 3 at a distal position or at the end of the row 6 away from the frame 4, so as to be able to move the entire row 6 in a single movement.

[0068] In the case of limited advancement of the gripping bar 5, ie to a position that does not completely cross the storage surface 2, another element 3 of the row 6 can still be clamped.

[0069] For the reciprocation towards and away from the gripping bars 5, the control and guide means may comprise, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic or oleodynamic cylinders, possibly combined with levers and / or channel or tubular guides.

[0070] It is emphasized that the control and guide means of the gripping bar 5 can be constructed and arranged according to a wide variety of technical solutions and in a manner that is readily realizable by a mechanical engineer, as already mentioned.

[0071] For example, the control and guide means can be supported directly by the frame 4 and project as an articulated arm towards the gripping bar 5 to support and guide the latter through an electric motor which is likewise arranged at the end of the articulated arm and which operates through a gear on a rack made on or integral with the gripping bar 5.

[0072] The gripping bars 5 may each present at least one gripping organ adapted to engage the boxed item 3 .

[0073] The gripping mechanism may consist, for example, of an end portion of each gripping bar 5 preferably provided with a rough surface having a high coefficient of friction or the like adapted to laterally engage one or more boxed articles 3 of the row 6, or the end portions of the gripping bars 5 may be free of any coating or lateral extension.

[0074] Additional gripping members, such as suction cups or resilient means, or others, may be provided.

[0075] The gripping elements preferably do not have the task of forcibly engaging and lifting the rows 6 or elements of the rows 6, but only of sliding the rows 6 onto the storage surface 2 and thereafter onto the handling surface 40.

[0076] In addition to what has been described, to increase the gripping capacity of the gripping bars 5, each of them is preferably expandable.

[0077] Moreover, preferably, each gripping bar 5 is configured to expand proportionally to its translation along the handling surface 40 .

[0078] In this way, each gripping bar 5 can advantageously increase its travel relative to the handling surface 40, at least in the case where each bar 5 extends beyond the handling surface 40. This configuration allows the unit 1 to be used more efficiently for very deep storage surfaces 2, such as those of the counter 100.

[0079] The unit 1 advantageously also comprises suppression means 7 .

[0080] The restraining means 7, like the gripping bars 5, are positioned close to the handling surface 40. In particular, the restraining means 7 may be positioned at least partially above the handling surface 40.

[0081] The restraining means 7 is therefore configured to prevent the boxed article 3 from moving onto the handling surface 40 in the position occupied by the restraining means 7 itself. In other words, the restraining means 7 prevents the boxed article 3 from falling off the handling surface 40 when moved along the central axis 4a. The restraining means 7 therefore determines a stop for the boxed article 3 on the handling surface 40.

[0082] Preferably, the restraining means 7 are movable relative to the handling surface 40 so that the occupied position can be changed.

[0083] To implement the relative movement between the restraining means 7 and the handling surface 40, advantageously the handling surface 40 comprises slits 40a.

[0084] The slits 40a preferably extend along the central axis 4a. Moreover, the slits 40a extend continuously along the central axis 4a.

[0085] Thus, the slits 40a are substantially defined by grooves that extend on the handling surface 40, preferably from side to side and end to end.

[0086] To structurally define the slit 40a, the frame 4 may include, for example, a pair of tracks 41.

[0087] When present, the tracks 41 are arranged side by side and separated by slits 40a. The tracks 41 therefore constitute, on their own sides, the handling surface 40. In other words, the tracks 41 each define a moving belt which, when facing the gripping bar 5, defines the handling surface 40.

[0088] The frame 4 further preferably comprises movement means configured to specularly move the tracks 41. The movement means may for example comprise at least two end rolling elements spaced apart along the central axis 4a for both or each track 41. This means that each track 41 can have its own rolling element, or that the rolling elements can move both tracks 41 simultaneously.

[0089] In either case, the rolling elements are configured to pull on each track 41 and rotate the tracks 41 in proportion to the rotation of the rolling elements about their own axes of rotation transverse to the central axis 4a.

[0090] The restraining means 7 is therefore advantageously at least partially housed in the slit 40a. Moreover, the restraining means 7 is configured to move in the slit 40a along the central axis 4a so that, as already mentioned, it can change the position it occupies on the handling surface 40. Naturally, this movement enables the restraining means 7 to simultaneously push one or several boxed articles 3 along the central axis 4a.

[0091] Even more particularly, the restraining means 7 may include a head 70, a body, and a translating means.

[0092] The head 70 preferably protrudes from the slit 40a transversely to said handling surface 40. The head 70 is therefore the part of the restraining means 7 adapted to contact the boxed goods 3. In fact, the head 70 preferably comprises at least one contact area 70a.

[0093] The contact area 70a is adapted to contact the boxed item 3 in order to stop or push the boxed item 3. Thus, the contact area 70a may, for example, be flexible and / or may include serrations designed to increase the grip on the boxed item 3.

[0094] The body is preferably integral with the head 70. It is therefore housed in the slit 40a. The translation means preferably face the opposite side of the handling surface 40 from the head 70. They are therefore below the handling surface 40.

[0095] Furthermore, the translation means is configured to move the body along the central axis 4 a. The translation means may comprise a linear actuator or another device capable of implementing the overall movement of the restraining means 7 along the central axis 4 a.

[0096] If the unit 1 is placed inside a distributor, the distributor preferably also includes a sorting surface 8 in addition to the storage surface 2 .

[0097] The sorting surface 8, like the storage surface 2, is adapted to receive one or more binned articles 3. It therefore makes it possible to at least temporarily support at least one binned article 3.

[0098] Even more particularly, the sorting surface 8 is configured to allow the frame 4 to move from the storage surface 2 to the sorting surface 8 and vice versa.

[0099] Moreover, the sorting surface 8 is preferably configured such that the handling surface 40 is aligned with the sorting surface 8 when the handling surface 40 is positioned proximate the sorting surface 8. In this manner, the handling surface 40 can selectively handle one or more boxed articles 3 positioned thereon.

[0100] In the simplest embodiment, the sorting surface 8 is aligned with the storage surface 2 such that simple translational movement of the frame 4 along the movement axis 4b allows passage from the storage surface 2 to the sorting surface 8 and vice versa.

[0101] The sorting surface 8 therefore defines a kind of station to which the boxed articles 3 placed therein can be sent for delivery.

[0102] Therefore, preferably, the distributor may also include a pusher 9 .

[0103] The pusher 9, if present, is arranged on the sorting surface 8. Moreover, it is movable relative to the sorting surface 8 along at least one pushing direction 9a. The pushing direction 9a is preferably parallel to the central axis 4a, and in particular aligned with the central axis 4a when the frame 4 faces the sorting surface 8.

[0104] The pusher 9 is therefore configured to push one or more boxed articles 3 placed on the sorting surface 8 out of the sorting surface 8 .

[0105] Thus, the distributor may include a stacking unit 10 .

[0106] If present, the stacking unit 10 may be positioned near the sorting surface 8. Moreover, when the pusher 9 pushes one or more boxed articles 3 off the sorting surface 8, it is configured so that the boxed articles 3 fall into the stacking unit 10 by gravity.

[0107] Alternatively, the frame 4 may include one or more sides 42 .

[0108] When present, the side surface 42 is aligned with the handling surface 40. Moreover, it lies adjacent to the handling surface 40 and laterally towards it, perpendicular to the central axis 4a.

[0109] When two side surfaces 42 are present, the two side surfaces 42 are disposed on opposite sides of the handling surface 40. Thus, the handling surface 40 can be disposed between the two side surfaces 42.

[0110] In either case, the side surface 42 may preferably be configured to guide the sliding of one or more boxed articles 3 from the sorting surface 8 to the stacking unit 10 .

[0111] The frame 4 can therefore be moved along the pushing direction 9a to position the side 42 in front of the sorting surface 8, allowing the pusher 9 to push one or more boxed items 3 against the side 42 and thus into the stacking unit 10, for example as shown in Figures 5-6.

[0112] In conclusion, if the distributor is part of the counter 100, the counter 100 may include at least a second compartment 100b. Similar to the first compartment 100a, the second compartment 100b consists of a shelf including at least one floor that defines the sorting surface 8.

[0113] Therefore, when the counter 100 is equipped with a distributor including the unit 1 according to the present invention, the frame 4 is configured to be able to move from the first compartment 100a to the second compartment 100b and vice versa.

[0114] The present invention also teaches a new automated handling procedure for boxed items 3 and the like.

[0115] The procedure can be implemented by a distributor including a unit 1 as described above, possibly implemented in a counter 100. Alternatively, the procedure can be realized by any other unit capable of moving boxed items 3, as for example described in patent EP-B-2862817.

[0116] In either case, the procedure preferably includes a positioning step in which the boxed items 3 are positioned on the storage surface 2 .

[0117] In particular, the boxed articles 3 are preferably aligned in rows 6 along their respective main unfolding directions 6a.

[0118] Moreover, the boxed articles 3 are arranged in descending order of size in each row 6 towards the first edge 20 of the storage surface 2 .

[0119] The boxed goods 3 are thus ready to be handled thereafter.

[0120] The procedure then also includes a translation step.

[0121] During the translation phase, a group of boxed articles 3, preferably comprising at least a portion of a row 6, is translated in a unified manner along the main unfolding direction 6a onto the handling surface 40 of the frame 4 opposite the first edge 20.

[0122] Advantageously, during the translation phase, the entire row 6 is translated along the main deployment direction 6 a so that the remaining row 6 on the storage surface 2 is adjacent to the first edge 20 of the storage surface 2 .

[0123] Of course, the translation can be implemented by gripping bars 5 that deploy near a handling surface 40 parallel to the main deployment direction 6a. As already mentioned above, the gripping bars 5 are preferably arranged side by side and spaced apart to flank at least some of the rows 6 and are configured to engage and translate at least some of the boxed articles 3 in the rows 6.

[0124] Moreover, during translation, the restraining means 7 positioned close to the handling surface 40 can stop the group moving on the handling surface 40 in the position occupied by the restraining means 7 itself.

[0125] In particular, the restraining means 7 is positioned so that the last boxed item 3 is positioned at the second edge 40b of the handling surface 40 adapted to face the first edge 20 and the sorting surface 8.

[0126] The procedure then also includes a transfer step.

[0127] During the transfer phase, the frame 4 moves close to the sorting surface 8 so that the handling surface 40 is aligned with the sorting surface 8 .

[0128] The procedure also includes a handling step.

[0129] In the handling stage, preferably at least one last boxed article 3 of a group is handled from the handling surface 40 to the sorting surface 8 .

[0130] The handling step can be implemented by means of a gripping bar 5 .

[0131] Alternatively, the handling step can be implemented by the handling surface 40 and / or the restraining means 7 .

[0132] Indeed, the handling surface 40 is movable along a central axis 4a that can be aligned with the main unfolding direction 6a so as to be able to translate at least the boxed articles 3 placed thereon along the main unfolding direction 6a. Thus, during the handling phase, the handling surface 40 is able to translate at least the last boxed article 3 to the sorting surface 8.

[0133] Moreover, the restraining means 7 may be movable relative to the handling surface 40. Thus, during the handling phase, the second edge 40b may be positioned close to the sorting surface 8 and the restraining means 7 may push the group along the central axis 4a such that one or more boxed articles 3 of the group progress over the second edge 40b and are stored on the sorting surface 8.

[0134] The procedure then includes returning the handling surface 40 to the vicinity of the storage surface 2. This step is useful to clear the sorting surface 8 for the subsequent steps.

[0135] In fact, the procedure includes a step of sending for delivery.

[0136] In this sending for delivery step, preferably, at least one boxed article 3 on the sorting surface 8 is sent for delivery. For example, this sending for delivery step is implemented by a pusher 9 disposed on the sorting surface 8 and movable relative to the sorting surface 8 along at least a pushing direction 9a so as to push one or more boxed articles 3 disposed on the sorting surface 8 away from the sorting surface 8.

[0137] Furthermore, during the sending for delivery stage, the pusher 9 can push one or more boxed items 3 arranged on the sorting surface 8 out of the sorting surface 8, in particular so that the boxed items 3 fall by gravity into a stacking unit 10 arranged near the sorting surface 8.

[0138] Additionally, the procedure may include a repositioning step.

[0139] In the repositioning step, the remaining binned items 3 of the group are preferably repositioned on the storage surface 2 in a row 6. This row 6 may correspond to the row 6 in which the binned items 3 were handled, or may be a different row 6.

[0140] During repositioning, preferably the restraining means 7 pushes the remaining boxed item(s) 3 along the central axis 4a such that the boxed item(s) 3 of the group are placed over the second edge 40b on the storage surface 2 and push the row 6 along the main deployment direction 6a. Preferably, during repositioning the gripping bar 5 surrounds and compresses the row 6.

[0141] Of course, this step may also or alternatively involve movement of the handling surface 40 along the central axis 4a.

[0142] The unit 1 for automated handling of boxed articles according to the present invention and the associated procedure achieve important advantages.

[0143] In practice, the unit 1 and automated handling procedures for boxed goods can be easily implemented and achieved, and therefore can provide maximum functionality guarantees and can be implemented at lower costs.

[0144] Moreover, the unit 1 and the automated handling procedures for boxed items are able to make optimal use of the space available on the shelves of the shelving unit.

[0145] In conclusion, the unit 1 and the automated handling procedure for boxed goods are capable of handling multiple boxed goods or the like simultaneously, and therefore maximum loading and unloading speeds for boxed goods are achieved.

[0146] In this context, all parts are interchangeable with equivalent elements and may be of any material, shape and size. (Other possible items) (Item 1) An automated handling unit (1) for boxed items (3), comprising: The boxed articles (3) are arranged along a main direction of deployment (6a) in at least one storage surface (2) to define at least one row (6); the automated handling unit (1) is adapted to selectively handle the boxed articles (3) to perform alternate steps of retrieval and storage of the boxed articles (3); a frame (4) movable relative to the storage surface (2), the frame (4) having a handling surface (40) that is aligned with the storage surface (2) in the primary deployment direction (6a), the handling surface (40) being positionable adjacent to the storage surface (2) and movable along a central axis (4a) that can be aligned with the primary deployment direction (6a) so as to translate the boxed items (3) placed therein at least along the primary deployment direction (6a); gripping bars (5) extending adjacent the handling surface (40) parallel to the primary deployment direction (6a), the gripping bars (5) being spaced apart and side-by-side so as to be positionable on the sides of at least a portion of the rows (6), and configured to engage and translate at least a portion of the boxed articles (3) in the rows (6); a restraining means (7) positioned near the handling surface (40), the restraining means (7) configured to stop the boxed items (3) moving on the handling surface (40) at a position occupied by the restraining means (7); Equipped with The handling surface (40) includes a slit (40a) extending continuously along the central axis (4a), the restraining means (7) is at least partially accommodated in the slit (40a) and configured to move within the slit (40a) along the central axis (4a) so as to be able to change its occupancy position on the handling surface (40) and to simultaneously push one or more of the boxed articles (3) along the central axis (4a); Automated handling unit (1). (Item 2) Item 1, an automated handling unit (1) according to item 1, wherein the frame (4) comprises a pair of tracks (41) arranged side by side and separated by the slits (40a) on the same side thereof, the tracks (41) forming the handling surface (40), and movement means configured to move the tracks (41) in a specular manner. (Item 3) 3. The automated handling unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the moving means comprises, for both or each of the tracks (41), at least two end rolling elements spaced apart from one another along the central axis (4a) and configured to pull each of the tracks (41) and to rotate the tracks (41) in proportion to the rotation of the end rolling elements about their own axes of rotation transverse to the central axis (4a). (Item 4) 4. The automated handling unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the restraining means (7) comprises a head (70) protruding from the slit (40a) transversely to the handling surface (40) and including at least one contact area (70a) adapted to contact one of the boxed articles (3) in order to obstruct or push the boxed article (3), a body integral with the head (70) and accommodated in the slit (40a), and a translation means facing the opposite side of the handling surface (40) from the head (70) and configured to move the body along the central axis (4a). (Item 5) 5. The automated handling unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gripping bar (5) is configured to translate relative to the handling surface (40) in a specular manner along the central axis (4a) so as to selectively approach one or more of the boxed articles (3). (Item 6) 6. The automated handling unit (1) according to item 5, wherein each of the gripping bars (5) is expandable and configured to expand in proportion to its translation along the handling surface (40) so as to increase its advancement relative to the handling surface (40), at least when each of the gripping bars (5) extends beyond the handling surface (40). (Item 7) 7. A distributor of boxed articles (3) comprising the automated handling unit (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, the storage surface (2), and at least one further sorting surface (8) adapted to receive one or more of the boxed articles (3), wherein the storage surface (2) comprises one or more floors of a shelf unit, the sorting surface (8) is configured to allow the frame (4) to move from the storage surface (2) to the sorting surface (8) and vice versa, and wherein when the handling surface (40) is positioned near the sorting surface (8), the handling surface (40) is aligned with the sorting surface (8) so as to allow the handling surface (40) to selectively handle one or more of the boxed articles (3) placed on the handling surface (40). (Item 8) 8. The distributor of claim 7, further comprising a pusher (9) positioned on the sorting surface (8), the pusher (9) being movable relative to the sorting surface (8) along at least one thrust direction (9a) so as to push one or more of the boxed articles (3) placed on the sorting surface (8) out of the sorting surface (8). (Item 9) Item 9. The distributor of item 8, further comprising a stacking unit (10) positioned near the sorting surface (8), configured so that when the pusher (9) pushes the one or more boxed articles (3) placed on the sorting surface (8) so as to exit the sorting surface (8), the boxed articles (3) fall into the stacking unit (10) by gravity. (Item 10) A pharmacy counter (100) comprising a distributor according to any one of items 7 to 9, the pharmacy counter (100) comprising a first compartment (100a) provided by a shelving unit including one or more floors defining the storage surface (2), and a second compartment (100b) provided by a shelving unit including at least one floor defining the sorting surface (8).

Claims

1. 1. An automated handling unit for boxed items, comprising: the boxed articles are arranged along a primary deployment direction in at least one storage surface to define at least one row; the automated handling unit is adapted to selectively handle the boxed articles to perform alternating retrieval and storage steps of the boxed articles; a frame movable relative to the storage surface, the frame having a handling surface that is aligned with the storage surface in the primary deployment direction, the handling surface being positionable adjacent the storage surface and movable along a central axis that can be aligned with the primary deployment direction so as to be able to translate the boxed item disposed therein at least along the primary deployment direction; gripper bars extending adjacent the handling surface parallel to the primary deployment direction, the gripper bars being spaced apart and side-by-side so as to be positionable on either side of at least a portion of the rows, and configured to engage and translate at least a portion of the boxed articles in the rows; restraining means positioned near the handling surface, the restraining means being configured to stop the boxed items moving on the handling surface at a position occupied by the restraining means; Equipped with the handling surface includes a slit extending continuously along the central axis; the restraining means is at least partially contained within the slit and configured to move within the slit along the central axis to be able to change its occupancy position on the handling surface and to simultaneously push one or more of the boxed articles along the central axis; Automated handling unit.

2. 2. The automated handling unit according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises, on the same side thereof, a pair of tracks arranged side by side with each other and separated by the slit, forming the handling surface, and movement means configured to move the tracks in a specular manner.

3. 3. The automated handling unit according to claim 2, wherein the moving means comprises, for both or each of the tracks, at least two end rolling elements spaced apart from one another along the central axis and configured to pull each of the tracks and rotate them proportionally to rotation of the end rolling elements about their own axes of rotation transverse to the central axis.

4. 2. The automated handling unit of claim 1, wherein the restraining means comprises: a head protruding from the slit transversely to the handling surface and including at least one contact area adapted to contact one of the boxed articles to obstruct or push the boxed article; a body integral with the head and housed within the slit; and translation means facing the opposite side of the handling surface from the head and configured to move the body along the central axis.

5. 2. The automated handling unit of claim 1, wherein the gripper bar is configured to translate relative to the handling surface in a specular manner along the central axis to selectively access one or more of the boxed articles.

6. 6. The automated handling unit of claim 5, wherein each of the gripper bars is expandable and configured to expand proportionally to its translation along the handling surface so as to increase its advancement relative to the handling surface, at least when each of the gripper bars extends beyond the handling surface.

7. 7. A distributor of boxed items comprising an automated handling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the storage surface, and at least one further sorting surface adapted to receive one or more of the boxed items, wherein the storage surface comprises one or more floors of a shelving unit, the sorting surface is configured to allow the frame to move from the storage surface to the sorting surface and vice versa, and when the handling surface is positioned near the sorting surface, the handling surface is aligned with the sorting surface to enable the handling surface to selectively handle one or more of the boxed items placed on the handling surface.

8. 8. The distributor of claim 7, further comprising a pusher positioned on the sorting surface, the pusher being movable relative to the sorting surface along at least one thrust direction to push one or more of the boxed articles disposed on the sorting surface out of the sorting surface.

9. 9. The distributor of claim 8, further comprising a stacking unit positioned near the sorting surface, the stacking unit configured such that when the pusher pushes the one or more boxed articles disposed on the sorting surface off the sorting surface, the boxed articles fall into the stacking unit by gravity.

10. 10. A pharmacy counter comprising the distributor of claim 7, comprising a first compartment provided by a shelving unit including one or more floors defining the storage surface, and a second compartment provided by a shelving unit including at least one floor defining the sorting surface.

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