Self-propelled or transportable item storage units, warehouses, and methods

Abstract

The transportable or self-propelled storage unit (1) for articles (A) comprises a frame (2), containers (3) for articles (A), each having a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33), and a support system (5) for supporting the containers (3) in a manner that allows them to move along a closed loop path. The containers (3) are stacked one on top of another at the first portion (50d). The containers (3) are stacked one on top of another at the second portion (50e). The containers (3) have the first part (31) on top of the second part (32) at the first portion (50d), and the second part (32) on top of the first part (31) at the second portion (50e). The opening (33) at the first portion (50d) faces away from the containers (3) in the second portion (50e). The opening 33 faces the floor G in the lower portion 50b and allows the item A to fall in. The container 3 and the path are configured to prevent falling in the first portion 50d and the second portion 50e.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics, and in particular to the management of goods in warehouses. The term "warehouse" encompasses various contexts, such as warehouses in the operation of industrial facilities, warehouses in the operation of sales points, and warehouses in the operation of quantity centers.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-propelled or transportable goods storage unit, as well as a warehouse and a method for accumulating goods. The present invention also relates to a system with a self-propelled or transportable goods storage unit, as well as a method for accumulating goods. The present invention is able to fulfil two functional requirements with high flexibility, for example meeting requirements linked to known processes such as inbound logistics, dynamic storage solutions, automated feeding, and downstream logistics and sorting, according to terms commonly used in the field. [Background technology]

[0003] For example, in EP 1 920 396 A1, the use of self-propelled or transportable shelving units for temporarily storing various items, for example in logistics centers where the stored items are accumulated, packed, and dispatched, is known. In a typical approach, items from various suppliers are identified and classified, for example by reading barcodes, and temporarily stored in shelving units with assignments for the items, the locations of which are stored by a warehouse management system. The items are accumulated based on the stored locations and introduced into containers, which are then prepared for dispatch. The locations of the items are often determined using an identification code, for example a barcode carried by the shelving unit. The containers can be used according to multiple logics, for example to accumulate items belonging to the same order or to accumulate items belonging to different orders. Many methods and systems are known for storing items and for managing items in a warehouse, many of which have been filed for patent.

[0004] Typically, at intake, items are sorted and classified with the assignment of an identification code, often associated with other data such as their mass and dimensions.

[0005] While warehouses involving automated stacking of items are widely known, in the case of self-propelled or transportable shelving units, there is a limited level of automation where stacking is done manually, or by expensive types of automation, such as humanoid robots.

[0006] Currently available self-propelled or transportable shelving units can reach various stations, where each accumulation or unloading of an item corresponds to a new identification of the item. Some identification is also achieved when the transport of items between the various stations is performed using conveyors such as belt conveyors, the presence of which limits the space available for logistics.

[0007] In other words, the stored location is no longer useful once the generic item is collected from the shelving unit: tracking is broken and a new location must be assigned and stored with each movement of the item after identification.

[0008] EP 3256290 B1, particularly with reference to Figures 3B and 3C, describes a self-propelled or transportable storage unit for goods, comprising a frame, containers for goods arranged to form first and second columns, and a system for moving the containers between a first inclined position to prevent the goods from falling and a second inclined position toward the floor, which facilitates collection by the collection system. The solution of EP 3256290 B1 facilitates collection, but does not facilitate the overall loading and unloading of goods. Furthermore, the system has a large size relative to the volume of goods to be stored. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1920396 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3256290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention is intended to obviate one or more of the drawbacks of the prior art solutions.

[0011] The first purpose is to simplify the management of goods temporarily stored in warehouses.

[0012] A second purpose is to facilitate loading and / or collection from the warehouse and transportation within the warehouse.

[0013] Another objective in some embodiments is to simplify warehouse design and / or management.

[0014] Another object is to provide an apparatus that can efficiently perform multiple operations for processing without requiring special modifications.

[0015] Yet another object is to provide a base device that can be easily customized in the implementation or reconfiguration steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] These and other objects, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, are achieved by an article storage unit, an article storage system, an article warehouse, or a method for accumulating articles according to the claims. The article storage unit is self-propelled or transportable. If it is transportable, i.e. if it does not have its own means of transport for self-propelling, it is part of an article storage system or an article warehouse that is provided with means of transport for moving the storage unit.

[0017] According to the teachings of the present invention, a storage unit for items comprises a frame, a container for the items, and a support system.

[0018] Each container comprises a first part, a second part, and an opening between the first and second parts for loading and unloading of items.

[0019] The support system advantageously supports the container as follows: - the container is movable relative to the frame along a closed loop path having an upper portion, a lower portion, a vertically or vertically extending first portion, and a vertically or vertically extending second portion, both the upper and lower portions being interleaved with the first and second portions; - a plurality of containers are stacked together in a first portion and a plurality of containers are stacked together in a second portion; - each container has a first part on top of a second part in the first part, a second part on top of the first part in the second part, and an opening in the first part facing away from the container in the second part;

[0020] Furthermore, the container and pathway are configured so that the second part in the first section and the first part in the second section are horizontal or inclined relative to a horizontal plane, thereby preventing items from falling.

[0021] As in the embodiment shown by way of example in the figures illustrated and viewable in detail, storage units for similar items can be easily customized in realization or reconfiguration steps.

[0022] Typically, although not necessarily, the support system supports the containers such that each container has an opening at its lower portion facing towards the floor so that items fall by gravity.

[0023] The item storage unit may optionally be provided with movement means for moving the support system to move the container relative to the frame.

[0024] According to the teachings of the present invention, a warehouse for goods comprises at least one goods storage unit according to the present invention, a movement means of a support system for moving containers relative to the frame (possibly part of the goods storage unit), a movement means (possibly part of each goods storage unit) for moving the frame in the at least one goods storage unit, a first station for loading and / or collecting goods, a storage area in the at least one goods storage unit (and / or a second station for loading and / or collecting goods), and a warehouse management system for controlling the movement means and the movement means.

[0025] According to the teachings of the present invention, the method comprises: - providing at least one storage unit for goods according to the invention; - Providing the goods; - placing the articles into the containers in the second part and / or the first part; - collecting the items; Includes:

[0026] Preferably, but not necessarily, the step of collecting the articles includes the step of moving the container containing the articles until it is in the lower portion.

[0027] Specific embodiments of the present invention, as defined in the claims, are described in the remainder of this specification with the aid of the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an item storage unit according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an automatic loading sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an automatic loading sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an automatic loading sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an automatic accumulation sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an automatic accumulation sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an automatic accumulation sequence in the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 10 is a side perspective view of two units or modules of another embodiment of an item storage unit according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a unit of articles in the embodiment of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, with some elements omitted to facilitate understanding of its functional and structural features. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, with some elements omitted to facilitate understanding of its functional and structural features. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container in the embodiment of FIG. 9, taken through a vertical plane (no background). [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view of the unit in the embodiment of FIG. 9 at a first station. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of FIG. 14 from a different perspective. [Figure 16] 1 shows a first station of an embodiment in a warehouse of goods according to the invention; [Figure 17] 1 is a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a warehouse for goods according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of a warehouse for goods according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a storage unit for items according to the present invention; [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a storage unit for items according to the present invention; [Figure 22] 1 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a transportable item storage unit according to the present invention, which is part of an item storage system, the item storage unit comprising a vertically movable temporary magazine and shown in a loading and / or unloading position, in which items can be received by gravity from a container; [Figure 23] 23 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a self-propelled article storage unit according to the invention, already referred to in FIG. 22, with a temporary magazine; FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of the self-propelled item storage unit of FIG. 22. [Figure 25]FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of the self-propelled item storage unit of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 24 is a perspective view of the temporary magazine of the storage unit of the article of FIG. 22 or FIG. 23 receiving the article by gravity. FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a side perspective view of the shelving unit positioning the items in FIG. 26. FIG. [Figure 28] 23 is a side perspective view of the item storage unit of FIG. 22 at the front of the shelving unit, showing an example of vertical movement of the temporary magazine to locate or extract items from the shelving unit, as well as to locate the temporary magazine in a container. [Figure 29] 23 is a side perspective view of the item storage unit of FIG. 22 at the front of the shelving unit, giving an example of steps for extracting an item from the shelving unit. [Figure 30] 22 at the front of the shelving unit, providing an example of a step of filling a container subsequent to FIGS. 28 and 29; FIG. [Figure 31] 23 is a side perspective view of the storage unit for articles of FIG. 22 at the front of the loading means, in a manner similar to FIG. 5; FIG. [Figure 32] 32 is a side perspective view of the example scene of FIG. 31 from a different perspective. [Figure 33] 32 is a perspective view of an article storage unit with an article storage unit according to the invention, in which the scenes shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 are visible. FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of the self-propelled base of the item storage unit of FIG. 23. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the self-propelled base of FIG. 34 from a different perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an article storage unit (1), which may be self-propelled or transportable, and no distinction is made between the various embodiments shown below and in the drawings. These reference numerals are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] In the case of a self-propelled article storage unit (1), it is preferably provided with a drive wheel (73a).

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the item storage unit (1) comprises a self-propelled base (73) with drive wheels (73a), a control unit (73d) for controlling the drive wheels (73a), and a battery unit (73c) for powering the control unit (73d) and the drive wheels (73a). In Figures 34 and 35, the self-propelled base (73) also comprises pivoting wheels (73b), a navigation device (73e) operatively associated with the control unit (73d), a command panel (73f) including a safety switch, and an anti-collision sensor (73g).

[0032] In the case of transportable article storage units (1), the frame (2) preferably includes resting legs (200) for resting on the floor (G). These are particularly useful as they provide a volume below the container (3) for transport means. These transport means preferably include at least one automated guided vehicle (71). As will be known to those skilled in the art, a group of automated guided vehicles (71) can interchangeably move multiple article storage units (1) and / or potentially have article storage units (1) not associated with an automated guided vehicle (71) for a period of time.

[0033] An embodiment of a self-propelled or transportable storage unit (1) for items comprises a frame (2), a container (3) for items (A), and a support system (5) for supporting the container (3).

[0034] Each container (3) comprises a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33) between the first part (31) and the second part (32) for loading and unloading an item (A).

[0035] The support system (5) advantageously supports the container (3) as follows, i.e. is configured as follows: - the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having an upper portion (50a), a lower portion (50b), a vertically extending first portion (50d), and a vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interposed between the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); - a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a first portion (50d) and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a second portion (50e); - Each container has a first part (31) on a second part (32) in a first part (50d), a second part (32) on the first part (31) in a second part (50e), and an opening (33) in the first part (50d) facing away from the container (3) in the second part (50e) and facing towards the floor (G) in the lower part (50b) so that the items (A) fall by gravity.

[0036] Furthermore, the container (3) and the pathway are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined relative to the horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the item (A) from falling.

[0037] The item storage unit (1) facilitates automation of operations in the item (A) warehouse (100) and can be advantageously used in several processing steps and / or areas in the item (A) warehouse (100).

[0038] The items (A) are stored elevated, with a structure that reduces floor space occupation and allows for good flexibility in both loading and stacking, as will be more fully clarified below.

[0039] The embodiment of the self-propelled item storage unit (1) comprises a frame (2), a container (3) for items (A), movement means for moving the frame (2) in space, a support system (5) for supporting the container (3), and movement means (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2).

[0040] The moving means moves the frame (2) between at least a first spatial position and a second spatial position, generally moving the frame (2) among various points in the storehouse (100) of items (A).

[0041] Each container (3) comprises a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33) between the first part (31) and the second part (32) for loading and unloading an item (A).

[0042] The support system (5) advantageously supports or is configured for the container (3) as follows: - the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having an upper portion (50a), a lower portion (50b), a vertically extending first portion (50d), and a vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interposed between the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); - a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a first portion (50d) and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a second portion (50e); - each container has a first part (31) on a second part (32) in a first part (50d), a second part (32) on the first part (31) in a second part (50e), and an opening (33) in the first part (50d) facing away from the container (3) in the second part (50e).

[0043] Furthermore, the container (3) and the pathway are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined, preferably inclined relative to the horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the item (A) from falling.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a storage system for an item (A).

[0045] An embodiment of a storage system for an item (A) comprises a transportable item storage system (1) and a moving means.

[0046] The transportable goods storage unit (1) comprises a frame (2) and containers (3) for goods (A), each container having a first part (31), a second part (32) and an opening (33) for loading and unloading goods (A) between the first part (31) and the second part (32). The moving means moves the frame (2) between at least a first spatial position and a second spatial position, generally moving the frame (2) among various points in the warehouse (100) for goods (A).

[0047] Similarly, the transportable goods storage unit (1) comprises a support system (5) for supporting the containers (3) or configured as follows: - the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having an upper portion (50a), a lower portion (50b), a vertically extending first portion (50d), and a vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interposed between the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); - a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a first portion (50d) and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in a second portion (50e); - each container has a first part (31) on a second part (32) in a first part (50d), a second part (32) on the first part (31) in a second part (50e), and an opening (33) in the first part (50d) facing away from the container (3) in the second part (50e).

[0048] Furthermore, the container (3) and the pathway are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined, preferably inclined relative to the horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the items (A) from falling.

[0049] When self-propelled or transportable, the item storage unit (1) facilitates automation of operations in the item (A) warehouse (100) and can be advantageously used in several steps of processing and / or areas in the item (A) warehouse (100).

[0050] The items (A) are stored elevated, with a structure that reduces floor space occupation and allows for good flexibility in both loading and stacking, as will be more fully clarified below.

[0051] Given the substantial overlap in characteristics and advantages of the self-propelled article storage unit (1) and the storage system for article (A), this description will be presented as if they were the same, even though the characteristics of the means of transportation are clearly different from each other, because the storage system for article (A) involving an autonomously driven vehicle connected to the transportable article storage unit (1) is substantially equivalent to the self-propelled article storage unit (1).

[0052] For each embodiment of the article storage unit 1 shown above, i.e., self-propelled or transportable, those skilled in the art will understand that there are many possible different support systems 5 that effect the support of the containers 3 as described above, i.e., support systems 5 involving the use of different movable members relative to the frame 2 and / or different connections between the containers 3 and the same movable members. By way of example only, each single container 3 can be independently moved along a guide by a device, the containers 3 can be connected to the same member, the containers 3 can be fixed relative to the device or member, or can be movable relative to one of them. Furthermore, Figures 20 and 21 show, in a simplified manner, how it is possible to prevent the articles A from falling by acting on the shape and / or path of the containers 3. In these figures, many lines are used to identify the first part (31) and the second part (32) with an indication of the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane (H) and / or with an indication of the angle of inclination relative to the container with the first part (31) and the second part (32) perpendicular to the path. Figure 20 shows how the cross section of the container (3) can be reduced towards the opening (34) to prevent the article (A) from falling. Figure 21 shows how the slope of the path can serve the same purpose.

[0053] Some preferred features are described below: Figures 1 and 9 show preferred embodiments that simplify implementation and / or provide other advantages.

[0054] As clearly shown in the accompanying drawings, the path is designed to stack the articles (A) vertically, i.e. to have a number of containers (3) in the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e).

[0055] In the present invention, it is made clear that the expression "at the portion" is equivalent to "at the position of the portion", ie it indicates the portion of the intersecting path.

[0056] The openings (33) facing away from each other facilitate side loading, and more preferably the support system (5) supports the containers (3) such that each container (3) in the second portion (50e) has an opening (33) facing away from the containers in the first portion (50d).

[0057] This feature is preferably achieved by rigidly restraining the container (3) to the flexible members (51, 52) of the support system (5) with the opening (33) facing away from the path.

[0058] The opening (33) considering both sides enables better control of the storage unit (1) of items, for example when the storage unit (1) is parked in the storage area (103).

[0059] Preferably, at least one, and more preferably both, of the first and second portions (50d, 50e) are perpendicular to the horizontal plane (H), thereby reducing the floor footprint, as shown schematically in FIG. 20.

[0060] Between the first part (50d) and the second part (50e), at least one, preferably both, are preferably inclined with respect to the vertical plane (V) so that the path widens towards the lower part (50b), in which case the possibility of the article (A) falling is reduced, especially when the container (3) is restrained by some of the flexible members (51, 52), as can be seen in Figure 21.

[0061] In theory, the configurations of Figures 20 and 21 could be combined, for example with a vertical first portion (50d) and an inclined second portion (50e).

[0062] The inclined portion makes it more difficult for the article (A) to escape and / or enables the use of a container (3) with a cross section that widens towards the opening (33). This possibility can be used to make the container (3) easier to realize by molding and / or to limit the movement of the article (A) during movement of the container (3) given an equal opening (33).

[0063] The self-propelled or transportable goods storage unit (1) preferably comprises a temporary magazine (20).

[0064] Temporary magazines (20): - on the first side, a first access (21) for the passage of the article (A); - on a second side opposite the first side, a second access (22) for the passage of the article (A); - comprising means for moving the item (A) through the first access (21) and / or for moving the item (A) through the second access (22); - a first access (21) facing towards the opening (33) through which at least one loading and / or unloading position (CS) passes, which is vertically movable relative to the frame (2) and allows the items (A) to be moved from and / or towards the container (3).

[0065] The temporary magazine (20) ensures further flexibility and ease of operation, as well as allowing the placement or removal of items (A) to and from conventional shelving units. A comparison between Figures 18 and 33 makes it possible to understand how many different warehouses (100) of items (A) are possible using the present invention, and how the temporary magazine (20) enables interaction with conventional types of shelving units, or in any case different from the present invention.

[0066] Various positions of the at least one loading and / or unloading position (CS) are shown in FIGS.

[0067] Figures 22 to 24 show examples of receiving an item (A) from a container (3) so that the height of the item (A) can be changed relative to the floor surface according to the purpose. In particular, Figure 26 shows receiving an item (A) by gravity, i.e., by the weight of the item (A) itself.

[0068] Figure 27 shows the placement of an article (A) using a temporary magazine (20) after moving from the first station (101) to the second station (102).

[0069] In Figure 28, the temporary magazine (20) is elevated relative to Figures 22 and 24. This position illustrates both the position for locating and extracting an item (A) from the shelving unit.

[0070] FIG. 22 does not show the storage means (11), but they are clearly present and, as in FIG. 23, both comprise one or more doors (10).

[0071] Figure 29 shows the extraction of an article (A) using a pick-up unit (26). The filling of a container (3) generally follows a vertical movement of the temporary magazine (20), as shown by way of example in the comparison between the extraction step in Figure 29 and the step of filling a container (3) in Figure 30. In this regard, it is noted that the filling of a container (3) can theoretically take place at any height, but preferably takes place in a lower position when the first position (50d) is inclined relative to the vertical plane (V).

[0072] 31 and 32 show the loading step. In this case, the temporary magazine (20) may not be used and the filling takes place in the second part (50e). However, its presence may be useful to ensure that the items (A) are correctly positioned inside the container (3). In fact, the temporary magazine (20) ensures correct positioning relative to the opening (33), enabling the use of generic loading means, for example at a height from the floor of the belt conveyor (91) different from the optimum height for filling the container (3).

[0073] The temporary magazine (20) may have a third access (23) facing upwards, away from the floor (G), thereby receiving the items (A) from above, which in this case greatly facilitates the loading of the items (A) by loading means that are not preferred or that are not suitable for direct loading of the containers (3).

[0074] Figure 33 shows the flexibility of a warehouse (100) for items (A), which also includes two machines, one in the middle and one at the bottom, for boxing or packing the items (A). Temporary magazines (20) can also be used to position the items (A) on these machines in some cases, but preferably gravity unloading is used, as will be explained below.

[0075] The frame (2) on the side of the first part (50d) is preferably provided with two vertical columns against which the temporary magazine (20) moves.

[0076] Many warehouse movement means are possible for moving the temporary magazine 20, such as a rack elevator. The warehouse movement means preferably comprises a motor 20a and a vertical linear guide 20d. In the attached figure, the warehouse movement means further comprises a movement belt 20c that holds the temporary magazine 20, and a chain transmission 20b that transmits movement from the motor 20a to the movement belt 20c.

[0077] As for the temporary magazine (20), it is vertically movable on the column and can rotate relative to the column. A simple and effective realization is obtained by using a temporary magazine (20) connected to the frame (2) so that it is vertically movable in front of the first part (50d), which translates vertically in front of the first part (50d).

[0078] As already mentioned above, the vertical mobility allows reaching a position with a minimum distance between the first access (21) and the opening (33), thereby facilitating the filling of containers and, in some cases, the picking up of containers (3). Many means of movement are known. In the prior art, pick-up and release gripper units are commonly used. Prior art gripper units can be used to pick up from containers (3), to position on the shelf unit, to extract from the shelf unit, and to fill containers (3).

[0079] A faster and / or more robust item storage unit (1) is obtained by means of a moving means, which comprises a belt conveyor with a movable belt (24) towards the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21), and at least one flight portion (25a, 25b) extending from the belt (24) to push the item (A) over the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21).

[0080] In the present invention, the term flight (25a, 25b) means any element adapted to contact the article (A) once positioned on the belt (24) in order to push the article (A) when the article (A) does not follow the motion of the belt (24). In the field, various terms are used, such as "paddle", for example, for the component that continues to push the article (A) at its exit from the belt (A) in any case.

[0081] As shown in Figures 27 and 29, at least one flight (25a, 25b) ensures that the item (A) is positioned or advanced for filling the container (3), which is particularly useful when filling the container (3), but can also be useful for positioning on the shelving unit.

[0082] The presence of a belt conveyor is well adapted to receive from the container (3) by gravity, especially if the container (3) is deep, e.g. has a depth of twice the length of the items (A). In these cases, the accumulation of the container (3) using the gripping unit would be difficult.

[0083] The belt conveyor is equipped with a motor, which may be integral with the rollers that move the belt (24) or may be an external roller.

[0084] The belt (24) can be managed using one flight (25a, 25b), in which case at least one flight (25a, 25b) in Figures 27 and 29 is the same and is interposed between the free part (PL1) and the free part (PL2). Of the at least one flight (25a, 25b), two flights can be used, in which the free part (PL1) and the free part (PL2) are the same, accelerating the loading operation.

[0085] The moving means preferably comprises a pick-up unit (26) for collecting the article (A), which is movable to move the article (A) through the second access portion (22).

[0086] As shown by way of example in Figure 29, the pickup unit (26) allows for extraction from the shelf unit and for the item (A) to be returned to the free part (PL2) via the second access portion (22).

[0087] The foregoing includes a description of the possibility that the pickup unit (26) may be movable to move items (A) towards and / or from the container (3) through the first access portion (21).

[0088] The pickup unit (26) preferably includes a first hand portion (26a) and a second hand portion (26b), which are movable relative to each other to pick up the article (A). As shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in a preferred embodiment, the first hand portion (26a) and the second hand portion (26b) are movable along a first linear guide portion (26c). The first linear guide portion (26c) is disposed perpendicular to the direction joining the first access portion (21) and the second access portion (22), and is movable on a second linear guide portion (26d) which is disposed perpendicularly, i.e., in the direction joining the first access portion (21) and the second access portion (22).

[0089] The support system (5) in the self-propelled article storage unit (1) or the transportable article storage unit (1) preferably supports the containers (3), i.e. is preferably configured so that each container has an opening (33) in its lower part (50b) facing towards the floor (G) so that the articles (A) fall by gravity.

[0090] This mode of receiving the article (A) from the container accelerates and simplifies both the realization and use of the invention, for example, the falling of the article (A) into the temporary magazine (20) by gravity avoids problems in transferring the article (A) to and / or from the container (3) through the first access (21) when the first part (50d) and / or the second part (50e) are inclined with respect to the vertical plane (V).

[0091] For each embodiment of the storage unit (1) for goods, i.e. of the self-propelled or transportable type, shown above, the support system (5) preferably comprises at least one flexible member (51, 52), to which the container (3) is fixed so as to realize a closed loop path in an easy manner.

[0092] More preferably, at least one flexible member (51, 52) is a chain, band or belt in the broadest sense, i.e. comprises for example a metal, slat, net, mesh belt, etc. As shown diagrammatically in Figure 1, the container (3) may be directly fastened to the flexible member (51), which in the case of Figure 1 is a belt.

[0093] However, other particularly effective and / or simpler versions are possible.

[0094] For each embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 9, the support system (5) can comprise a first flexible member (51) with an attachment (51a) and a second flexible member (52) with an attachment (52a) positioned away from the first flexible member (51), and the container (3) is fixed directly or indirectly to the attachments (51a, 52a) of the first flexible member (51) and the second flexible member (52).

[0095] The support system (5) more preferably comprises connection elements (53), each connection element (53) being fixed to at least an attachment (51 a) of the first flexible member (51), to at least an attachment (52 a) of the second flexible member (52), and to a respective container (3).

[0096] Each connecting element (53) is fixed to the container (3), preferably on the side opposite the opening (33).

[0097] The at least one flexible member (51, 52) with attachments may be, for example, a flexible member with wings, preferably, but not necessarily, a chain with wings as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0098] In each embodiment, the container 3 preferably comprises a base 34 opposite the opening 33, from which the first part 31 and the second part 32 extend, facing each other relative to the base 34. In this case, a connecting element 53 is preferably fixed to the base 34. For example, in the case of Figure 12, the connecting element 53 is received in the base 34 between the protrusions visible in Figure 13.

[0099] In other versions, a connecting element (53) and / or at least one flexible member (51, 52) may be used to resist slipping out of the article (A).

[0100] The container (3) is preferably shaped like a pouch or basket.

[0101] The container (3) is preferably made by molding and has a first part (31) and a second part (32) which extend from a base (34) towards an opening (33) to facilitate molding.

[0102] The foregoing is a description of advantageous extraction from the first part (31) and second part (32) which, regardless of the particular embodiment, extend towards the opening (33), as indicated by the inner lines of the container illustrated schematically in Figure 21.

[0103] For each embodiment, the support system (5) preferably comprises a pulley or upper roller (54) and a pulley or lower roller (55), both of which are rotatable relative to the frame (2) and connected to at least one flexible member (51, 52).

[0104] Generally, the upper portion (50) corresponds to the engagement portion between the pulley or upper roller (54) and the at least one flexible member (51, 52), and the lower portion (50b) corresponds to the engagement portion between the pulley or lower roller (55) and the at least one flexible member (51, 52).

[0105] The pulley or upper roller (54) and the pulley or lower roller (55) preferably have their axes of rotation lying in the same vertical plane (V), i.e. they are stacked one on top of the other. The pulley or upper roller (54) has a diameter smaller than that of the pulley or lower roller (55), whereby the first part (50d) and the second part (50e) are inclined with respect to the vertical plane (V) so that the path widens towards the lower part (50b), in a manner similar to that of Figure 21.

[0106] The motion means (6) may be supported by the frame (2) or a self-propelled base (73). For example, they may include a motor coupled to or integrated with a pulley or lower roller (55) or a gear reducer. These configurations have a series of negative consequences, among them a larger empty portion of the storage unit (1) of items, cost, energy requirements, and time limitations on the use of the motor or gear reducer in the event of a storage unit stall in the storage area (102).

[0107] The motor may also be carried by the automated guided vehicle or autonomous vehicle (71), affecting the motor portion, the transportable portion, and the energy reserve.

[0108] Additionally, it may be advantageous to have another energy source available in the presence of a battery unit (73c) or energy reserve for the automated guided vehicle or autonomous vehicle.

[0109] In each embodiment, the support system (5) preferably comprises a coupling means for coupling the pulley or lower roller (55) or the pulley or upper roller (54), more preferably the pulley or lower roller (55), to a different, separate, i.e., external, movement means (6) of the article storage unit (1), thereby moving the container (3) relative to the frame (2). The coupling means comprises a coupleable gearing (56). The coupleable gearing (56) is preferably attached to the axle of the pulley or lower roller (55), or the coupling means comprises a connecting shaft therebetween. The coupleable gearing (56) can be configured to engage with a movement transmission means, for example, located at the stations (101, 102) for loading and / or collecting the articles (A), or to engage with another means for movement transmission carried by a movement means for moving the article storage unit (1), such as, for example, an automated guided vehicle or autonomous vehicle (71).

[0110] The connectable gearing 56 can be a gear, as can be seen in Figures 15 and 16. In these figures, the motor 61 of the separate movement means 6 can be seen. Figures 24 and 25 show the motor 61 of the movement means 6 held by the frame 2.

[0111] The storage unit (1) for the articles preferably comprises a containment means (11) in the lower part (50b), which is adapted to resist the articles (A) from slipping out through the opening (33).

[0112] By means of the storage means (11) it is possible to define with greater precision the collection point or area (50c) of at least one article.

[0113] The storage means (11) is preferably rigidly constrained to the frame (2). For example, the storage means (11) may have identified portions, such as paths, that prevent the items (A) from escaping.

[0114] The containment means (11) may be provided with or coated with an anti-friction material towards the container (3).

[0115] The containment means (11) preferably comprises one or more walls, for example realised using sheet steel or by moulding.

[0116] The self-propelled item storage unit (1) preferably includes a door (10) for passing through the item (A), which is movable between a closed position that prevents the item (A) from passing through and an open position that allows the item (A) to pass through.

[0117] The door (10) is located in the lower part (50b).

[0118] The door (10) is preferably made in a storage means (11) as can be seen in Figure 6 or Figure 23, in both figures the door (10) is in the open position.

[0119] The door (10) allows the lower part (50b) to cross the container (3) containing the items (A), which is useful in various situations, for example for sorting.

[0120] Each embodiment is advantageously applied to a warehouse (100) of items (A).

[0121] An embodiment of a warehouse (100) for items (A) according to the present invention comprises at least one self-propelled item storage unit (1) or storage system for items (A), a first station (101) for loading and / or stacking items (A) and / or a second station (102) for loading and / or stacking items, and a warehouse management system (1000) for controlling the moving means and movement means (6).

[0122] The warehouse (100) for the items (A) preferably also comprises a storage area (103) in at least one storage unit (1) for the items and may comprise a further movement means (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the containers (3) relative to the frame (2).

[0123] The present invention also relates to a warehouse (100) for items (A).

[0124] An embodiment of a warehouse (100) for items (A) comprises an item storage unit (1) of the self-propelled or transportable type according to the present invention, a movement means (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2), a movement means for moving at least one item storage unit (1), a first station (101) for loading and / or stacking items (A), a storage area (103) in the at least one item storage unit (1) and / or a second station (102) for loading and / or stacking items (A), and a warehouse management system (1000) for controlling the movement means and the movement means (6).

[0125] The warehouse management system (1000) is of a known type and can be physical, virtual, e.g., in the cloud, or a mixed system. For example, the warehouse management system (1000) can include an application server and a data storage device. The server typically includes one or more processing units or processors and at least one memory, and is configured to execute instructions. It also typically includes communication channels, network interfaces, a graphics controller, and input / output interfaces.

[0126] As already indicated above, and in further detail below, the movement means (6) can be carried by the at least one article storage unit (1) or can be carried separately therefrom so as to be more easily powered and not reduce the storable load.

[0127] Likewise, the at least one item storage unit (1) can be self-propelled or, more preferably, transportable by external mobile means, in both cases involving the use of known devices.

[0128] The means for transportation preferably comprises at least automated guided vehicles or autonomous vehicles 71. As will be known to those skilled in the art, a group of automated guided vehicles or autonomous vehicles 71 may interchangeably move multiple item storage units 1 and / or may have item storage units 1 that are not associated with an automated guided vehicle or autonomous vehicle 71 for a period of time.

[0129] The further motion means (6) preferably comprises a motion transmission means, which is set at the first station (101) and is configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when at least one item storage unit (1) is at the first station (101). The availability of stations (101, 102), such as those presented as examples in Figure 14, reduces the cost, weight, and complexity of realizing and managing the item storage units (1), with minimal impact on the realization of the warehouse (100) for items (A).

[0130] The storehouse (100) for the items (A) preferably comprises a guide (107) located at the first station (101) to ensure accurate positioning of the storage units (1) for the items and, optionally, of the motion transmission means. The further motion means (6) preferably comprises at least one motor (61), which drives the motion transmission means and is located at the first station (101).

[0131] The motion transmission means preferably comprises a cogwheel (62) which is configured to couple with the coupling means, and in particular with the coupling gearing (56) which can be seen in Figure 15. The motion transmission means also preferably comprises planetary gears.

[0132] The self-propelled item storage unit (1) preferably comprises a door (10) for passing the item (A), which is movable between a closed position that prevents the item (A) from passing and an open position that allows the item (A) to pass. The moving means comprises a device (72) configured to open and close the door (10).

[0133] The device (72) can be an actuator of known type, for example for a vehicle with an automatic drive (71).

[0134] Again, the door (10) can be actuated by an actuator on the storage unit (1) of the goods or by an actuator which can be set at the first station (101).

[0135] The storehouse (100) for the goods (A) preferably comprises loading means for loading the goods (A) in containers (3).

[0136] The positioning of the item (A) in the container (3) can be done according to various logic systems: the warehouse management system (1000) can manage the movement of the item (A) towards the container (3) and / or the movement of the container (3). In Figures 3 to 5, the loading means has a certain speed, for example, for loading the moved item (A) by an operator, and the warehouse management system (1000) controls the movement of the container (3). In other versions, the loading means can also be controlled based on the availability of one or more empty containers (3).

[0137] The loading means preferably has an unloading area (90) for the goods and preferably comprises a carrier or conveyor, for example a belt conveyor (91) as can be seen in FIG.

[0138] The warehouse management system (1000) preferably comprises recognition means for recognizing the item (A) and / or reading means for reading the identifier (4) of the container (3).

[0139] The reading means preferably comprises a barcode reader (81) having a two-dimensional barcode or comprises a reader (81) of a radio frequency label, more preferably located in the first station (101).

[0140] The reading means can read the identifier (4) before, during or after the item (A) has been placed in the container (3), taking into account, for example, movements of the container (3) that have been or are being performed.

[0141] There are many known devices that can perform the function of the recognition means. For example, the recognition means can comprise a data entry device, i.e., an input device, a first barcode reader (92), a recognition system with a camera and / or video camera, etc. The recognition means often comprises multiple devices integrated into the entrance or station (101, 102). The recognition means preferably comprises a first optical barcode reader (92). The recognition means more preferably comprises a mass detector and / or a size detector of the item (A).

[0142] At least one item storage unit (1) preferably includes an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by the respective container (3). In this case, the warehouse management system (1000) can be configured to associate each item (A) with the identifier (4) of the container (3) rather than each item (A) including an identifier (4). Furthermore, the warehouse management system (1000) can control the loading means and / or movement means (6) and can be configured to ensure that each container (3) contains at most one item (A). In this way, advantages are obtained in the management of items (A) in the warehouse (100), which is facilitated by the relationship between the container (3) and the items (A) contained therein.

[0143] The warehouse (100) for items (A) preferably comprises a transporter or conveyor (106) for items (A) and a plurality of stations (101, 102) for at least one item storage unit (1). The stations are arranged consecutively at the location of the transporter or conveyor (106), whereby the at least one self-propelled item storage unit (1) places items (A) on the transporter or conveyor (106) when it is at one of the plurality of stations (101, 102).

[0144] In this way, rapid and / or automated movement of items (A) is possible, as shown by way of example in Figures 17, 18, and 19. In Figures 17 and 18, the belt conveyor can carry items (A) to other areas in the warehouse (100) of items (A) or to several exit points with different purposes or functions.

[0145] Figure 19 shows a particularly complete embodiment of a warehouse (100) for items (A), which comprises a first station (101), a second station (102) with a transport or conveyor (106), a storage area (103) for at least one storage unit (1) for items, a warehouse management system (1000), and a first container (104) and a second container (105). Figures 17, 18 and 19 are illustrations according to an example of the invention in the case of multiple storage units (1) for items according to the invention.

[0146] The present invention also relates to a method for collecting the article (A).

[0147] An embodiment of the method comprises: - providing at least one embodiment of a storage unit (1) for items (A) or a storage system for items (A) according to the invention; - providing an item (A); - placing the items (A) in the container (3) in the second part (50e) and / or in the first part (50d); - moving the support system (5) to collect the items (A), preferably while the container containing the items (A) is in the lower part (50b); Includes:

[0148] The item storage unit (1) can be configured and / or used in a variety of different approaches, some of which are described below.

[0149] According to the first approach, loading takes place when the container (3) is at a point or area of ​​the first part (50d). The movement means (6) moves the loaded container (3) so that it is directed towards the second part (50e) and then unloaded below the second part (50e) at a point or area of ​​the lower part (50b).

[0150] In the first embodiment, after loading of the container (3), the movement means (6) moves the container (3) in the opposite direction for unloading at a point or area of ​​the lower portion (50b) below the first portion (50d).

[0151] The two variants can be combined to have two collection points or areas (50c) of articles.

[0152] According to a first approach, the storage unit (1) for the articles is equipped with a pick-up unit (26) or temporary magazine (20) that can collect from and / or fill the containers (3). This approach can be integrated with the ones presented above.

[0153] The storage means (11) in the lower part (50b) allows for more flexible management of the movement of the container (3), whereby the door or doors (10) provide greater flexibility with respect to the accumulated items (A) and facilitate sorting.

[0154] Preferably, in the step of providing at least one embodiment of an article storage unit (1) or an article (A) storage system according to the present invention, a self-propelled article storage unit (1) is provided or an article (A) storage system is provided, which comprises a temporary magazine (20) as described above, and the step of accumulating the articles (A) comprises a step of vertically moving the temporary magazine (20).

[0155] The vertical movement of the temporary magazine (20) makes it possible to vary the height of the articles being loaded and / or extracted, as well as to position the first access section (21) in front of various openings (33). The advantages of the vertical movement of the temporary magazine (20) have been shown above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0156] Preferably, in the step of providing at least one embodiment of an article storage unit (1) or an article (A) storage system according to the present invention, a transportable article storage unit (1) is provided or an article (A) storage system is provided, which comprises a belt conveyor and at least one flight (25a, 25b) as shown above. The step of accumulating the articles (A) comprises: - starting the belt conveyor to position a first flight (25a) of the at least one flight (25a, 25b) in a retracted position so that the first flight (25a) is behind the free portion (PL1) of the belt (24) in the direction of movement of the belt (24) towards the second access part (22); - unloading the container (3) onto the belt (24) and positioning the goods on the free part (PL1) of the belt (24); - activating the belt conveyor to move the first flight (25a) towards the second access section (22); Includes:

[0157] In this way, reliable and rapid position determination is achieved.

[0158] Preferably, in the step of providing at least one embodiment of an article storage unit (1) or an article (A) storage system according to the present invention, a transportable article storage unit (1) is provided or an article (A) storage system is provided, which comprises a belt conveyor and at least one flight (25a, 25b) as well as a pickup unit (26) as indicated above. The step of placing an article (A) comprises: - starting the belt conveyor to position the flight (25b) of the at least one flight (25a, 25b) in the retracted position so that the flight is behind the free part (PL2) of the belt (24) in the direction of movement of the belt (24) towards the first access part (21); - gripping the item (A) using a pickup unit (26); - conveying the gripped item (A) onto the free part (PL2) of the belt (24); - vertically moving the temporary magazine (20) with the held articles (A) until the first access (22) is in front of the opening (33); - activating the belt conveyor to move the flight (25b) towards the first access part (21); In this way, a reliable and fast filling of the container (3) is achieved.

[0159] FIG. 31 shows an embodiment of the method in which, in the step of placing the item (A), the belt conveyor is activated, thereby ensuring that at least one flight (25a, 25b) is loaded with a container (3).

[0160] Preferably, in the step of providing at least one embodiment of an article storage unit (1) or an article (A) storage system according to the present invention, a self-propelled or transportable article storage unit (1) is provided, or a transportable article storage unit (1) or system is provided, which comprises a support system (5). The support system (5) supports or is configured to support the containers (3) such that each container has an opening (33) in its lower part (50b) facing towards the floor (G) so that the articles (A) fall by gravity. The method comprises: - receiving a request for a stored item (A); - activating the movement means (6) to bring the container (3) holding the requested item (A) to the lower part (50b); Includes:

[0161] The method more preferably comprises: - providing a warehouse (100) for the items (A) according to the invention; - identifying a storage unit (1) for storing the requested item; - removing the storage unit (1) of the identified items, Also includes.

[0162] Preferably, during the step of removing the identified item storage unit (1), this unit is removed from the storage area (103) of at least one item storage unit (1).

[0163] When sorting, a transfer takes place from a first station (101) to a second station (102).

[0164] After the step of placing the items in the container (3), the following steps may be performed: - Bringing the storage unit (1) to a storage area (103) in the storage unit (1) of at least one item.

[0165] According to the present application, the storage unit (1) of at least one item can remain waiting in the storage area (103) for a few minutes or for a few days.

[0166] The at least one item storage unit (1) preferably comprises an identifier (4) for each container (3) carried by each container (3), and the method comprises: - a step of recognizing an item (A); - associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the placed item (A); - receiving a request for the stored item (A); - recovering an identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A), Includes:

[0167] Further, the step of collecting the items (A) comprises transporting the container (3) with the recovered identifier (4) to a collection point or area (50c) for the items.

[0168] Associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the item (A) facilitates warehouse (100) management of the item (A) by uniquely tracking the item (A), thereby limiting or avoiding the need for further identification of the item (A).

[0169] Here and above, the identifier (4) can be any of a barcode, a radio frequency label or a sequence of symbols, including, for example, a two-dimensional barcode or a data matrix. The identifier (4) can preferably be a barcode. The embodiment of Figure 9 includes a radio frequency label (not visible in the figure), but may have a barcode as shown in Figure 1.

[0170] The method preferably comprises: - providing containers (104, 105) each for receiving an item (A) from at least one item storage unit (1); - receiving an instruction to place the placed item (A) in a second container (105); - recovering an identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A) in the first container (105); - moving at least one self-propelled item storage unit (1) with an identifier (4) associated with the first container (104) to the second container (105); - activating the locomotion means (6) to transport the container (3) carrying the recovered identifier (4) into a collection point or area (50c) of goods; Includes:

[0171] The method of the invention is advantageously applicable in the case of multiple containers (104, 105), for example when sorting.

[0172] It should be understood that the above has been described as a non-limiting example, and any structural modifications are considered to fall within the protection scope of the present technical solution as claimed below.

Claims

1. A self-propelled or transportable storage unit (1) for goods, Frame (2), Containers (3) for an article (A), each of which includes a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33) between the first part (31) and the second part (32) for loading and unloading the article (A); Equipped with wherein said storage unit (1) for said goods comprises a support system (5), said support system (5) comprising: the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having an upper portion (50a), a lower portion (50b), a vertically extending first portion (50d), and a vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interleaved with the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); A plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the first portion (50d) and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the second portion (50e), Each container has the first part (31) on top of the second part (32) in the first part (50d), the second part (32) on top of the first part (31) in the second part (50e), and has an opening (33) in the first part (50d) facing away from the container (3) in the second part (50e) and facing towards the floor (G) in the lower part (50b) for dropping the article (A) by gravity. supporting said container (3); and the container (3) and the path are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the articles (A) from falling; A storage unit (1) for items, characterized in that:

2. 2. The storage unit (1) for articles according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e) is perpendicular to a horizontal plane (H).

3. 3. The storage unit (1) for articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first and second portions (50d, 50e) is inclined relative to a vertical plane (V) so that the path widens towards the lower portion (50b).

4. A storage unit (1) for goods according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support system (5) comprises at least one flexible member (51, 52) to which the container (3) is fixed.

5. 5. A storage unit (1) for goods according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said flexible members (51, 52) is a chain, a band or a belt, said belt being of mesh, slat or net type.

6. 6. The storage unit (1) for articles according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support system (5) comprises a first flexible member (51) with an attachment (51 a), a second flexible member (52) with an attachment (52 a) positioned at a distance from the first flexible member (51), and connection elements (53), each of the connection elements (53) being fixed to at least the attachment (51 a) of the first flexible member (51), to at least the attachment (52 a) of the second flexible member (52), and to a respective container (3).

7. 7. The storage unit (1) for articles according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support system (5) comprises a pulley or upper roller (54) and a pulley or lower roller (55), both of which are rotatable relative to the frame (2) and connected to at least one of the flexible members (51, 52).

8. 8. The goods storage unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the support system (5) comprises coupling means for coupling the pulleys or lower rollers (55) or the pulleys or upper rollers (54) to a movement means (6) separate from the goods storage unit (1), thereby moving the container (3) relative to the frame (2), the coupling means comprising a gear device (56) that can be coupled.

9. The storage unit (1) for items according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a storage means (11) in the lower portion (50b), the storage means (11) being configured to resist the item (A) from slipping out of the opening (33).

10. 10. The storage unit (1) for goods according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a door (10) for passing goods (A) therethrough, which is movable between a closed position that prevents passage and an open position that allows passage.

11. A warehouse (100) for goods (A), comprising: at least one goods storage unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a movement means (6) for moving a support system (5) to move a container (3) relative to a frame (2); a movement means for moving the at least one goods storage unit (1); a first station (101) for loading and / or unloading goods (A); a storage area (103) in the at least one goods storage unit (1) and / or a second station (102) for loading and / or collecting goods (A); and a warehouse management system (1000) for controlling the movement means and the movement means (6).

12. 12. The warehouse (100) for items (A) according to claim 11, wherein the motion means (6) comprises a motion transmission means, which is set at the first station (101) and configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when at least one storage unit (1) of the items is at the first station (101).

13. A warehouse (100) for items (A) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the storage unit (1) for the items is according to claim 10 and the moving means comprises a device (72) configured to open and close a door (10).

14. A method for collecting an article (A), comprising the steps of: Providing at least one storage unit (1) for items according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Providing an item (A); placing an item (A) in said container (3) in the second part (50e) and / or the first part (50d); moving the support system (5) to collect the items (A) while the container containing the items (A) is in the lower part (50b); A method for collecting an article (A), comprising:

15. A self-propelled item storage unit (1), Frame (2), Containers (3) for an article (A), each of which comprises a first part (31), a second part (32), and an opening (33) between the first part (31) and the second part (32) for the introduction and removal of the article (A); a moving means for moving the frame (2); Equipped with wherein said storage unit (1) for said goods comprises a support system (5), said support system (5) comprising: the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having the upper portion (50a), the lower portion (50b), the vertically extending first portion (50d), and the vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interleaved with the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); A plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the first portion (50d) and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the second portion (50e), Each container has the first part (31) on the second part (32) in the first part (50d), the second part (32) on the first part (31) in the second part (50e), and the opening (33) in the first part (50d) faces away from the container (3) in the second part (50e), supporting said container (3); a movement means (6) for moving the support system (5) to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2); and the container (3) and the path are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined relative to a horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the articles (A) from falling; A self-propelled storage unit (1) for storing items.

16. 16. A self-propelled item storage unit (1) as described in claim 15, wherein the container (3) and the path are configured such that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are inclined relative to a horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing items (A) from falling.

17. A temporary magazine (20) is provided, the temporary magazine (20) comprising: On the first side, it has a first access (21) for the passage of an article (A), a second access (22) on a second side opposite the first side for passing an article (A); a moving means for moving an article (A) through said first access portion (21) and / or for moving an article (A) through said second access portion (22); a first access (21) facing towards an opening (33) through which at least one loading and / or unloading position (CS) is passed, said first access (21) being vertically movable relative to said frame (2) to allow goods (A) to be transferred from and / or towards said container (3); A self-propelled goods storage unit (1) according to claim 15 or 16.

18. 18. A self-propelled article storage unit (1) according to claim 17, wherein the temporary magazine (20) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be vertically movable in front of the first part (50d), and the temporary magazine (20) translates vertically in front of the first part (50d).

19. 19. A self-propelled item storage unit (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the moving means comprises a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor comprising a belt (24) movable towards the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21), and at least one flight (25a, 25b) extending from the belt (24) to push the item (A) over the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21).

20. A self-propelled item storage unit (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the moving means comprises a pickup unit (26) for collecting items (A), the pickup unit (26) being movable to move the items (A) through the second access portion (22).

21. A storage system for items (A), comprising a transportable storage unit (1) with a frame (2) and containers (3) for the items (A), each container (3) having a first part (31), a second part (32) and an opening (33) for the entry and exit of the items (A) between the first part (31) and the second part (32), the system comprising a moving means for moving the frame (2), The system comprises a storage unit (1) for storing items, the storage unit (1) comprising a support system (5), the support system (5) comprising: the container (3) is movable relative to the frame (2) along a closed loop path having an upper portion (50a), a lower portion (50b), a vertically extending first portion (50d), and a vertically extending second portion (50e), both the upper portion (50a) and the lower portion (50b) being interposed between the first portion (50d) and the second portion (50e); A plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the first portion (50d), and a plurality of containers (3) are stacked together in the second portion (50e); and Each container has the first part (31) on the second part (32) in the first part (50d), the second part (32) on the first part (31) in the second part (50e), and the opening (33) in the first part (50d) faces away from the container (3) in the second part (50e), supporting said container (3); the storage unit (1) for the goods comprises means (6) for moving the support system (5) so as to move the container (3) relative to the frame (2); and the container (3) and the path are configured so that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are horizontal or inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the articles (A) from falling; A storage system for an item (A), characterized by:

22. 22. The storage system for an item (A) according to claim 21, wherein the container (3) and the path are configured such that the second part (32) in the first portion (50d) and the first part (31) in the second portion (50e) are inclined relative to a horizontal plane (H), thereby preventing the item (A) from falling.

23. The storage unit (1) for the items comprises a temporary magazine (20), the temporary magazine (20) comprising: On the first side, it has a first access (21) for the passage of an article (A), a second access (22) on a second side opposite the first side for passing an article (A); a moving means for moving the article (A) through the first access portion (21) and / or for moving the article (A) through the second access portion (22); a first access (21) facing towards an opening (33) through which at least one loading and / or unloading position (CS) is passed, said first access (21) being vertically movable relative to said frame (2) to allow goods (A) to be transferred from and / or towards said container (3); A storage system for an item (A) according to claim 21 or 22.

24. 24. The storage system for items (A) according to claim 23, wherein the temporary magazine (20) is connected to the frame (2) so as to be vertically movable in front of the first portion (50d), and the temporary magazine (20) translates vertically in front of the first portion (50d).

25. 25. The storage system for items (A) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the moving means comprises a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor comprising a belt (24) movable towards the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21), and at least one flight (25a, 25b) extending from the belt (24) to push the items (A) over the second access portion (22) and / or the first access portion (21).

26. A storage system for an item (A) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the moving means comprises a pickup unit (26) for collecting the item (A), the pickup unit (26) being movable to move the item (A) through the second access portion (22).

27. A method for collecting an item (A), comprising the steps of: providing at least one storage unit (1) for items according to any one of claims 15 to 20 or a storage system for items (A) according to any one of claims 21 to 26, Providing an item (A); placing the article (A) in the container (3) in the second part (50e) and / or the first part (50d); A step of collecting the items (A); A method comprising:

28. 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein in the step of providing at least one storage unit (1) for articles or a storage system for articles (A), the storage unit (1) for articles is provided according to claim 17 or the storage system for articles (A) is provided according to claim 23, and the step of accumulating articles (A) comprises a step of vertically moving the temporary magazine (20).

29. In the step of providing at least one storage unit (1) for an article or a storage system for an article (A), the storage unit (1) for an article is provided according to claim 19 or the storage system for an article (A) is provided according to claim 25, and the step of collecting the article (A) comprises: activating the belt conveyor to position a first flight (25a) of the at least one flight (25a, 25b) in a retracted position so that the first flight (25a) is behind a free portion (PL1) of the belt (24) in the direction of movement of the belt (24) towards the second access section (22); unloading a container (3) onto said belt (24) and positioning the articles on a free portion (PL1) of said belt (24); activating the belt conveyor to move the first flight (25a) towards the second access portion (22); 29. The method of claim 28, comprising:

30. In the step of providing at least one storage unit (1) for items or a storage system for items (A), the storage unit (1) for items is provided according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 19, or the storage system for items (A) is provided according to claim 26 when dependent on claim 25, and the step of placing the items (A) comprises: activating the belt conveyor to position the flight (25b) of at least one flight (25a, 25b) in a retracted position, so that the flight (25b) is behind the free part (PL2) of the belt (24) in the direction of movement of the belt (24) towards the first access part (21); Gripping an item (A) using a pickup unit (26); conveying the gripped article (A) onto the free part (PL2) of said belt (24); vertically moving the temporary magazine (20) with the held articles (A) until the first access (22) is in front of the opening (33); and activating the belt conveyor to move the flight (25b) towards the first access portion (21); 30. The method of claim 28 or 29, comprising:

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