Multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system

Abstract

To provide a multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system and a method for controlling operation of robotic storage / retrieval vehicles therein.SOLUTION: A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system 100 is isolated by barriers 104, 105, 106, 107b and includes first and second storage zones 101, 102. The multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system includes: one or more portals 108a, b, 109a, b that open through the barriers between storage zones; and at least one track layout 122. The track layout includes: first and second track areas 122a, b; and connective track segments that interconnect the first and second track areas via portals. The robotic storage / retrieval vehicles perform deposition to and retrieval from storage locations and travel on the first and second track areas via the connective track segments to access respectively the first and second groups of storage locations therefrom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 891,549, filed on Aug. 26, 2019, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and titled "Multi-Zon e ASRA Structure, and Auto-Induction Processes Employing Bin Consolidation and B in Exchange Techniques". The specification of the above patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art The embodiments herein generally relate to automated warehouses or automated storage and retrieval systems, order fulfillment, and supply chain logistics . More particularly, the embodiments herein relate to multi-zone automated storage and retrieval systems, and auto-induction processes employing bin consolidation and exchange of storage units

[0002]

[0003] Description of Related Art

[0003] Conventional supply chains are composed of a series of discrete trading entities such as manufacturers, producers, suppliers, vendors, warehouses, transportation companies, distribution centers, order fulfillment centers, retail stores, etc. Supply chain management enables the procurement and delivery of inventory from manufacturers and producers to end customers and end users . Several technologies have emerged to change the methods of conventional supply chain management. For individualized products and finer order granularity Customer demand for this is increasing. Furthermore, customers are requesting products at different temperature conditions, such as chilled and frozen. We are looking for product items that can be purchased in storage or frozen condition. E-commerce is Because it is growing at an incredible pace and continues to outpace traditional brick-and-mortar retail practices, many Commercial transactions maintain or improve suitability in online marketplaces, and prominent players in this field They face a significant challenge in order to compete with other layers. In this context, a system is needed to handle the storage and retrieval of numerous different products. For example, multiple E-commerce and retail platforms that sell multiple product lines require different temperature requirements. A system is needed that can store hundreds of thousands of different product lines. While the system is being stored and / or transported, and / or while the order is being processed Therefore, different product items need to be maintained at different specified temperatures within the storage system. Some of these product items need to be kept in a chilled or frozen environment to maintain freshness. Some can be stored or transported at room temperature. In conventional systems, generally You can pre-build a walk-in cooler or freezer, or add additional storage containers around the storage system. It is necessary to install components, and the two-dimensional footprint of the storage system is significantly increased. Furthermore, the cost of installing and operating a storage system in multiple environmentally controlled zones This increases complexity. Therefore, the construction of walk-in environmental control zones in the building, and each Multiple integrated systems eliminate the need to install separate storage systems operating independently within the environmental control zone. An independent, high-density automated storage and retrieval system equipped with an environmentally controlled zone is required. ru.

[0004] Furthermore, the supply chain in traditional e-commerce and retail platforms And warehouse operations involve systematizing, controlling, storing, and retrieving product items, and various storage units. It heavily depends on the ability to return to it. In several forms that achieve these, the robot A manual or automated mechanism related to the management of storage units and the contents of storage units. These mechanisms are used in the operation. These mechanisms are used to access the storage unit for various different operations. Navigation via one or more grid structures of the conveyor system and transport path This navigation involves, for example, guiding a storage unit into a storage system. Retrieving storage units from the storage system, storing storage units in one location for handling. Alternatively, move from one work station to another or to a different work station, or to a storage unit. To perform the corresponding operation, the storage unit is located in a warehouse, work station, or storage system. This includes returning to the original state, etc. Storage of numerous different product items with different temperature requirements and To improve recovery, one or more robots or automated mechanisms related to the storage system The movements of the storage system need to be optimally coordinated. In some systems, different rings of the storage system Different groups or classes of robotic hunters configured to operate in boundary control zones. A driver is needed. When the robot handler moves between different environmental control zones, Optimize the buffering of robot handlers within the pipe system, and all different A common class robot handler configured to operate in the environmental control zone is required. It can be done.

[0005] Furthermore, it facilitates access to storage units within the storage system, and also regulates cooling temperature. Storage units that hold product items requiring [specific features / conditions] are designed to preserve the quality and freshness of the product items. By avoiding exposure to an uncooled environment that could cause adverse effects, the specified temperature can be maintained. It needs to be maintained. Some conventional storage facilities are placed in a cooled, chilled, or frozen environment. It is equipped with a storage system and a group of robot handlers. The handler operates in a cooled, chilled, or frozen environment, which is characteristic of robots. This could significantly affect the handler's operating characteristics. The robot handler can only travel on the upper track of the storage system, and Furthermore, when the robot handler is riding on the top of the track, it will operate under normal ambient temperature conditions. It can be operated in a way that allows access to the internal storage unit, and is insulated. When operating above a cooled storage column with the cover removed, the cooled storage column The ram will be exposed to low temperatures. A robot or automated mechanism will be used within the storage system. During operation, it is necessary to reduce exposure to emergency temperature, cooling, chilled, or freezer environments. This means that increased exposure will have adverse effects on those circuits and components. This is because it may affect and reduce throughput performance. Furthermore, Work stations are optimally positioned for storage systems that are continuous with all environmental control zones. all robots or automated mechanisms from each environmental control zone, and by extension all storage units The knitting needs to be accessible from all work stations, Therefore, when order pickers pick chilled or frozen product items, You can work in the comfort of room temperature. Furthermore, storage units are usually placed on top of each other. are stacked in sections, and an unstacking method is adopted for access. In the stacking method, since the air flow is restricted, a plenum for circulating cold air through the entire storage unit during storage, and a number of air circulation

[0006] devices are required. Furthermore, a conventional supply chain does not incorporate material handling equipment for performing various supply chain activities and inventory exchanges between entities into all of its entities. During automatic guidance at a trading entity, for example, during the replenishment process from a service distribution center to a small-scale full-fillment (order processing) center during automatic guidance, forward and reverse storage unit exchange technologies are required. Improve the shipping and receiving processes at the small-scale full-fillment and distribution center sites, and eliminate the associated relay areas to rationalize logistics, while significantly reducing the [[ID=?]] requirements for labor, real estate, and resources, and making the operations

[0007] more predictable, orderly, and easier to monitor in real time than the disorganized and chaotic methods used in conventional supply chains.

[0007] Therefore, there is a long-standing need for a self-contained, independent multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system having vertically partitioned environmental control zones for storing multiple different product items that require varying levels and types of environmental control parameters, as well as optimally controlled robotic storage / retrieval vehicles configured to operate in these different environmental control zones and conveniently accessible storage units, to address the above-described problems related to the technology. It should be noted that there seems to be an unclear tag "? " in the original text. I have translated it as best as possible while keeping it as is. If this is an error in the original, it may need to be corrected for a more accurate translation. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] summary This summary is intended to simplify and introduce some of the concepts that are further disclosed in the detailed explanation. This is presented in [the relevant document]. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the requested subject matter.

[0009] Embodiments herein require multiple environmental control parameters of varying degrees and types. It has different, vertically partitioned environmental control zones for storing different product items. This is a self-contained, independent, multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS: automated (d storage and retrieval system), and these operate in different environmental control zones. A robotic storage / recovery vehicle (RSRV) configured to be optimally controlled and convenient This addresses the above need for accessible storage units. Environmental control zone A "n" is a temperature zone, for example, room temperature, chilled (refrigerated), with different environmental control parameters. This is the freezing zone. The environmental control zones of the multi-zone ASRS share the same occupied area. No. Multizone ASRS stores goods stored within the storage unit. During transit, while being transported, and / or while being processed, different product items may be present. Maintain different predetermined temperatures within. Multizone ASRS uses environmentally controlled multiple zones. This is an integrated, independent, high-density ASRS.

[0010] The multizone ASRS disclosed herein includes the arrangement and storage of storage units. It features multiple storage locations configured to accommodate pipes. The multizone ASRS further The first storage zone, the second storage zone, at least one partition, one or more ports A track layout comprising at least one track layout and one or more RSRVs. The first storage zone constitutes the first group of storage locations. The second storage zone is a storage location It constitutes the second group. In one embodiment, the first storage zone and the second storage zone are The environmental control equipment installed here, or the operating characteristics of the environmental control equipment, differ from each other. In terms of configuration, the first storage zone or the second storage zone is the first storage zone and the second storage zone This is a cooled storage zone with a lower ambient operating temperature than the other side.

[0011] The partition separates the second storage zone from the first storage zone. The portal is in the first storage zone It opens through the bulkhead between the first and second storage zones. The truck layout is for the first storage The first track area occupies the zone, and the second track area occupies the second storage zone. The first track area and the second track area are connected via a portal formed in the partition wall. It has one or more connecting track segments connected to it. In one embodiment, The rack layout includes an upper track layout positioned above the storage area. In this embodiment, the partition wall(s) have an upper portion that rises upright from the upper track layout. The portal(s) are located in the first track area and the second track area of ​​the upper track layout. To accommodate the connecting track segments of the upper track layout that interconnects the quarries Therefore, it is configured to penetrate and open into the partition wall(s) in its upper portion. In this configuration, the partition separating the second storage zone from the first storage zone is located between the first and second storage zones. It consists of an upright partition separating the two storage zones. The connecting track segment is located at the upright partition. It is stretched across the portal from one side to the other side of the upright bulkhead.

[0012] In another embodiment, the track layout is a lower track located below the storage area. It has an outlet. In this embodiment, the partition(s) are separated from the lower track layout. Having an upright lower section, the portal(s) are the first track of the lower track layout. The lower track layout connecting the Queria and the second track area. To accommodate the segment, an opening is made that penetrates through the bulkhead(s) in the lower portion. It is configured in such a way. In this embodiment, a first group of storage locations and a second group of storage locations The storage units stored in the loop extend continuously into the first and second storage zones. One of several work stations attached to the lower track layout It is accessible. Multizone ASRS provides convenient access to storage units. In addition to providing this, by avoiding exposure of the storage unit to an uncooled environment, Maintain the specified temperature of the storage unit containing product items that require a specific temperature. In the implementation configuration, the work stations are optimally positioned for the multi-zone ASRS, and all By placing them consecutively in the environmental control storage zone, all RSRVs, i.e., each environmental control All storage units in the storage zone are accessible from all work stations. This allows order pickers to pick chilled or frozen product items. When packing, we ensure that the work can be done in a comfortable environment at room temperature.

[0013] In one embodiment, the track layout is positioned above the storage area of ​​the multizone ASRS. It is placed. In this embodiment, the second storage zone is located above the track layout. It has an enclosed (enclosed) attic space isolated from the first storage zone. Enclosed attic The space is separated by the boundary wall of the second storage zone. At least one of the boundary walls is It is separate and isolated from the building walls of the facility housing the multizone ASRS. Enclosed roof The back space is isolated from the first storage zone and the surrounding space of the facility. In one embodiment, The boundary walls of the enclosed attic space are separate and isolated from the building walls of the facility. In one embodiment, The boundary wall is a multi-zone ASRS grid structure storage structure that separates the second group of storage areas. It is attached to the frame member. In another embodiment, the first storage zone is the enclosed attic. There is no space, and the facility housing the multi-zone ASRS is open to the surrounding environment. In this configuration, the environmental control system is installed in the enclosed attic space of the second storage zone. .

[0014] Multizone ASRS allows RSRVs to transition between different environmentally controlled storage zones. Optimize buffering of RSRVs within a multizone ASRS, and enable different environmental conditions A common class of robot handlers configured to operate in all storage zones, It features RSRVs. Multizone ASRS upper track layout and lower track The rack layout allows for the transition of RSRVs between different environmentally controlled storage zones. RSRV(s) are configured to allow storage units to be placed in and retrieved from storage locations. It has been done. RSRV(s) further includes the first track area and the second track area Move across both truck layouts to the first group of storage locations and the second group of storage locations. Each loop is configured to access the first The connection between the truck area and the second truck area is made up of connected truck segments. It is configured to transition via a terminal. In one embodiment, storage of a multizone ASRS The locations are arranged in storage columns configured to accommodate the placement of storage units. RSRV(s) are accessors that can be accessed by different storage columns via RSRVs. Move between locations on at least one track layout and to the storage column. It is configured to store and retrieve goods from the storage unit. In one embodiment, access The location is where the storage columns are clustered, and RSRVs are at multiple levels of the storage columns. It has an unoccupied access shaft configured to transition to access. The occupied access shaft is adjacent to at least one of the storage columns, and each unoccupied access RSRVs can be positioned and retrieved from within the shaft.

[0015] In one embodiment, the multizone ASRS is further provided by at least one additional partition. It has a third storage zone that is isolated from both the first and second storage zones. The third storage zone constitutes the third group of storage locations. Multizone ASRS is Furthermore, a third storage zone and at least one of the first and second storage zones It comprises at least one additional portal that penetrates and opens into an additional bulkhead between the two. The additional portal is configured to accommodate the migration of RSRV(s) through it. In one embodiment, additional portals are located in both the first and second storage zones. It is equipped with an opening portal. In one embodiment, an additional partition wall is above the multizone ASRS. It has an upper portion that rises upright from the track layout. In this embodiment, an additional portal This includes at least one upper portal that opens through an additional bulkhead in its upper portion. It has the following: The first storage zone, the second storage zone, and the third storage zone are installed there. The environmental control equipment, or the operating characteristics of the environmental control equipment, are different from each other. 1st storage zone, 2nd The storage zone and the third storage zone are accessible via RSRV(s).

[0016] In one embodiment, the multizone ASRS further... Prepare for it. Each buffer spot is located at a specific location on the track layout, RSR V(s) is accessible from the track layout. Each of the buffer spots is It is configured to temporarily hold one of the storage units on top of it. In the embodiment, At least one of the fa spots is located close to the corresponding one of each portal. In one embodiment, one or more buffer spots are multiple buffer spots In this embodiment, at least one buffer spot is located in the first storage zone and They will be placed in the second storage zone.

[0017] Multizone ASRS is a computerized control that can communicate with RSRVs in an operational manner. It is equipped with a computerized control system (CCS). The CCS is a communication network A network interface connected to the network interface, and a network interface connected to the network interface A connected at least one processor and a non-transient connected to the processor in a communicative manner It comprises a computer-readable storage medium. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium of the CCS is It is configured to store computer program instructions, and these instructions are CCS When executed by a processor(s), the processor(s) will have a multizone AS To control the operation of RSRVs within the RS. Part of the recovery task related to the second storage zone and Then, it is necessary to retrieve one of the target storage units located in the second storage zone. Therefore, CCS has placed the recovery tasks related to the second storage zone in the first storage zone. It is assigned to the first RSRV selected from among the RSRVs, and also to the first RSRV (a) Entering the second storage zone from the first storage zone via one of the portals (b) Transition to the piping zone, and during the transition, before entering the second storage zone from that portal, the first One of the storage units being transported to RSRV at that time is in the buffer spot of the first storage zone. Issue a command to unload the cargo from one of the terminals.

[0018] In the additional steps of the recovery task related to the second storage zone, CCS further, The following command is issued to the RSRV, namely, upon entering the second storage zone: One buffered storage unit from one of the buffer spots in the second storage zone The command to pick up the knit, and from the buffer spot in the second storage zone The storage unit that serves as the target, which is stored in the second storage zone, can be recovered. Commands to move towards the access location in the second storage zone, and Before retrieving the target storage unit at the location, the picked-up storage unit The command to deposit items into one of the available storage locations in the second storage zone. The CCS issues an order. In one embodiment, the CCS is located upstream of one or more buffer spots. It is available, and also from the buffer spot in the second storage zone to the access location. Any storage location along the route, and / or downstream of the access location It is available and located along the route from the access point to the exit portal. Select an available storage location in the second storage zone from among the available storage locations.

[0019] CCS issues the following command to the first RSRV: Store in the second storage zone. A command to retrieve the target storage unit, and the work station of the target storage unit. Deliver to the center and make it easier to pick products from the target storage unit at the work station. Issue commands to complete the retrieval tasks related to the second storage zone. Completion of recovery tasks related to the unit, and the target storage unit transported by the 1st RSRV Following product picking from the stock, CCS will proceed to the first RSRV or a different RSRV. In contrast, the target storage unit is loaded into one buffer spot in the second storage zone. Place it down, and then issue a command to remove it from the second storage zone. They are linked and assigned to the first RSRV and the second RSRV selected from among different RSRVs. As part of the subsequent retrieval task assigned to it, another target stored in the second storage zone and In order to retrieve the storage unit, the CCS issues the following command to the 2nd RSRV: That is, (a) a command to enter the second storage zone, and (b) in the second storage zone A command to pick up a stored storage unit from a buffer spot, and ( c) Other target storage units are retrieved from the buffer spot in the second storage zone. Commands to move towards an access location in a possible second storage zone, and (d) Before retrieving other target storage units at the access location, in the second storage zone The storage unit picked up from the buffer spot is placed in one of the second storage zones. A command is issued to place the goods in an available storage location. In one embodiment, CCS It is available upstream of the buffer spot in the second storage zone, and also buffer Any storage location located along the route from the spot to the access location, and / or Alternatively, it is available downstream of the access point, and also from the access point to the exit portal. From among the storage locations located along the route, available in the second storage zone. Choose a suitable storage location.

[0020] In one embodiment, the CCS is located in a storage unit stored in the second storage zone. The task of moving one unnecessary storage unit to one storage location in the second group, Select the necessary storage units from the storage units stored in the second storage zone into the second group. Assign it to one RSRV that is assigned to retrieve it from its storage location.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second storage zone is more stringent for RSRVs than the first storage zone. Characterized by the operating environment. In this embodiment, any related to the second storage zone While selecting one of the RSRVs to assign to the recovery task, the CCS will use the second storage zone. RSRs that have been absent from the second storage zone for a longer period than RSRVs that have recently been present in the zone. Vs takes precedence. In one embodiment, CCS determines which of the RSRVs is the last to be stored in the second storage zone. The exit time when the zone is exited is recorded. In this embodiment, any optional related to the second storage zone While selecting RSRVs for the recovery task, CCS uses the second storage zone more recently. Prioritize RSRVs that have been absent from the second storage zone for a longer period than those that were already present. To do this, we compare the exit times of RSRVs. In the embodiments herein, RSRVs are While operating within a lutizontal ASRS, RSRVs are at emergency temperature, cooling, chilling, or Reduces exposure to the freezer environment, thereby protecting its circuits and components. This allows the throughput performance to be maintained.

[0022] In one embodiment, a storage unit containing product inventory is received from a supply facility by transport vehicle. Received at the facility, and at the receiving facility, for example, multizone ASRS or singlezone AS Automatically redirected to ASRS such as RS. Multizone ASRS or single zone. The ASRS is a type that is compatible with a predetermined type of each storage unit. In this embodiment, The storage unit that holds product inventory is a receiving storage unit, for example, an empty storage unit. To replace the storage unit, thereby transporting the outgoing storage unit from the receiving facility. Loaded onto transport vehicles. Both the storage unit containing product inventory and the dispatch storage unit. This is the same predetermined type compatible with the ASRS of the receiving facility. In the embodiments herein, During the replenishment process, while automated guidance is being provided at the receiving facility, i.e., the micro order processing center. , and perform a 1:1 exchange technique for forward and reverse storage units. Embodiments of this specification This improves the shipping and receiving process, and micro-order processing and distribution center sites. By eliminating related transit areas, logistics can be streamlined while saving labor, real estate, and resources. Significantly reduce source requirements, thereby making operations predictable, orderly, and efficient. This facilitates real-time monitoring.

[0023] Multizone ASRS is suitable for storing a large number of different product items with varying temperature requirements. To improve recovery, the movement of RSRVs is optimally adjusted. In this specification, the above-mentioned Mar A computer implementation method for controlling the operation of RSRVs in the CHIZONE ASRS has also been developed. The method disclosed herein is configured to communicate operably with RSRVs. CCS is adopted. In the method disclosed herein, the first storage unit in the second storage zone The second storage zone includes placing the knitted items in the first storage area within the second storage zone. In the storage process, CCS uses the first storage unit as the second storage unit. The first entry task involves transporting the unit to the pipe zone, and the second placement task involves positioning the first storage unit at the first storage location. The task is divided into two parts. Next, the CCS is located inside the RSRVs outside the second storage zone. The first RSRV and second RSRV selected from the above are assigned a first entry task and a second placement task, respectively. Assign the task. Next, CCS assigns the first RSRV to the first RSRV. A command is issued to execute the entry task and the second deployment task. In one embodiment, the The first entry task is the unloading of the first storage unit in the second storage zone by the first RSRV. This includes drop-off and rapid exit of the first RSRV from the second storage zone after unloading. The unloading carried out by the first RSRV in the first entry task is later handled by the second RSRV. In order to retrieve the first storage unit from the Fastpot, in the second storage zone... This includes placing the first storage unit in the buffer spot.

[0024] In one embodiment, the CCS performs the recovery task related to the second storage zone in the second RSRV. Allocate. In this embodiment, the second storage zone is allocated to RSRVs more than the first storage zone. It is characterized by a very demanding operating environment. For example, the second storage zone is more demanding than the first storage zone. This is a cooled storage zone with a low ambient operating temperature. The retrieval task is performed in the second storage zone. This includes retrieving the second storage unit from the second storage location in [location]. The second storage location for retrieval is available upstream of the buffer spot in the second storage zone. Furthermore, from the buffer spot in the second storage zone to the second storage zone Any storage location located along the route to the storage location, and / or a second storage location It is available downstream of the second storage location in the second storage zone, and also in the second storage zone. Any of the locations along the route from the storage area to the exit portal in the second storage zone The storage location is selected from the following options.

[0025] In one embodiment of the computer implementation method disclosed herein, the CCS is a second storage zone The first RSRV, selected from among the RSRVs located outside the zone, is in the second storage zone. Assign the relevant recovery tasks. Then, CCS will send the following to the 1st RSRV. A command, that is, a command to move to the second storage zone, the first in the second storage zone A command to retrieve the first storage unit from the storage location, and to exit the second storage zone, A command to transport the first storage unit to a work station located outside the second storage zone. The following order is issued: Place the product into the first storage unit at the work station or the first storage unit After performing product extraction from the first RSRV or a different RSRV, the CCS will perform the first The storage unit is moved back from the work station to the second storage zone, and then to the second storage zone The first storage unit is located in a buffer spot in the second storage zone, which is clearly different from the storage location of the first unit. The command to unload the cargo is issued. The CCS is at the buffer spot in the second storage zone. After unloading storage unit 1, the command to promptly exit storage zone 2 is given. Issued in 1RSRV or a different RSRV. CCS is issued in another RSRV, 1st storage zone Enter the second storage zone from the first storage unit, and from the buffer spot in the second storage zone to the first storage unit. Pick up the to and also store the first storage in one of the storage locations in the second storage zone. The command to unload the unit is issued. The CCS issues a command to another RSRV for first storage. After the unit is placed in one storage location in the second storage zone, the first storage unit The second storage unit was moved from the second storage location in the second storage zone, which was different from the storage location where the goods had been stored. A command is issued to retrieve the net. The CCS should retrieve the second storage unit from the buffer. It is available upstream of the spot, and also from the buffer spot to the second storage zone. Any storage location in the second storage zone located along the route to the second storage location, The second storage unit is available downstream of the second storage location from which the second storage unit should be retrieved. From any of the storage locations located between the pipe location and the exit of the second storage zone, Select one storage location in the second storage zone for storing the first storage unit. .

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the related system implements the method disclosed herein. Includes the circuitry and / or programming for performing the operation. The circuitry and / or programming are Depending on the design choices of the system designer, the method disclosed herein may be configured to perform the actions described herein. Any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware that has been created In one embodiment, various structural elements are selected according to the design choices of the system designer. I was hired. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] The above overview and the following detailed explanation will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. To illustrate the embodiments described herein, exemplary structures of the embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, the embodiments described herein are not specific to the structures, components, and Not limited to the method. Structures, components, or methods that are numerically referenced in drawings. The description of the legal steps is shown in the subsequent drawings of this specification by the same numbers, indicating their structure and configuration. This applies to the description of an element or method step. [Figure 1] This is a top perspective view of a multi-zone storage and retrieval system (ASRS) according to one embodiment of this specification, showing the upper track layout in a three-dimensional (3D) grid-structured storage body employed by the multi-zone ASRS. [Figure 2]This shows a partially enlarged view of the apex of a multizone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] This is a partially excised perspective view of a multizone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification, showing partial cross-sections of the upper and lower track layouts of the 3D grid structure storage structure employed by the multizone ASRS. [Figure 4] This document shows an isometric view from the top of a storage structure with a 3D grid structure adopted by a multi-zone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5A] This specification shows a robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) and a compatible storage unit used in a multi-zone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A shows a storage unit compatible with the RSRV according to one embodiment of this specification, illustrating the extension of the arm of a rotatable turret on the RSRV for engaging with the storage unit for pushing or retracting the storage unit relative to the RSRV. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view from the top of a multi-zone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification, showing a work station attached to the storage zone so that a worker can operate on product items having an emergency temperature in a normal temperature environment, while maintaining the storage unit that stores product items in the storage zone. [Figure 6B] An enlarged view of the work station shown in Figure 6A, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 7] One embodiment of this specification describes a group of interconnected facilities in a supply chain or distribution network, including a supply facility that provides replenishment inventory to a number of small receiving facilities where customer orders are processed by ASRS. [Figure 8] This specification shows an architectural block diagram of a system that performs an inventory replenishment workflow consisting of a 1:1 exchange of transportable storage units, according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 9]This specification shows an architectural block diagram of a system that manages orders and controls the operation of RSRVs within a multi-zone ASRS using a computerized control system (CCS) according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10A] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the central database of the system according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10B] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the central database of the system according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10C] A schematic diagram of the local facility database of a CCS according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. [Figure 10D] The following is an illustrative example of data stored in the robot information table in the local facility database of the CCS according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10E] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the local vehicle database in the vehicle management system according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 11] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for controlling the operation of RSRV within a multizone ASRS, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 12] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for controlling the operation of RSRV within a multizone ASRS, according to another embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 13] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for executing an order processing workflow according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. [Figure 14] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for selecting an RSRV for a task to be performed on a multizone ASRS, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 15] This is a top plan view of a multizone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification, showing the transition paths of the RSRV and storage units set up by the CCS for retrieving and returning storage units from the storage zones of the multizone ASRS. [Figure 16] A flowchart shows a method performed by the RSRV in response to a command from the CCS to retrieve and return storage units from a storage zone in a multi-zone ASRS, based on the configuration transition path shown in Figure 15, according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 17] A flowchart of a method performed by an RSRV in response to a command from a CCS to retrieve a storage unit from a storage zone in a multi-zone ASRS, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating a method performed by the RSRV in response to a command from the CCS to return a storage unit from a storage zone in a multi-zone ASRS, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 19] This is a partial perspective view of a multizone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification, showing a work station attached to the multizone ASRS via a conveyor system. [Figure 20A] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for processing and storing orders in a multi-zone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. [Figure 20B] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for processing and storing orders in a multi-zone ASRS according to one embodiment of this specification is shown. [Figure 21] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for retrieving ordered items from a multi-zone ASRS for customer pickup, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 22] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for performing an inventory replenishment workflow between a supply facility and a receiving facility, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 23] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for performing the organization and consolidation of storage units at a receiving facility for inventory replenishment, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 24]A top plan view of a multizone ASRS is shown, illustrating the transition paths of the RSRV and storage units set up by the CCS to perform the replacement and guidance of storage units according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 25] A flowchart of a computer-implemented method for performing storage unit replacement and induction based on the configuration transition path shown in Figure 24, according to one embodiment of this specification, is shown. [Figure 26] This document shows a perspective view from the top of a transport vehicle that has arrived at a receiving facility for performing the exchange and guidance of storage units, according to one embodiment of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Various aspects of this disclosure include systems, methods, and components and / or structures. A program that records one or more computer programs stored in / or therein It was realized as a recording medium that stores non-transient computer programs containing RAM code. Therefore, various embodiments of this disclosure can be used, for example, with electronic components. Computing components, circuits, microcode, firmware, software Implementation of hardware and software that constitute a mechanical structure together with toeware, etc. It can take the form of a combination of states.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (ASR) according to one embodiment of this specification. This is a perspective view of the S)100 as seen from the top, and shows the 3D architecture adopted by the multizone ASRS100. The top track layout 122 of the (3D) grid structure storage structure is shown. The multizone ASRS100 disclosed herein is a 3D model illustrated in Figure 4. A storage structure 100a with a grid structure is adopted. Multizone ASRS1 disclosed herein 00 is a plurality of storage spaces configured to accommodate the placement and storage of storage units inside. It includes, as used herein, a "storage unit," for example, a bin, a tote bag. This refers to any type of inventory holder, such as bags, trays, boxes, pallets, Gaylords, etc. In one embodiment, the multizone ASRS100 further includes a first or primary storage zone. 101, second or secondary storage zone 102, at least one partition 104, one or more Portals 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b, and, for example, at least one Track layout 122, and one or more of the items shown in Figures 4 and 5A-5B It is equipped with a robotic storage / recovery vehicle (RSRV) 128. In Figures 1-3, the storage zone The upper ceilings of 102 and 103 have been omitted for illustrative purposes. Storage Zone 101 This constitutes the first group of storage locations. Second storage zone 102 constitutes the second group of storage locations. The system consists of a first storage zone 101 and a second storage zone 102. This refers to environmental control equipment installed inside them, or environmental control equipment whose operating characteristics differ from each other. In another embodiment, the first storage zone 101 or the second storage zone 102 is cooled. This is a storage zone, and is lower than the other of the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 102. It has an ambient operating temperature. For example, as shown in Figures 1-3, the second storage zone 102 is the This is a cooled storage zone with a lower ambient operating temperature than storage zone 101.

[0030] The partition 104 isolates the second storage zone 102 from the first storage zone 101. 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b are located in the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 1 It penetrates the bulkhead 104 between it and 02 and opens up. For example, track layout 12 2 consists of the first track area 122a which occupies the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 1 The second track area 122b occupies 02, and the portal 108a is located in the bulkhead 104. , 109a, 108b, and 109b via the first track area 122a and the second track One or more interconnected areas 122b, as shown in Figures 15 and 24. It consists of a connecting track segment 122d. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-2, The track layout includes an upper track layout 122 positioned above the storage area. In this embodiment, the partition wall 104 rises upright from the upper track layout 122. It has an upper portion, and portals 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b have an upper portion. Track layout 122, 11th track area 122a and 2nd track area 12 The connecting track segments 122d of the upper track layout 122 that interconnect 2b In order to accommodate it, it is configured to have an opening that penetrates the bulkhead 104 at its upper portion. The partition wall 104 that separates the second storage zone 102 from the first storage zone 101 is the first storage It has an upright partition separating Zone 101 and the second storage zone 102. (Linked truck) Segment(s) 122d extends from one side of the upright bulkhead to the other side of the upright bulkhead. It is stretched through tal 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b. Another implementation In terms of configuration, the truck layout is positioned below the storage area, as shown in Figure 3. It has a lower track layout 126.

[0031] Track layout 122 is positioned above the storage area for the multizone ASRS100. In this embodiment, the second storage zone 102 is located above the track layout 122. It has an enclosed attic space 102a which is located and isolated from the first storage zone 101. The enclosed attic space 102a is bordered by boundary walls 104, 105, and 106 of the second storage zone 102. , and are separated by 107a. At least one of the boundary walls 106 is multizo The ASRS100 is separate from the building walls of the facility housing it and is also individual. The root space 102a is isolated from the first storage zone 101 and from the ambient temperature space of the facility. In one embodiment, boundary walls 104, 105, 106 and of the enclosed attic space 102a 107a is separate from the building wall of the facility and is also separate. In one embodiment, Boundary walls 104, 105, 106 and 107a separate the second group of storage areas, Figure 4 The frame of the storage structure 100a of the 3D grid structure in the multizone ASRS100 shown It is attached to the frame member. In another embodiment as shown in Figures 1-2, the first Storage zone 101 has no enclosed attic space and accommodates the multi-zone ASRS100. The facility is open to the surrounding environment. In this embodiment, the environmental control device is a second storage zone It is installed in the enclosed attic space 102a of the roof 102.

[0032] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-2, the multizone ASRS100 further includes: At least one additional partition 105 separates the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 1 It includes a third or tertiary storage zone 103 isolated from both of 02. Third storage zone 10 3 constitutes the third group of storage locations. Multizone ASRS100 is the third storage zone Zone 103 and at least one of the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 102 In between, at least one additional portal 110 that penetrates and opens into the additional bulkhead 105 Further preparations are made. For example, as shown in Figures 1-2, an additional portal 110 is provided for the third storage portal. An additional partition wall 105 penetrates and opens between zone 103 and the second storage zone 102. Portal 110 is configured to allow the migration of RSRV(s) 128 through it. In one embodiment, the additional portal 110 is located in the first storage zone 101 and the second storage A portal is formed that opens to both sides of zone 102. In one embodiment, an additional partition wall 105 constitutes the upper portion that rises upright from the upper track layout 122. This implementation In this configuration, the additional portal 110 penetrates and opens into the additional bulkhead 105 at its upper portion. Configure at least one upper portal. Track layout 122 is multi-zone In an embodiment where the ASRS100 is located above the storage area, the third storage zone 103 is located above the track layout 122 and also from the first storage zone 101. It has an isolated enclosed attic space 103a. The enclosed attic space 103a is the third storage Zone 103 is demarcated by boundary walls 104, 105, 106, and 107b. The enclosed attic space 103a is isolated from both the first storage zone 101 and the surrounding space of the facility. In one embodiment, the boundary walls 104, 105, 106 of the enclosed attic space 103a , and 107b are separate from the building wall of the facility and are distinct. In one embodiment The environmental control equipment is installed in the enclosed attic space 103a of the third storage zone 103. The first storage zone 101, the second storage zone 102, and the third storage zone 103 are as follows: The environmental control equipment installed, or the operating characteristics of the environmental control equipment, are different from each other. Zone 101, the second storage zone 102, and the third storage zone 103 are RSRV(s)12 Accessible by 8.

[0033] In one embodiment, the multizone ASRS100 further includes one or more batteries. The system includes fast spots, for example, 112a, 112b, and 112c. In one embodiment, Buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c are stored in RSRV128. The storage unit is temporarily held when transitioning between units 101, 102, and 103. The storage rack is configured as follows. Buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c are , separate the storage units into one environmentally controlled storage zone 101, 102, or 10 This allows storage in only 3, and the RSRV128 is a single storage and retrieval unit. During the execution of the system, transitions occur between environmentally controlled storage zones 101, 102, and 103. This makes it possible. Each of the buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c is It is located in the rack layout 122, and also from the track layout 122. Accessible via SRV(s)128. Buffer spots 112a, 112b Each of 112c and 112c is configured to temporarily hold one storage unit on it. In one embodiment, buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c At least one of them is Portal 108a, 109a, 108b, 109b, or 110 It is positioned in close proximity to one of the corresponding ones. In one embodiment, one or Multiple buffer spots have multiple buffer spots. In this embodiment, At least one of buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c is the first storage They are located in Zone 101, the second storage zone 102, and the third storage zone 103, respectively. ru.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (ASR) according to one embodiment of this specification. A magnified view of the top portion of S)100 is shown. At least partially, it is made of thermal insulation material, such as rigid foam. Boundary walls 104, 105, 106, 107a and 107b made of thermal material are shown exemplified in Figure 4. The storage structure 100a of the three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure of the multizone ASRS100 shown It is installed in the framework. This allows the overall lattice structure of the storage body 100a to be thermal It is subdivided into different storage zones 101, 102, and 103 that are isolated from each other, and these storage zones One or more of 101, 102, and 103 are used in the 3D lattice structure storage body 100. a is thermally isolated from the surrounding environment of the facility where it is installed. As illustrated in Figures 1-2. Furthermore, the storage structure 100a of the multi-zone ASRS100 has a 3D grid structure and three distinctly different features. A storage zone, i.e., a first storage zone for room temperature storage under the same environmental conditions as the surrounding facility environment. Storage Zone 101, the first storage zone 101 at ambient temperature, and the surrounding facility environment which is colder than the surrounding environment A second or secondary storage zone 102 for cooling storage at the boundary, and two other storage zones 10 1, 102 and cooling in a refrigerated environment at a temperature even lower than the surrounding facility environment. It is divided into a third storage zone 103 for storage.

[0035] The boundary wall extends from the ground level below the lower track layout 126 to the upper track layer. Reaching out to 122 and beyond, the total height of the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a is extended downwards. It is composed of a full-span bulkhead 104 that penetrates in the perpendicular direction. As shown in Figure 1, this full span The partition wall 104 maintains a 3D grid structure in one horizontal direction, referred to herein as the X direction. The range extends completely across the pipe structure 100a, and is therefore referred to herein as the Y direction. In the other horizontal direction perpendicular to that, one storage zone is separated from another storage zone. Separate. As shown in Figure 1, the first storage zone 101 is on the first side of the full-span partition wall 104. Arranged on the surface, the range extends across the entire dimensions of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a in the X direction. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the range is limited to only a portion of the dimensions of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. It does not reach. Both the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 are within the first storage zone On the side opposite to the 101 side, it is adjacent to a full-span bulkhead 104, thereby creating a second storage zone. Each of zones 102 and 103 has a 3D grid structure in both the X and Y directions. It only extends to the partial dimensions of the storage structure 100a. That is, the second storage zone 102 and The third storage zone 103 is located at room temperature, and both of these cooled storage zones 102 and 103 are located at room temperature. It shares a full-span partition 104 that physically and thermally isolates it from the first storage zone 101. ru.

[0036] The partial span bulkhead 105 extends from the ground level below the lower track layout 126 to the upper Up to track layout 122, and beyond, the entire 3D grid structure storage structure 100a The height extends vertically through the area, but in either horizontal direction, the 3D grid structure 100 a. The range does not extend to the entire area. The partial span partition 105 is at room temperature, separated from the full span partition 104. On the side of the full-span partition wall 104 opposite to the first storage zone 101, a 3D grid structure storage system Up to the outer perimeter wall 106 of body 100a, across the Y direction of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Therefore, the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 are connected to a 3D lattice structure storage structure 100. They are physically and thermally isolated from each other in the X direction of a. As illustrated in Figures 1-2, the second If storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 occupy equal areas of each other, then in a certain reality In the construction configuration, the partial span partition wall 105 is a 3D grid structure storage structure 100 in the X direction. It is positioned midway between the two opposing outer peripheral surfaces of a. In another embodiment, the second retain The pipe zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 differ from each other in size and occupied area.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first storage zone 101 is storage zone 101, 1 Of the 02 and 103 categories, this is the largest and requires room temperature storage rather than chilled or frozen storage. This reflects the equipment. In another embodiment, the facility housing the multizone ASRS100 Depending on the requirements of the facility, there are ambient temperature, chilled and / or frozen storage zones 101, 102, and 10 3 is composed of different sizes with different occupied areas. As illustrated in Figure 1, Y-direction The span of the first storage zone 101 in the direction is the same as the span of the second storage zone 102 in the Y direction and The third storage zone 103 exceeds the equal width shared by the first storage zone 101 is the individual occupied area and combined area of ​​the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103. It has an area that exceeds both of the occupied areas. In non-standard scenarios where there is a high demand for this, the first storage zone 101 is located in the second storage zone 10 The combined or individual occupied area of ​​storage zones 2 and 3 103 is equal to or smaller than that of storage zones 103 2 and 3. It is composed of occupied area.

[0038] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multi-zone ASRS100 has three storage zones. It comprises 101, 102, and 103, of which two have different operating temperatures lower than room temperature Storage zones 102 and 103 exist. In another embodiment, a multizone ASRS The 100 is a dual-zone storage unit with one ambient temperature storage zone and one refrigerated storage zone. The configuration includes a cooled storage zone within the chilled operating temperature range or the frozen operating temperature range. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-2, a cooled storage zone, i.e., a second storage The pipe zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 are room temperature storage zones, i.e., the first storage zone It is positioned on the same side as n101, thereby one side of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a The end is occupied by two cooled storage zones 102 and 103, and the other end The section is occupied by the room temperature storage zone 101. In other embodiments, a multi-zone AS Other configurations of storage zones 101, 102, and 103 are adopted in RS100. For example, the second storage zone 102 or chilled zone, and the third storage zone 103 or frozen zone. The vents are positioned on both sides facing the first storage zone 101 at room temperature, in this case, storage Zones 102 and 103 each extend across the entire X direction of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a The range extends, and therefore each of storage zones 102 and 103 is at room temperature in the center. The first storage zone 101 is isolated from storage zones 102 and 103, each corresponding to the respective isolation. It has a full-span partition wall 104. Furthermore, there is a cooled storage zone as shown in Figures 1-2. Each of 102 and 103 has a smaller dimension in the Y direction than the room temperature storage zone 101. In other embodiments where large-scale cooled storage is required, a cooled storage zone 10 Each of 2 and 103 is such that its dimension in the Y direction is larger than that of the room temperature storage zone 101. It is composed.

[0039] Regardless of the specific configuration of storage zones 101, 102, and 103, multizone ASR When S100 includes multiple cooled storage zones, each cooled storage zone 102 And 103 shares at least one partition 104 with the ambient temperature storage zone 101, and also Figure Between the robotic storage / recovery vehicles (RSRVs) 128 shown in Figures 4 and 5A-5B To enable the transition in, at least one opening that penetrates this bulkhead 104 Access portals, for example, access portals 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b It is configured to have R SRVs128 operate compared to low-temperature conditions in cooled storage zones 102 and 103. They work in the room temperature storage zone 101 where the conditions are not strict, and also cool down from the room temperature storage zone 101. It is configured to directly enter any of the storage zones 102 or 103. To reach another cooled storage zone, for example, storage zone 103, one cooled By avoiding the need to transfer data through a separate storage zone, for example, storage zone 102, This minimizes the time spent in more demanding low-temperature operating environments.

[0040] The second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103 are, for example, designed to protect objects from the surrounding environment of the facility. Environmentally controlled or temperature-controlled chilled storage zones that require psychrological and thermal isolation, and Since these are frozen storage zones, the boundary walls between these storage zones 102 and 103 are 3D grids. Not only internal partitions 104 and 105 that traverse the interior of the structural storage body 100a, but also internal partitions In cooperation with 104 and 105, each storage zone 102 and 103 is completely surrounded on all sides. It has outer perimeter walls 106, 107a, and 107b. The full-span perimeter wall 106 has outer perimeter walls 106, 107a, and 107b. On the side, the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a extends across the entire X direction, and the full-span bulkhead 104 Because they are positioned opposite each other, they are shared between the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103. The side opposite to the first storage zone 101 is then closed. The second storage zone 102 and The partial span walls 107a and 107b for each of the 3 storage zones 103 are full span walls. Between the perimeter wall 106 and the full-span partition wall 104, the Y-direction of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a The range extends to the partial dimensions of and thereby to the opposing storage zones 102 and 103 Each of the fourth and final sides is closed in a manner that it faces the partial span partition 105. .

[0041] Similar to bulkheads 104 and 105, the perimeter walls 106 and 107a, 107b are located on the lower track. From the ground level below layout 126 to the upper track layout 122, and Beyond that, the range extends to the entire height of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a. Therefore, all boundaries The partition walls 104, 105, 106, 107a, and 107b are part of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100 It extends above the upper track layout 122 of a. Upper track layout 12 A pair of access portals are located in the upper portion of the full-span bulkhead 104 that rises upright from 2. 108a and 109a are located between the first storage zone 101 and the second storage zone 102. The upper portion that marks the boundary penetrates the full-span bulkhead 104 horizontally. As shown in Figure 4. In the upper track layout 122 of the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a, Y Each pair of directional rails 130 is connected to these access portals 108a and 109a Each penetrates, thereby creating the first storage as illustrated in Figures 15 and 24. The first track area 122a of the upper track layout 122 in zone 101 2. Second track area 122 of the upper track layout 122 in storage zone 102 It forms a connected track segment 122d that connects to b. Similarly, another pair of access Portals 108b and 109b are located between the first storage zone 101 and the third storage zone 103. At its upper boundary, it horizontally penetrates the upper portion of the full-span bulkhead 104. Each pair of Y-direction rails 130 in the upper track layout 122 is one of these Access portals 108b and 109b respectively are penetrated, thereby Figure 15 and As illustrated in Figure 24, the upper track layout in the first storage zone 101 The first track area 122a of 122 is located in the upper track area of ​​the third storage zone 103. Connecting track segment 122d to the third track area 122c of out 122 It forms.

[0042] Within each pair of access portals, in one embodiment, one access portal 108a, 108b means that RSRVs128 ride on each linked track segment 122d By doing so, the first storage zone 101 at room temperature is cooled to the second storage zone 102 or the It is used as a dedicated entrance portal to enter storage zone 103, and also as the other A Access portals 109a and 109b are located in the second storage zone 1 where RSRVs 128 are cooled. A dedicated exit to exit storage zone 02 or the third storage zone 103 and return to the room temperature first storage zone 101. It is used as an access portal. In another embodiment, two access portals 108a , 108b or 109a, 109b either is an entrance portal or an exit portal at any time. Used as one of the portals. In another embodiment, a single inlet / outlet port The ru is a two-way transfer for entering and exiting each of the cooled storage zones 102 and 103. It will be adopted. As illustrated in Figures 1-2, the additional access portal 110 is The upper part penetrates the partial span bulkhead 105, and the upper track is shown in Figure 4. In layout 122, each corresponding pair of X-direction rails 129 are additional access points The range extends through the first zone 110, and the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103. This allows for direct transition of RSRVs128 between them. In one embodiment, storage at room temperature Direct access from tubing zone 101 to cooled storage zones 102 and 103 is the most convenient. Since it is suitable, the additional access portal 110 can be optionally omitted. Seth Portal 110 is a dual-zone embodiment, and the second storage zone 102 This is also omitted in embodiments where the third storage zone 103 is not adjacent to each other.

[0043] The multi-zone ASRS100 has one or more storage zones, for example, storage zone 1 For controlling the temperature or environmental parameters and conditions of 02 and 103, for example, a chiller ( Environmental control devices such as refrigerators or coolers (cooling units) 111a, fans 111b, heaters, etc. It is equipped with a device. The number, size, and location of environmental control devices are as follows: It is constructed based on the IZ. As illustrated in Figures 1-2, the second storage zone 102 and Each of the third storage zone 103 is fitted with a corresponding chiller 111a installed inside. Each storage zone has a designated storage area for chilled or frozen storage of product items or goods. The internal spaces of 102 and 103 are cooled to the target operating temperature range. In one embodiment, The chiller 111a is located above one of the boundary walls surrounding each of the storage zones 102 and 103. It is installed in the respective sections. For example, the chiller 111a is installed in each of the storage zones 102 and 103. It is installed in the enclosed attic spaces 102a and 103a on the outer wall 106. The chiller 111a is For example, to support cooling applications in multi-zone ASRS100, a wide range of capabilities This is a vaporizer or vaporizing cooler having a configuration that includes a multi-zone. The air is cooled by vaporizing water within the ASRS100. In another embodiment... And one or more fans 111b are connected to the respective enclosures of storage zones 102 and 103. It is located in the enclosed attic spaces 102a and 103a, and in the basement 103b shown in Figure 3. For example, using the central cavity or down shaft of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a, Cool air is circulated from the enclosed attic spaces 102a and 103a to the basement 103b. The shaft provides cooled air from the top of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a to the 3D lattice structure storage It is configured as a duct for circulation at the bottom of the pipe structure 100a. The downshaft is Each storage unit is surrounded by storage units that hold the product items to be cooled. Each is directly connected to a corresponding downshaft, which allows the storage unit to... Ensures that the contents are cooled uniformly throughout the 3D grid-structured storage system 100a. Multizone Down shaft and storage with shelves in the 3D grid structure storage body 100a of ASRS100 The presence of space between the units allows for the temperature of the entire 3D lattice structure storage body 100a to be controlled. It enables optimal airflow for uniformity.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1-2, the chillers 111a in each cooling storage zone 102, 103 are internally separated. Not one of walls 104 and 105, but their outer perimeter walls 106, and 107a, 107b It is installed in one of them. For example, the chiller 111a is installed in the outer wall 106. This allows the operation of the RSRVs 128 within the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a to be performed without interruption. , chiller 111a and other such environmental control from outside the 3D grid structure storage body 100a You can access the equipment to perform inspection, repair, or maintenance. Chiller 111a or others For example, the environmental control equipment is used on the peripheral walls 106, 107a of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a. By directly attaching it to the chiller 111a or other environmental control equipment, The system is installed in another location within the facility, and cooled air is circulated into the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a. Multi The Zone ASRS100 can be implemented as a standalone, self-contained system. Furthermore, chillers 111a or other environmental control devices are installed, for example, on the surrounding walls 106, 107a, and Inside the upper portion that rises directly upright from the outer periphery of 107b, there is a 3D lattice structure storage structure 10 By providing 0a, chillers 111a or other environmental control equipment can be stored in a 3D grid structure. It can be installed within the two-dimensional (2D) occupied area of ​​the structure 100a. In order to externally position the cooling device outside the 2D occupied area of ​​the substructure storage body 100a, a 3D grid This avoids the need to provide a large plenum on the outside of the perimeter of the substructure storage body 100a itself. This is possible. Boundary walls 104, 105, 1 are erect from the upper track layout 122. The upper portions of 06, 107a, and 107b are for housing the chiller 111a or other equipment. Therefore, the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone located above the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Loft or attic spaces 102a and 103a are created in pipe zone 103, respectively, and RSR Vs128 accesses from the first storage zone 101 at room temperature via an access portal, for example, an access port. After entering via zones 108a and 108b, the cooling of these storage zones 102 and 103 It can be transitioned within the internal environment. In another embodiment, the environmental control device is a ticker - It has a heater instead of 111a, and the heater creates a reservoir of heated air. In this embodiment, the environmental control device has a heater in addition to the chiller 111a, and thereby This creates a reservoir of temperature-controlled air.

[0045] In order to completely enclose the cooled storage zones 102 and 103, in one embodiment, Then, a zone ceiling (not shown) made with appropriate insulation is placed against boundary walls 104, 105, and 106. , are installed on the tops of 107a and 107b. In Figures 1-3, the cooled second storage To illustrate the internal spaces of Zone 102 and the third storage zone 103, the zone ceilings have been omitted. In another embodiment, boundary walls 104, 105, 106, 107a, and 1 If 07b reaches the facility's existing ceiling structure, the boundary wall of the multizone ASRS100 Separate insulated zone ceilings installed in 104, 105, 106, 107a, and 107b Instead of adopting a well, the existing facility's ceiling structure was used to create a cooled storage zone 102. And finish 103, completely enclosing the temperature-controlled space inside. Similar options The boundary walls 104, 105, 106, 107a, and 107b are located within the existing facilities of the facility. In embodiments where it extends completely to the floor, it is used at the bottom of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. In another embodiment, the lower track layout of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Boundary walls 104, 105 of each cooled storage zone 102, 103 below T126 A separate insulated zone floor is configured so that the area extends between 106, 107a, and 107b. This is done. A chiller-equipped room above the storage column 123 of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. Similar to the root spaces 102a and 103a, RSRVs 128 are located below the storage column 123. At its underground level, the cooled second storage zone 102 and third storage zone 103 It is configured to move horizontally within a temperature-controlled interior. Illustrated in Figures 1-2. In such an embodiment, the upper track layout 122 in the first storage zone 101 The ambient temperature attic space above the first track area 122a is the cooled second storage zone 1 Attic spaces 102a and 1, which are covered by the ceiling and enclosed by walls of storage zones 02 and 3 103 Unlike 03a, it is not enclosed and remains completely open to the surrounding environment. It is held. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a This creates an outer wall that almost completely encloses all four sides of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. Material 101a is attached to its outer periphery to visually conceal its interior.

[0046] Storage zone 10 of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a in the multi-zone ASRS100 The division into 1, 102, and 103 is the cooled second storage zone 102 and third storage zone Internal partitions 104 and 105, and perimeter walls 106 and 107, completely enclose the 103. a, and 107b are isolated by a cooperative relationship with the ceiling and floor of the zone or facility. However, the first group or of the storage columns 123 of the overall 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Busset is present in a room temperature environment within the environmentally exposed first storage zone 101, The second and third groups of storage columns 123 of the overall 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Alternatively, the subset includes the cooled second storage zone 102 and the frozen third storage zone 10 It is located in a cooled environment within 3. In one embodiment, in a cooled storage zone 102 And in order to maintain near-complete isolation between 103 and the room temperature storage zone 101, Access portals 108a, 109a, 108b, 109b, and 110 are, respectively, The RSRVs128 is equipped with a strip curtain configured to allow it to pass through. Another implementation In terms of form, access portals 108a, 108b, 109a, 109b, and 110 Each of them is configured to open automatically when an RSRVs128 approaches or arrives, and Equipped with electronically operated doors that can be selectively opened and closed, for example, 3D grid structure storage The RSRVs 128 are configured to be controlled wirelessly for movement and operation within the structure 100a. The computerized control system (CCS) of the multizone ASRS100 At the system level, or by actuators, remote control systems, or other means Under any of the vehicle-level automatic control systems, when the RSRV128 approaches or arrives, it will automatically Configured to open to the target. Cooled second storage zone 102 and third storage zone 10 Both the storage column 123 and the access shaft 124 inside 3 are individually insulated. There is no need to cover the top with a cover, and in some embodiments, it is always left uncovered. The access shaft 124 is kept uncovered at all times, thereby allowing the upper track Enter the second storage zone 102 or the third storage zone 103, which has been cooled by the cleanout 122. Any RSRV128 that does so should first carry out or wait to remove such insulation cover. Any access shaft 12 within the cooled storage zone 102 or 103 4 can be easily descended.

[0047] As described above, the upper track layout 122 further extends to the first storage zone 101. Multiple buffer spots 112a in the second storage zone 102, at least one Buffer spot 112b, and at least one buffer in the third storage zone 103 It has multiple buffer spots, including Fast Spot 112c. Buffer Spot 11 2a, 112b, and 112c are access portals for partitions 104 and 105, respectively. Proximity to one corresponding to each of 108a, 109a, 108b, 109b, and 110 They are then positioned. Each of the buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c is, A shelf assembly sized to accommodate the storage of one storage unit is mounted on top of it. (Figure 1) As shown in ~2, each shelf assembly is supported by a set of four 125b uprights. It consists of a pair of parallel shelf rails 125a. Each upright 125b has a buffer spoiler. At each corner of track 112a, 112b, or 112c, track area 1 It is installed at the intersection of two orthogonal rails in 22a, 122b, or 122c. Each shelf The 125a is located on the sides of each of the buffer spots 112a, 112b, or 112c. Extending along the rails, the distance between the two shelf rails 125a is equal to the width of the storage unit with each square base. Smaller than. The open space between the two shelf rails 125a is a buffer spot. Unloading of storage unit 127 in set 112a, 112b, or 112c (drop During the operation, the storage unit 127 is pushed from RSRV128 onto shelf rail 125a. Therefore, the extendable / retractable arm 136 of the RSRV128, as shown in Figures 5A-5B, is used in two ways. It allows insertion between two shelf rails 125a. Similarly, the space between shelf rails 125a The pace is set after the storage unit 127 is placed on the shelf rail 125a, then RSRV128 By raising the height-adjustable wheelset, for example, the lower surface of the storage unit 127 and When the extendable / retractable arm 136 is disengaged and lowered, the extension of the RSRV 128 This enables the storage of the extendable / retractable arm 136, thereby allowing the buffer spot 11 Temporarily place the storage unit 127 in 2a, 112b, or 112c, and then use the RSRV 128 To allow them to perform other tasks.

[0048] During the subsequent pickup of the storage unit 127, the reverse process is performed, namely extending the arm 136 of the RSRV128 between the shelf rails 125a and lowering the height adjustable wheel set to raise the upper support platform 138 of the RSRV128 shown in FIGS. 5A - 5B, engaging the extended arm 136 under the storage unit 127, and then retracting the arm 136 to lift the storage unit 127 onto the upper support platform 138 of the RSRV128. The unloading and pickup of the storage unit 127 at the buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c is thus similar to the loading and unloading or retrieval of the storage unit 127 equipped with shelf boards at the storage locations of the shelf boards of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100. In various embodiments, the specific structure of the shelf assembly and the specific provisions on or near the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a accessible by the RSRVs 128 operating on it vary. The multi - zone ASRS100 further comprises at least one adjacent work station 114, 115. For example, two work stations 114 and 115, as shown in FIG. 1, are adjacent to the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100. Therefore, the shelf brackets in the storage columns 123 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a are equally spaced on the shelf rails 125a of the buffer spots 112a, 112b, and 112c, enabling the sliding in and out of the shelf brackets of the storage unit 127, similar to the placement, removal, or retrieval of the storage unit 127 equipped with shelf boards at the storage locations of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100. In various embodiments, the specific structure of the shelf assembly and the specific provisions on or near the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a accessible by the RSRVs 128 operating on it vary. For the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100 equipped with shelf boards, the placement and removal or retrieval of the storage unit 127 are the same. In various embodiments, the specific structure of the shelf assembly and the specific provisions on or near the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a accessible by the RSRVs 128 operating on it vary. The placement and removal or retrieval of the storage unit 127 at the storage locations equipped with shelf boards of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100 are the same. In various embodiments, the specific structure of the shelf assembly and the specific provisions on or near the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a accessible by the RSRVs 128 operating on it vary. In various embodiments, the specific structure of the shelf assembly and the operation of the RSRVs 128 on the upper track layout 122 at accessible positions of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a vary. The specific provisions on or near the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a accessible by the RSRVs 128 operating on it vary.

[0049] The multi - zone ASRS100 further comprises at least one adjacent work station 114, 115. For example, two work stations 114 and 115, as shown in FIG. 1, are adjacent to the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a of the multi - zone ASRS100. It is mounted on the outer perimeter side. Each of the work stations 114 and 115 is an RSRV s128 is an extension configured to enter and exit work stations 114 and 115. Track layout of the lower track on the outer perimeter side of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a Immediately adjacent to 126, below the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a shown in Figures 3-4 It is directly connected to track layout 126.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the work station 114 is a single point A It has an access configuration, and only the storage unit at a single point can operate at any given time. It is accessible to human or robotic workers at Station 114. In one embodiment, the single-point work station 114 is connected to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PC). T) International application numbers PCT / CA2019 / 050404 and PCT / CA2019 / 05 This is of the type disclosed in 0815, and the lower part of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a The short extension track of rack layout 126 is located at the elongated counter of work station 114. It extends longitudinally below the top surface 116a. A long, narrow countertop 11 6a is an extension of the lower track layout 126 in the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a It constitutes a single picking port 117a covering an access spot on the rack. RSRV128, which carries the pipe unit, is located on the lower track of the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a. Drive on and along the extension track from Out 126 and park at the access spot. Therefore, a human or robotic worker can, for example, take the storage unit from the picking port 117a. Access knitwear, pick product items from there, and process customer orders. It can be delivered to work station 114 by RSRVs128 at will. and similarly pick from one or more additional storage units transported through it. After consolidating one or more other product items and those product items, the order processing It is configured so that the rationale is to be carried out. The single-point work station 114 is immediate or rapid Orders that have been prioritized or scheduled for expedited pickup or delivery It is for use.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the work station 115 is a multi-point access point It has a configuration in which two storage units are located at the work station 115, or Simultaneous access for robot operators, allowing product eyes from a single storage unit. This enables picking for placing items into other storage units. In one embodiment, This multipoint work station 115 is the PCT International Application No. PCT / I of the present applicant. This type is disclosed in B2020 / 054380, and the entirety is referenced in this specification. It shall be incorporated into the document. In one embodiment, each multipoint work station 11 5 has an L-shaped configuration consisting of a first leg portion 115a and a second leg portion 115b. The first leg portion 115a of the 115 extends outward from the outer peripheral side of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a It protrudes. The second leg portion 115b of the work station 115 is a 3D grid structure storage structure. It extends parallel to the outer periphery of 100a. In one embodiment, the work station 115 The two lower tracks occupy the first leg portion 115a and are two spot widths, in a series The first spot is from the lower track layout 126 of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a. extends outwardly and then a series of second spots extend back to the lower track layout 126 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a. Thus, the RSRV128 that transports the storage unit on the lower track layout 126 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a is configured to travel on the circulation transition path inside the first leg 115a of the work station 115, shift from there to the outgoing path, and then return thereto. The RSRV128 is located below the picking port 117b arranged on the countertop 116b of the work station 115 so that a human or robot operator can pick a product item from the storage unit, and is configured to park at a position existing on the

[0052] return half of the transition path, and then return the storage unit into the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a. The second leg 115b of the multi-point work station 115 has a loading port 118 that opens through the countertop 116b of the work station 115 overlapping the access spot. This loading port overlaps not with the RSRV hauling extension of the lower track layout 126 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a, but with a short conveyor (not shown) on which the storage unit is unloaded by the RSRVs 128 operating on the lower track layout 126 of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a. Thus, the Product items picked up from storage units transported by different RSRVs circulating the road. The order is placed into the order bin waiting at loading port 118. The order bin is filled. Once filled with the specified product items for an order, the filled order bins are placed on a conveyor belt. The bins proceed along the route to the pickup point, and from there, the filled order bins are 3D RSRV128 on the lower track layout 126 of the lattice structure storage body 100a It will be recovered. This RSRV128, either alone or in conjunction with another RSRV128, will be used for customer To temporarily store or pack filled order bins for later collection during customer pickup or delivery. To file the orders, the bins are placed in the storage area of ​​the 3D grid structure storage body 100a. To assume that role.

[0053] In the embodiment of the multipoint work station 115 shown in Figure 1, a human and The storage unit is positioned in a way that allows robot operators to access it. The input penetrates the work surface around the countertop 116b of the work station 115. It is an access port. In another embodiment, the multiple point work station 115 Other structures and configurations include access points and other closed passages that route storage units. This is carried out regardless of whether the port in is specially opened or not. Similarly, a certain implementation In this configuration, a conveyor-based route is implemented to serve one access point, and the other A truck-based vehicle route will be implemented to serve as the access point, but two A scenario with a truck-based vehicle route and two conveyor-based vehicle routes Other combinations will also be implemented, including the scenarios that are already available.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, both work stations 114 and 115 are at room temperature. 1. Lower track layout of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a in storage zone 101 It is connected to 126, thereby the RSRVs128 is a cooled second storage zone These operations are performed in a normal temperature environment, not from either of the 102 or 3rd storage zone 103. Storage units are provided at both stations 114 and 115. (See Figure 1 for multi-zone) ASRS100 is located on the common periphery side of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. It has two work stations 114 and 115, but includes multiple work stations. In other embodiments, the work station is located on different sides of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a Distributed. Work stations 114 and 11 connected to the first storage zone 101 at room temperature. In addition to 5, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A-6B, a cooled second storage unit In either or both of zone 102 and the third storage zone 103, one or more additional For example, work station 139 is located in the lower track layout 12 It is connected to 6. The additional work station is the RSRVs128 cooled storage zone. To enable transitions between 102 or 103 and adjacent work stations, for example, see Figure 3 Accessing the work station via the illustrated access portal, for example, access portal 107c Then, an opening is formed by penetrating one or more of the outer walls 106, 107a, and 107b. Then, one or both of the cooled second storage zone 102 and third storage zone 103 are placed inside. In another embodiment, it is connected to the lower track layout 126. Such work stations located in zones 102 and 103 are in a cooled storage zone Specializing only in orders that include product items from either or both of lines 102 and 103. Access point between the room temperature storage zone 101 and the cooled storage zones 102 and 103 Similar to 108a, 109a, 108b, 109b, and 110, in one embodiment For example, the access portal for the work station, for instance, access portal 107c, is stripped Equipped with a curtain, electronically controlled door, or other closure that can be selectively opened while normally closed. The work station is insulated from the cooled storage zone 102 or 103, and is kept at room temperature. Enables order picking at the border. The single-point work station 114 enables rapid picking. Used for pickup / delivery needs, while another multi-point work station 115 For later pickup / delivery, the ordered items in the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a Used for temporary storage or buffering. In other embodiments, multizone AS The RS100 can optionally run in single-station or multi-station scenarios. In Rio, only one or the other type of work station 114 or 115 is employed. do.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the multizone ASRS100 is further shown in Figure 1. The system includes a bin exchange area 119. The bin exchange area 119 is located in the outbound container. It has a bear 121 and an adjacent inbound conveyor 120. A121 is the lower track layout of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a on one side. It extends outward from 126. As illustrated in Figure 1, outbound con Bear 121 is in the first storage zone 101 at ambient temperature of the multi-zone ASRS100, 3 The lower track layout 126 of the D-grid structure storage body 100a extends outward. The inbound conveyor 120 that is in contact with the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a is on the same side. The bin exchange area 119 is located adjacent to and parallel to the bound conveyor 121. As disclosed in the detailed explanation regarding 4-25, in order to perform the bin replacement work, A tobound conveyor 121 and an adjacent inbound conveyor 120 are employed.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an example of a multizone ASRS100 adopted by one embodiment of this specification. The upper track layout 122 and lower track of the storage structure of the three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure A partial cross-section of the Clueside 126, a multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (AS A partially excised perspective view of RS)100 is shown. In one embodiment, multizone ASRS1 The track layout of 00 is as shown in Figure 3, for the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a It has a lower track layout 126 located below the storage area. In this embodiment, The bulkhead 104 has a lower portion that rises upright from the lower track layout 126. This involves multiple portals, for example, 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b, with lower tracking. The first track area 126a and the second track area of ​​the layout 126 (shown in Figure 3) (Not included), and the lower track layout that connects the third track area 126c to each other To accommodate the connecting track segment 126b of the T126, a bulkhead 10 is placed in its lower portion. It is configured to penetrate through 4 and open. As shown in Figure 3, the full-span bulkhead 104 The lower portion includes at least one access portal 108a, 109a, 108b, or 1 09b and, in a certain embodiment, the first storage zone 101 to the second storage zone 102 and Each of the third storage zones 103 has a pair of access ports that open through the partition wall 104. It has 108a, 109a and / or 108b, 109b.

[0057] Similar to the upper track layout 122, the lower track layout 126 is the lower active Through Seth Portal 108a, 109a, 108b, and 109b, to the first storage zone 1 The first track area 126a of the lower track layout 126 located within 01 is the Lower track racks located in storage zone 102 and storage zone 103, respectively. Connecting track to the second track area and third track area 126c of Out 126 It has a back segment 126b. Therefore, the lower access portals 108a and 109 The linked track segments of the lower track layout 126 pass through a, 108b, and 109b By riding on the ment 126b, the RSRVs 128 enter the first storage zone 101. In contrast, it enters and exits the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103, and also the first storage zone Return to 101. Various practical applications of RSRV routing techniques disclosed herein. In this configuration, RSRVs12 enter and exit storage zones 2 102 and 3 103. Both the entrance and exit of 8 are used in the upper track layout 122, and therefore The entrance and exit access portals 108a, 108b, and 109a, 10 9b is implemented in the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a, and at the lower track level The transition of RSRVs 128 between storage zones 101, 102, and 103 is second Exit direction from storage zone 102 and third storage zone 103 back to first storage zone 101 Limited to one-way transfer, in this case, between the first storage zone 101 at room temperature and the cooled storage zone A single lower access portal is used between each of the 102 and 103 sections. Similar to the access portal 110 in the upper track layout 122, in one embodiment So, what about additional access points between the second storage zone 102 and the third storage zone 103? A tar (not shown) is optionally provided in the lower part of the partition wall 105 of a partial span, and Between the second track area and the third track area 126c of track layout 126 This enables direct migration of RSRVs128. In one embodiment, the first storage zone 101 The first group of storage locations, and the second group of storage locations in the second storage zone 102, and In one embodiment, storage stored in the third group of storage locations in the third storage zone 103 The unit consists of a first storage zone 101, a second storage zone 102, and a third storage zone 103. Multiple work stations attached to the track layout 126 that extends continuously, For example, it is accessible by either 114 or 115 shown in Figure 1. be.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the multizone ASRS100 shown in Figures 1-3, according to one embodiment of this specification. This is an isometric view from the top of the storage structure 100a, which employs a three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure. Figure 4 illustrates a small-scale example of the structural framework of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a. As shown, the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a is below ground level or near ground level. Above track layout 126, which is a coincided and aligned grid structure arranged in a horizontal plane. It features an upper track layout 122 of a grid structure arranged on an elevated horizontal plane. Between the upper and lower track layouts 122 and 126, which have a grid structure, there is a storage area. There is a 3D array of locations. Each storage location has a storage unit 127 inside. It is configured to hold. The storage locations are arranged in vertical storage columns 123, and these vertical storage In column 123, storage locations with equal square area are aligned with each other. 123 is configured to receive the storage unit 127 inside. Each of the columns 123 is adjacent to a vertically upright access shaft 124, and this access Through the shaft, the storage location of the corresponding storage column 123 can be accessed. .

[0059] The multizone ASRS100 disclosed herein is a multizone as shown in Figures 1-3. All different environmentally controlled storage zones of the ASRS100, for example, storage zone 1 Robot handler or robot configured to operate on 01, 102 and 103 It has a common set of 128 storage / recovery vehicles (RSRVs), and the RSRVs 128 are in different environments When transitioning between controlled storage zones 101, 102, and 103, multizone Optimized buffering of RSRVs128 within ASRS100. The fleet of 128 consists of upper track layouts 122 and 126. Each is traversed horizontally in two dimensions, and in the third vertical dimension, an open access shaft 1 Transition vertically via 24, thereby connecting with the upper track layout 122 and the track layout It is configured to transition between and 126. RSRVs128 is stored in a storage location. The pipe unit 127 is configured for loading and retrieval. RSRVs 128 further As shown in Figure 1, the first track area 122a, the second track area 12 2b, and the upper track layout 122 in the third track area 122c Then, access the first, second, and third groups of storage locations, respectively. It is configured as follows: RSRVs128 further consists of the first track, as illustrated in Figure 3. Area 126a, the second track area (not shown), and the third track area 126c It is configured to run on track layout 126.

[0060] RSRVs128 are further connected in between, as shown in Figures 15 and 24. The upper track layout 122 is connected via the linked track segment 122d. Track 1 area 122a, Track 2 area 122b, and Track 3 area 1 It is configured to move between 22c. Similarly, RSRVs128 are shown in Figure 3. As shown, via the connecting track segment 126b connected between them, the lower track Track layout 126: First track area 126a, second track area (not shown) , and further configured to move between the third track area 126c. In the application configuration, RSRVs128 is a different storage column 123, and RSRVs128 is a different storage column 123. Between accessible access locations, at least one track layout, for example, on Move along the track layout 122 to the storage unit 12 for the storage column 123 It is configured to perform loading (depositing) and retrieval (taking out) of items 7. The access location is where storage column 123 is clustered and RSRVs128 is stored. Empty access configured to move to multiple levels of column 123 It consists of shafts 124. Each of the empty access shafts 124 has a small number of storage columns 123. They are adjacent to each other, and storage unit 127 can be placed there, and each empty The RSRVs 128 can be recovered (removed) from inside the Seth shaft 124.

[0061] Each of the upper track layout 122 and the lower track layout 126 is A pair of X-direction rails 129 lying in the X direction of each horizontal plane, and in the Y direction of the same horizontal plane It consists of an X-direction rail 129 and a pair of Y-direction rails 130 that intersect perpendicularly with it. Intersecting rails 129 and 130 define the horizontal reference grid of the 3D grid structure storage body 100a. Each horizontal grid row is defined and separated between adjacent pairs of X-direction rails 129. Each horizontal grid row is separated between adjacent pairs of Y-direction rails 130. Each intersection between the child column and one horizontal grid column is in the respective vertical storage column 123. The ∇ indicates the two-dimensional position of each vertical access shaft. That is, each storage car The ram 123 and each access shaft 124 are the respective X, Y orthogonal coordinate points of the reference grid. In this configuration, the space between the two X-direction rails 129 and the two Y-direction rails 130 is They are placed in their respective areas. Upper track layout 122 or lower track In any of the layouts 126, separated between the four rails 129 and 130 The areas corresponding to each of these are, in this specification, track layout 122 or 126 Each of these is referred to as a "spot". Therefore, the 3D grid structure storage structure 10 The 3D address of each storage location in 0a is the storage column 1 where that storage location is located. The vertical level at the X and Y coordinates of 23, where the storage location is located within the storage column 123. It will be the result of adding the 'L' or Z coordinate.

[0062] Each upright frame member 131 is connected to the X-direction rail 129 and the Y-direction rail 130. At each intersection between them, the upper track layout 122 and the lower track layout 126 It stretches vertically between them, thereby working in cooperation with track rails 129 and 130 , for housing and organizing a 3D array of storage units 127 within a skeletal framework, 3D Define the skeletal framework of the child structure storage structure 100a. As a result, the 3D lattice structure storage structure 10 Each access shaft 124 of 0a is at its four corners, the entire access shaft 124 It consists of four vertical frame members 131 that extend to a height. Each frame member 131 is part of the frame section On two sides of material 131, in series in the vertical Z direction of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a Each rack tooth is positioned and constitutes a set of teeth. Therefore, each access shaft The T124 has two sets of racks at each corner of the access shaft 124, for a total of eight sets. It consists of rack teeth. These 8 sets of rack teeth are RSRVs1 as shown in Figures 5A-5B. In cooperation with the eight pinion wheels 133b provided on each of the 28, a 3D grid structure Through the access shaft 124 of the storage structure 100a, in the upward and downward directions Each RSRVs1 between the upper track layout 122 and the lower track layout 126 Enables 28 vertical transitions.

[0063] Figure 5A shows a multi-zone automated storage system according to one embodiment of this specification, as shown in Figures 1-3. In the retrieval system (ASRS: multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system) 100 The adopted robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) 128 and compatible storage units Figure 127. Each RSRV128 has a round conveyor wheel 133a and a toothed pinion. It consists of a wheeled frame or chassis 132, including both on-wheels 133b. The feed wheel 133a is in track-riding mode, and is a three-dimensional (3D) 3D wheel as shown in Figure 4. Upper track layout 122 and lower track layout of substructure storage body 100a On top of 126, RSRV128 is configured to move horizontally overall. The pinion wheel 133b is attached to the access shaft 1 with rack in shaft transition mode. To move the RSRV128 vertically overall via 24, the transport wheel 133 It is positioned inside a. Each toothed pinion wheel 133b and its respective transport wheel Lu 133a is part of a composite single wheel unit, either the whole or a small part of it. Even without it, the transport wheel 133a is either the upper track layout 122 or the lower track layout For use of the transport wheel 133a in track riding mode on the I-Out 126, RS The RV128 can be extended horizontally outward from the vehicle, and the pinion wheel 133b is shown in Figure 4. The shaft engages with the rack teeth of the upright frame member 131 of the access shaft 124. For use of toothed pinion wheel 133b in transition mode, inside the RSRV128 It can be stored horizontally in the direction. Therefore, the extension of the transport wheel 133a outside the vehicle is R SRV128 is shown in Figure 4 as upper track layout 122 or lower track layout To enable track riding on track rails 129 and 130 of out 126, The overall area occupied by the RSRV128 exceeds the square area of ​​each access shaft 124. The size is enlarged, while the inward reversal of the transport wheel 133a is performed by the access shaft 124 To allow the entire RSRV128 to pass through, the overall occupied area of ​​the RSRV128 Reduce the size to a size smaller than the square area of ​​each access shaft 124.

[0064] On the two opposing sides of the RSRV128 are sets of four X-direction wheel units. They are arranged in pairs, and the RSRV128 is located on the upper part of the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a. Drive on the X-direction rail 129 of the lower track layout 122 or the lower track layout 126. It moves. On the other two opposing sides of the RSRV128, there are four pairs of Y-direction wheel units. It is positioned as follows, and the RSRV128 is on the upper track of the 3D grid structure storage structure 100a. Driven on the Y-direction rail 130 of layout 122 or lower track layout 126 A set of wheel units is fixed to the frame or chassis 132 of the RSRV128. Rising or A set of lowerable, height-adjustable wheel units. 3D grid structure storage structure 100 a on either the upper track layout 122 or the lower track layout 126 Such height adjustment relative to the other wheel unit is possible with two sets of wheel units. Which of the two is currently the upper track layout 122 or the lower track layout 1 It contacts each of the 26 rails 129 and 130 and controls which one does not make contact. This allows the RSRV128 to switch between X-direction travel mode and Y-direction travel mode. It is operable to operate in such a way when the vehicle is in an external position seated on the upper track layout 122. Lifting one set of wheel units allows access to the other set of wheel units. It is also operable to be lowered to engage with the rack teeth of the ft 124, and then raised. The wheel unit was also shifted into the cabin, which in turn allowed the upper track of the RSRV128 to The transition from the cleared 122 to the access shaft 124 is complete, and the vehicle descends through it. This enables driving. Similarly, the vehicle is positioned outside the vehicle, seated on the lower track layout 126. Sometimes lowering one set of wheel units makes it difficult to access the other sets of wheel units. It can also be operated to raise to engage with the rack teeth of shaft 124, and then lower. The wheel unit was also shifted into the vehicle, thereby allowing the RSRV128 to be used as a truck. The transition from track mode to shaft transition mode is completed. In one embodiment, RSRV128 A lifting mechanism, defined separately and installed in the lower track layout 126, is provided by the applicant. PCT application numbers PCT / CA2019 / 050404 and PCT / CA2019 / 05 As disclosed on 0815, RSRV128 is moved from the lower track layout 126. Used to perform pneumatic lifting or raising on the access shaft 124 located on the upper level. It will be done.

[0065] Each RSRV128 also has an upper support plate on which a storage unit 127 can be carried. It is equipped with a support platform 138. The upper support platform 138 is fixed to the outer deck surface 1 It has a rotatable turret 135 surrounded by 34. The rotatable turret 135 rotates A rotatable turret 135 is mounted in a diametrically grooved hole in the turret 135. Diameterally oriented grooves move linearly in and out of the deployed position that protrudes outward from the outer edge of 35. It has an extendable / retractable arm 136 that is supported to move internally.

[0066] Figure 5B shows a robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) according to one embodiment of the foregoing, as shown in Figure 5A. )128 and a compatible storage unit 127 are shown in the figure, and the storage unit 127 The storage unit 127 engages with the RSRV128 to push or pull it up. The extension of the arm 136 of the rotatable turret 135 of the RSRV128 is shown. Arm 136 is, for example, attached to a shuttle that can move back and forth along arm 36. The catch member 137 is supported on top of it, and the alignment catch on the lower side of the storage unit 127 It is designed to engage with the catch mechanism. In conjunction with the rotation function of the turret 135, the catch part Material 137 supports the storage unit 127 from above on all four sides of RSRV128. The platform 138 is pulled towards the storage unit 127, and the upper support platform To allow for extrusion from the 138, each RSRV128 is shown in Figure 4. An arbitrary access shaft 1 in the storage structure 100a of the shown three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure Storage units 127 on any of the 24 sides can be accessed, and the 3D grid structure is preserved. For optimal storage density in the pipe structure 100a, the four sides of the access shaft 124 The fully enclosed access shaft 12 is surrounded by storage columns 123. It includes 4. That is, each RSRV128 has four different access shafts 124 Reach one of the storage locations on either side, and to the selected storage location, From there, an optional access system is used to place or retrieve each storage unit 127. It is possible to operate in four different working positions within the shaft 124. In one embodiment, such The four working positions are determined by the rotation of the turret 135 on which the arm 136 is mounted, and RSRV1 A single movable arm 136 is used to work with 28 different sides. This is achieved, but in other embodiments, storage units are located on all four sides of the RSRV128. Other configurations are employed to enable interaction and engagement, for example, RSRV12 Using multiple arms that can be deployed on 8 different sides, from any of its four sides It enables selective extension of the muscle.

[0067] The framework of the 3D lattice structure storage unit 100a is provided with a set of shelf brackets in each storage location. It consists of a set and works together to create shelves for the storage unit 127 currently stored in the storage location. This is formed so that any storage unit 127 can be a predetermined storage unit within the same storage column 123. RSRVs It can be retrieved from its storage location by one of the 128. This allows for 3D Even at any level in the lattice structure storage frame, the storage unit 127 can be placed in a predetermined storage position. It can be returned to its original position. Therefore, the two-dimensional track layouts 122 and 126 Through horizontal navigation, each RSRV128 is located on the access shaft 124. It is configured to access either one, and within it, vertically in a three-dimensional upward or downward direction. Move to access one of the storage locations and from there load or unload the storage unit 127. It can be withdrawn.

[0068] Figure 6A is a perspective view of the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval (ASRS) 100 as seen from the top. Yes, according to the embodiments herein, the storage unit 127 containing product items is stored in a storage zone While maintaining the environment, workers can access product items with abnormal temperatures in a normal temperature environment. To enable operation, the storage zones of the multi-zone ASRS100, for example, This figure shows a work station 139 attached to storage zone 103 at room temperature. In addition to the work stations 114 and 115 connected to storage zone 101, In this state, as illustrated in Figures 6A to 6B, the cooled second storage zone 102 and In one or both of the third storage zone 103, one or more additional work stations For example, a work station 139 is connected to the lower track layout 126. As illustrated in Figure 6A, an additional work station 139 is shown, for example, in Figure 3. Workstation access portal 107 that penetrates and opens into the outer perimeter wall 107b. via c, between the cooled third storage zone 103 and the adjacent work station 139 So that RSRVs128 can be moved, the lower trap is in the cooled third storage zone 103 It is connected to the clewade 126. In this embodiment, the work station 139 is, for example To manage orders that include product items from the cooled third storage zone 103, It is placed in the rejected third storage zone 103. The storage unit 127 is for order processing. To enable the retrieval of product items, such as frozen goods, work station 139 It is submitted to picking port 140.

[0069] Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the work station 139 shown in Figure 6A, according to one embodiment of this specification. This is a diagram. The work station 139 is one of the storage zones, for example, the cooled third storage zone. It is directly attached to the 103, and a human worker cools the storage unit 127. The storage unit, which was kept in the third storage zone 103, was submitted to the picking port 140. From Knit 127 onwards, it's now possible to pick frozen / chilled products at room temperature. The work station 139 is configured to have thermal insulation properties.

[0070] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the present specification in which customer orders are processed from automated storage and retrieval (ASRS). Includes a supply facility 12 that supplies replenishment stock to a number of smaller receiving facilities 14 where orders are processed. , in a supply chain or distribution network, for example, 12, 14 interconnected This is a diagram showing the group of facilities. In this embodiment, the ASR adopted at each of the receiving facilities 14 S is the multizone ASRS100 disclosed in the detailed explanation in Figures 1-3. In the embodiments of the specification, similar AS units of the same type are used. Based on the replenishment of inventory levels from another facility 12 optionally equipped with RS, as shown in Figures 1-3. We implemented inventory level management using the ASRS type, thereby managing two facilities 12, 1 The transport of inventory between facilities 12 and 14 is carried out using ASRS-compliant storage units. The apparatus and techniques disclosed herein for the purpose of such inventory management are available at Facility 1 Either ASRS 2 or 14 is a multizone ASRS100, or single-zone It will be adopted regardless of whether it is ASRS. Facilities 14 where stock is replenished will be In the details, facility 12, which is referred to as a "receiving facility" and to which replenishment stock is supplied, is referred to in this specification as " It is referred to as a "supply facility." Furthermore, storage units are shipped from supply facility 12 with new inventory. In this specification, the bin will be referred to as the "supply bin," and will also be present in the ASRS of the receiving facility 14. In this specification, the storage unit is referred to as a "stock bin". In one embodiment, the receiving facility 14 This is an order processing facility where customer orders are processed for pickup or delivery. Both supply facilities 12 are located in multiple order processing facilities in different locales within a larger geographical area. It is a larger regional distribution facility that supplies replenishment inventory to processing facilities.

[0071] In the embodiment, the transport vehicles used between centers are, for example, as shown in the reference. The entirety of the present applicant's PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2 is incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed in 020 / 051721 and PCT / IB2020 / 052287 This involves larger, more holistic facilities and vehicles within the supply chain or distribution ecosystem. It is part of both networks. In one embodiment, a four-tiered hierarchy of different facility types is employed. The four layers consist of mega-facilities, macro-facilities, micro-facilities, and nano-facilities. In this order, the number of facilities in each category increases with each category, and the individual size of each facility is the same for each category. It decreases with each gorilla. Generally, mega-facilities receive products from manufacturers and suppliers first. It forms an entry point into the facility's network, and the nano facility allows products to enter the facility's network. It creates exit points. Products enter and exit the facility's network at various locations. Each facility has the same three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure as disclosed in the detailed explanations in Figures 4 and 5A-5B. It consists of a storage structure and an RSRV-type ASRS, and as a result, the product Within each facility, within storage units of the same or similar size and configuration that conform to the ASRS It is transported between them. Figure 7 shows that supply facility 12 is a macro distribution center of a nationwide facility network. - These are macro facilities, and the receiving facility 14 is a micro facility such as a micro order processing center. The system is set up so that customer orders are processed, and the processed orders are, in this embodiment, optional As an option, it is shipped to further downstream, nearby nano-facilities, and picked directly by the customer. Last Leg Delivery: Uploading or processing orders and delivering them to the customer's home or business location. This shows an example of either a pickup by a member. In the embodiment, an additional nanofacility The part is omitted, and in that case, pickup by the customer or Last Leg delivery person is the pickup location. It will be carried out directly at facility 14.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a 1:1 exchange of transportable storage units according to one embodiment of this specification. This is an architectural block diagram of System 800 for executing an inventory replenishment workflow. The system 800 disclosed herein encompasses the entire supply chain or distribution ecosystem. The system monitors and controls the movement of storage units within the body. System 800 controls the storage units Control and monitor the sourcing, storage, transportation, and tracking of inventory included in the product, and the customer's response from there. The system processes the order. System 800 uses a high-level computer programming language. It consists of multiple programmable computer systems, as shown in Figure 8. In one embodiment, the system 800 includes a central computing system 801 and a supply facility. A computerized facility management system (FMS) 805 consisting of 12 components, and a receiving facility A computerized control system (CCS) 817 consisting of 14 components, and a supply facility 1 For example, inter-node transport to perform the exchange of storage units between 2 and the receiving facility 14. Each of the 813 vehicles is equipped with a computerized vehicle management system (VMS) 8 It consists of combinations with 14. Computing systems 801, 805, 817 and 814 are implemented using programmed, purpose-specific hardware. The supply facility 12 is a multi-zone type or single as illustrated in Figures 1-3. It accommodates a zone-type ASRS (Automated Storage and Retieval System) 804. The receiving facility 14 is a multi-zone type, or single, as shown in Figures 1-3. It accommodates the ASRS816 of the Luzone type.

[0073] The central computing system 801 is, for example, connected to the internet and other wide-area networks. Connected to a network interface that is integrated into a communication network such as a network. One or more processors, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 802, and as described herein. The executable software that the processor runs to execute the multiple processes shown. One or more non-transient computer-readable storage media or memories on which the data is stored. It consists of a data storage device. In this specification, "non-transient computer-readable data storage" is used. A "storage medium" refers to all devices that store and save computer programs and data. This refers to computer-readable media. Examples of computer-readable media include hard drives and solid-state drives. Read-only memory, optical or magnetic disks, memory chips, read-only memory ROM, register memory, processor cache, random access memory (RAM) It consists of the following. The data storage device is one or more databases, for example, the following Among the other data disclosed, one of the storage units shown in Figures 10A-10B The Bin ID is used for the purpose of inventory storage and order processing, and is a service of the operating entity. The unique identifier (Vendor_ID) of multiple vendors that have a contract or subscribed to the, and the vendor The system stores the inventory catalog for each inventory item or product that it provides to its customers. A central database 803 is configured to be stored or saved within the Tem 800. To be used, the central computing system 801 and the host thereof The term "central" in relation to the central database 803 refers to facilities 12 and of system 800. Each of the 14 is operably connected to, for example, each of the inter-node transport vehicles 813. This merely indicates its state as a shared resource, and all its components exist in a common location. This does not mean that it must be present.

[0074] In this specification, "communication network" means, for example, the internet, wireless network Bluetooth, Inc.'s Bluetooth® registered trademark is implemented in communication networks such as Wi-Fi. A communication network that implements Alliance Corporation's Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ultra-wideband (UW) B: Ultra-Wideband) Communication Network, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) The communication network implements ZigBee®, a registered trademark of ZigBee Alliance Corporation. Communication networks, General Packet Radio Systems (GPRS) (vice) Network, Global System for Mobile (GSM) Mobile communication networks such as communication networks (m for Mobile), code division multiplexing access CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network, 3rd generation (3G) migration Mobile communication network, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication network, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication Shin Network, Long Term Evolution (LTE) Mobile communication networks, public telephone networks and other mobile communication networks, local area networks Work, wide area network, internet connection network, infrared communication network Networks, or networks formed by any combination of these networks Examples include the following: The communication network is FMS805, VMS814, and CCS 817 enables communication with each other and with the central computing system 801. I'll do that.

[0075] In one embodiment, the system 800 disclosed herein is a cloud computing system. It is implemented in the environment. As used herein, "cloud computing environment" refers to a structure Possible computing physical and logical resources, such as networks, servers Batteries, storage media, virtual machines, applications, services, and communication networks. This refers to a processing environment composed of distributed data. (Cloud computing) The environment is an offload of configurable computing physical and logical resources into a shared pool. Provides on-demand network access. In one embodiment, as disclosed herein System 800 enables an inventory replenishment workflow that includes a one-to-one exchange of transportable storage units. A cloud computing-based platform implemented as a service for execution. It is a form. In this embodiment, the central computing system 801 and the central In this specification, each of the following refers to a cloud-based computing platform. It is called a form and cloud database. In one embodiment, it is computerized FMS805 and CCS817 are located within the premises of supply facility 12 and receiving facility 14. It is implemented as on-premises software that is installed and executed on each user. In this embodiment, the VMS814 is a control within the premises of each transport vehicle, such as the 813. It will be implemented as on-premise software installed and run on a computer.

[0076] The computerized FMS805 is installed at supply facility 12. It is connected to a communication network, such as the Internet or other wide-area networks. One or more processors connected to a network interface, for example, One or more local computers consisting of a central processing unit (CPU) 806, and this specification One or more processors are executed to run multiple processes disclosed in the document. A non-transient, computer-readable memory containing executable software for that purpose. It comprises one or more data storage devices consisting of a single medium. Alternatively, multiple databases, for example, a row for storing data related to supply facility 12. The CAL facility database 808 is configured. The local computer of FMS805 is wide-area In addition to network connectivity, one or more local area networks of supply facility 12 Work 807, for example, is installed in a local wireless network, thereby, At least one of the computer systems is capable of communicating with the automated bin processing system of the supply facility 12. Yes, there is. The automated bin processing system is, for example, a robot handler or robot in the supply facility 12. From the storage / recovery vehicle (RSRV) 809 and various conveyors 811 and other processing equipment Yes. Also, via the local area network 807, the local controller of FMS805 At least one of the computers is operated by a human worker, conveyor 811, and storage unit. For example, fixed and / or mobile humans to guide the execution of various tasks. Workstations and the components of the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) 810 It communicates with other devices and equipment. In one embodiment, the system 800 communicates with each of the storage units. To track this in real time, it communicates operationally with the FMS805 at supply facility 12. It is further equipped with an indoor positioning system 812.

[0077] The computerized VMS814 controls transport vehicles between each node of the system 800, for example Each VMS 814 is mounted on the transport vehicle 813. To execute the process, executable software for execution by the processor One or more data records consisting of non-transient computer-readable storage media in which data is stored. One or more processors connected to a device, such as a central processing unit (CPU) It consists of one or more local computers. The data storage device is Local vehicle that stores data related to a specific transport vehicle 813 and its transport content. Both databases are configured. In one embodiment, a wireless communication unit operates on the transport vehicle 813. They are coupled together as possible. The wireless communication unit is, for example, a wide-area communication device, and facilities 12 and 1 During the transport of the storage unit between 4 and 4, the position of the transport vehicle 813 and the position of the storage unit One of the locations is the central computing system 801, FMS805, and CC. It is configured to communicate with the S817. For example, the VMS814 processor is wireless. Wide-area communication equipment, such as cellular communication equipment, is connected to a wireless wide-area network, such as a cell network. It communicates with the central computing system 801 via the Ra network. In this configuration, a positioning unit, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, is installed on the transport vehicle 81 It is operably coupled to 3. The positioning unit determines the position of the transport vehicle 813, and Next, determine the location of one of the storage units being transported by transport vehicle 813. It is configured such that the GPS device is one of the local computers of the transport vehicle 813. At the very least, it is connected to one processor and tracks the movement of transport vehicle 813 via GPS. Then, the calculated GPS coordinates of transport vehicle 813 are transmitted to the central computing system 80 Shared with each local computer for communication to 1. In one embodiment, transport The GPS device of vehicle 813 operates independently of the local computer of VMS814, and is centrally located The system communicates directly with the computing system 801 to report GPS coordinates. In this embodiment, The VMS814 local computer is located on a local area network. Furthermore, at least one local computer is capable of communicating with the storage unit. Embodiment So, VMS814 is a bin processing device, for example, a bin carafe installed in a transport vehicle 813. It is coupled to cell 815 in an operable and communicative manner.

[0078] The CCS817 configured in receiving facility 14 includes RSRVs128 and work station 11 Controls 4, 115, 139, and conveyors 120 and 121 to manage ordered items. A 1:1 exchange of transportable storage units is performed between the supply facility 12 and the receiving facility 14, as shown in the figure. As disclosed in the detailed description in section 9, the operation of RSRVs128 within ASRS816 It is for control purposes.

[0079] The processor disclosed above is a computer program or a set of commands, instructions, Alternatively, any one or more microprocessors capable of performing state transitions. CPU device, finite state machine, computer, microcontroller, digital signal programmer Rosser, logic circuit, logic unit, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), chips, etc., or any of them This refers to a combination. In one embodiment, each of the processors is, for example, programmed A processor consisting of an chromator and a numerical or graphics coprocessor. It will be implemented as a set. System 800 is not limited to employing a processor. In this embodiment, the system 800 employs a controller or microcontroller. .

[0080] The network interface disclosed above is, for example, an infrared interface. - An interface that implements Wi-Fi®, a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Universal Serial Bus Interface, FireWire® registered trademark of Apple Inc. It is one or more interfaces. Ethernet interface, FrameR Cable interface, digital subscriber line interface , Token Ring interface, peripheral controller interconnect interface Local area network interface, wide area network interface Interfaces using serial protocols, interfaces using parallel protocols Interface, Ethernet communication interface, asynchronous transfer mode interface High-speed serial interface, fiber distributed data interface, transmission control Protocol / Internet Protocol-based interfaces, satellite technology, high-frequency technology One or more interfaces based on wireless communication technologies such as short-range wireless communication. These are some examples.

[0081] Databases of System 800, for example, Central Database 803, Local Facility Database The TabBase 808, local vehicle database, is used to store data and files. This refers to any storage area or medium that can be used. A database is, for example, Microsoft (registered Trademarks) SQL Server (registered trademark), Oracle (registered trademark) servers, MySQL AB Limited Company MySQL® database, MongoDB, Inc. MongoDB (registered trademark), Neo Tech Neo4j graph database from Nology Corporation, Cassand from the Apache Software Foundation RA database, Apache Software Foundation's HBase® database, etc. Structured Query Language (SQL) data store or not It can be either a NoSQL (or SQL) data store. In one embodiment, In another embodiment, the database can be a location on the file system. The database is accessed via a communication network through computing systems 801 and 80. It can be accessed remotely by 5, 814, and 817. Another embodiment So, the database is cloud-based, implemented in a cloud computing environment. It is configured as a database, and computing resources are accessed via a communication network. It is offered as a service.

[0082] In one embodiment, a storage unit for storing product inventory is transported from a supply facility 12 to a transport vehicle 81 It is loaded onto 3 and received at receiving facility 14, and at receiving facility 14, it is entered into ASRS816, for example, Multizone ASRS100 or singlezone A as shown in Figures 1-3 and Figure 9 Automatically guided into the SRS. Multizone ASRS100 or singlezone AS RS is a type that is compatible with a predetermined type of each storage unit. In this embodiment, product The storage unit that stores inventory is the outbound storage unit from the receiving facility 14, for example, empty storage The unit is replaced, and as a result, the outbound storage unit is moved from the receiving facility 14 to the supply facility 12 It will be loaded onto transport vehicle 813 for transport to [destination]. Storage unit for storing product inventory and outbound shipment. Both storage units are of the same predetermined type that conforms to ASRS816 of receiving facility 14. In the embodiments of this specification, for example, a receiving facility 14 such as a micro order processing center. During automated induction, forward and reverse storage units are exchanged 1:1 during the replenishment process. The method described herein improves the shipping and receiving process and microphone Eliminate the relevant transit areas at order processing and distribution center sites to streamline logistics. By streamlining operations and significantly reducing labor, property, and resource requirements, the company can... It makes operations predictable, orderly, and easier to monitor in real time.

[0083] Figure 9 shows a computerized control system (CCS) 817 according to one embodiment of this specification. Using this, robots in an automated warehouse (ASRS), for example, a multi-zone ASRS100 The system manages commands and controls the operation of the Restroom / Recovery Vehicle (RSRV) 128. The architectural block diagram is shown. The system components are CCS817, multizone AS RS100, RSRVs128 fleet (group of vehicles), and work station 114, It consists of 115 and 139. CCS817 is composed of work stations 114, 115 , and the RSRVs128 fleet in 139, and Human-Machine Inter The face (HMIs) 141 and the light guidance system 142 communicate in an operable manner. HMIs 141 of work stations 114, 115, and 139 are located in receiving facility 1. A display for showing instructions to human workers for picking and placing tasks in step 4. It consists of a screen. The light induction system 142 is, for example, a put-to... It has a light guidance system and a pick-to-light guidance system.

[0084] In one embodiment, the CCS817 uses a high-level computer programming language to perform It is a programmable computer system. The CCS817 is a programmed purpose-driven system. It is implemented using the hardware. In the system disclosed herein, CCS 817 is ASRS, for example, multizone ASRS100, RSRVs128, and Interfaces with work stations 114, 115, and 139, and also implements In terms of configuration, it consists of a central computing system 801 and a facility management system 8 for supply facilities 12. 05, and the vehicle management system 814 of the transport vehicle 813 illustrated in Figure 8 and interoperate To take a face and therefore execute the workflow at receiving facility 14, one or more A specifically programmed computing system is used. An example is shown in Figure 9. As shown, the CCS817 further includes a data bus 818, a display device 821, Network interface 822, Network interface 822 jointly It has at least one processor 820 and a common module 823. Data bus 818 refers to modules in CCS817, such as modules 820, 821, and 822. 823 and 824 enable communication between them. Display device 821 displays graphs Graphical User Interface (GUI) 821a Through this, users such as system administrators can update digital records for customer orders. This can trigger actions such as entering inventory information or updating database tables. To enable this, for example, information for executing workflows within the system, display input User interface elements such as surfaces and checkboxes, input text fields Displays the world, etc. The CCS817 accepts input from the system administrator. GUI821a is rendered to the display device 821. GUI821a is an example For example, an online web interface, a web-based downloadable application Communication interface, mobile-based downloadable application It consists of a surface, etc. The display device 821 displays the GUI 821a. The network interface 822 is connected to the communication network, CCS Enables connection to the 817 communication network. Common module 823 of the CCS817. Examples include input / output (I / O) controllers, input devices, output devices, and hardware. Fixed media drives such as disks, and removers for receiving removable media. It consists of a Blu-ray media drive, etc. Operating the CCS817 requires a computer app. Applications and programs are used. The program is loaded onto a fixed media drive. It is then loaded into memory unit 824 via a removable media drive. In this embodiment, the computer application and program communicate the communication network It is loaded directly into the memory unit 824 via this method.

[0085] The CCS817 is further coupled to the processor 820 in a non-transient manner. It has a computer-readable storage medium, for example, a memory unit 824. It is used to store program instructions, applications, and data. Mori Unit 824 is a module of CCS817, for example, modules 824a to 824. It stores computer program instructions defined by d. Memory unit 824 is To execute the workflow at receiving facility 14, a module of CCS817, for example, Executes computer program instructions defined by Joule 824a-824d. Therefore, it is coupled to the processor 820 in an operable and communicative manner. Processor 820 This executes modules of the CCS817, such as modules 824a to 824d. The memory unit 824 may be, for example, random access memory (RAM) or other types. It is a dynamic memory device that stores information and instructions for execution by the processor 820. Furthermore, the memory unit 824 is used during the execution of instructions by the processor 820. It stores temporal variables and other intermediate information. In one embodiment, CCS817 is a process Read-only memory (RO) for storing static information and instructions for execution by the 820. It has Ms) or other types of static storage devices. In one embodiment, the CCS817 module Modules, for example, modules 824a to 824d and 825 are connected to memory unit 824. It is stored.

[0086] The memory unit 824 is configured to store computer program instructions. And when these instructions are executed by processor(s) 820, processor (Multiple options allowed) For 820, configure the operation of RSRVs128 within the multizone ASRS100 as follows: Controlled in this way through the execution of computer program instructions by processor 820. CCS817 consists of a first storage zone 101 and a second storage zone, as shown in Figures 1-3. 102, and in some embodiments, a multizone ASRS10 including a third storage zone 103 In 0, the following method is performed. For illustrative purposes, in one example, the first storage zone 101 is The second storage zone 102 is a room temperature storage zone with an operating temperature of room temperature, and the second storage zone 102 is a chilled operating zone. The chilled storage zone has a temperature, and the third storage zone 103 has a freezing operating temperature. This is the frozen storage zone. The target storage unit stored in the second storage zone 102 As part of the recovery task related to the second storage zone 102 requiring recovery, CCS817 This involves retrieval tasks related to the second storage zone 102, located in the first storage zone 101. Assigned to the first RSRV selected from RSRVs128, and also to the first RSRV (a) From the first storage zone 101, through one of the portals that open into it, the second storage zone (b) Move to 102, and before entering the second storage zone 102 through that portal while moving. To move one of the storage units currently installed in the first RSRV to the first storage zone 101. Issue a command to unload the cargo at one of the buffer spots.

[0087] In the additional steps of the recovery task related to the second storage zone 102, CCS817, Furthermore, when the first RSRV enters the second storage zone 102, within the second storage zone 102 Pick up the buffered storage unit from one of the buffer spots, and then the second From that buffer spot in storage zone 102, the data stored in the second storage zone 102 - The storage unit of the -get is heading towards the access point in the second storage zone 102 where it can be retrieved. Before moving and retrieving the target storage unit at the access location, pick The upgraded storage unit is placed in one of the available storage locations within the second storage zone 102. A command is issued to do so. In one embodiment, CCS817 is located within the second storage zone 102. Of the available storage locations, the one available on the upstream side is the one in the second storage zone 102. Any of the storage locations located along the path from the Fast Spot to the access location, and / Alternatively, it may be available downstream and located along the path from the access point to the exit portal. Select an available storage location within the second storage zone 102 from among the listed storage locations. do.

[0088] CCS817 retrieves the target storage unit stored in the second storage zone 102, and Delivery to the elephant storage unit work station, for example, 114, 115, or 139. To facilitate product picking from targeted storage units at work stations Therefore, by issuing a command to the first RSRV, the second storage zone 102 is associated with Complete the recovery task. Complete the recovery task related to the second storage zone 102 and the first Following product picking from the target storage unit transported by RSRV, CCS81 7 issues a command to the 1st RSRV or a different RSRV to target the storage unit. Place the goods in one of the buffer spots in storage zone 102, and then in storage zone 2 Exit 02. Associated with the second storage zone 102, the first RSRV and different RS As part of the subsequent recovery task assigned to the second RSRV selected from among the RVs, To retrieve another target storage unit stored in the second storage zone 102, CCS 817, in relation to the second RSRV, (a) enters the second storage zone 102, and (b) the second storage Pick up the stored storage units from the buffer spot in Zone 102, ( c) Other target storage units can be retrieved from the buffer spot in the second storage zone 102. (d) move towards the access location in the second storage zone 102, and at the access location, Before retrieving the target storage unit, check the buffer spot in the second storage zone 102 or Then, the picked-up storage unit is placed in one of the available storage locations in the second storage zone 102. A command is issued to place the goods in the second storage zone 1. In one embodiment, the CCS817 issues a command to place the goods in the second storage zone 1. Available upstream, located on the path from the buffer spot within 02 to the access point. Any of the available storage locations, and / or along the path from the access location to the exit portal. From among the storage locations located downstream, select the second storage zone 102 Select an available storage location within the system.

[0089] In one embodiment, the CCS817 is a storage unit stored in the second storage zone 102. The task is to move one of the unnecessary items from the pack to one of the storage locations for the second group. One of the storage units stored in Zone 102 will be placed in the second group of storage units. Assign it to one of the RSRVs128 that are assigned to retrieve data from a location. In one embodiment, the second storage zone 102 has more RSRVs 12 than the first storage zone 101. It is characterized by a harsh operating environment for 8. In this embodiment, the second storage zone 102 is While selecting one of the RSRVs128 to assign to any related retrieval task, C CS817 is more recent than RSRVs128, which were located in the second storage zone 102. Prioritize RSRVs 128 that have been absent from the second storage zone 102 for a longer period. In this embodiment, CCS817 is the last to be in the second storage zone 1 of RSRVs128 The exit time when 02 is exited is recorded. In this embodiment, the second storage zone 102 is associated with While selecting RSRVs128 for any optional recovery task, CCS817 is the second retainer. Tube Zone 102 is more recent than RSRVs 128 which were present in the second storage zone 10 Prioritizing RSRVs128, which had been absent for a longer period since version 2, the withdrawal of RSRVs128 Compare the output times. Embodiments of this specification use RSRVs128 as multizone ASRS1 While operating within 00, RSRVs128 is in an emergency temperature, cooling, chilling, or freezing ring. Reduce exposure to the environment, thereby protecting their circuits and components. This maintains throughput performance.

[0090] In the example implementation of the system shown in Figure 9, CCS817 is the order management module 82 4a, Task assignment module 824b, Robot management module 824c, Bin sorting It consists of an integration and exchange module 824d and a facility database 825. The management module 824a receives the ordered goods to be processed at the receiving facility 14 and manages them. Defines computer program instructions for doing so. The order management module 824a defines the instructions for doing so. It is configured to update the digital records of orders in database 825. In one embodiment, the order management module 824a is further disclosed in the detailed description of Figure 22. As is the case, demand forecasting and existing inventory held in multizone ASRS100 Based on the inventory, the necessary replenishment stock is calculated. Also, the order management module 824a is shown in Figure 8. A replenishment order is sent to the computerized facility management system 805 of the supply facility 12 shown in the diagram. I believe so. Task assignment module 824 is disclosed in detail in Figures 11-25. To that end, the multizone ASRS100 and the work stations 114, 115, and 1 Regarding item 39, the operation of storage, retrieval, storage zone transition, delivery, and return Defines a computer program instruction to assign the 'sc' to RSRVs128. The bot management module 824c communicates with the task assignment module 824b, as shown in Figure 1. As disclosed in the detailed descriptions 1-25, the multizone ASRS100 and work Regarding stations 114, 115, and 139, various storage, retrieval, and storage zone transitions. To carry out delivery and return operations, one or more of the RSRVs128 are initiated. The bin sorting, integration, and exchange module 824d is disclosed in detail in Figures 23-25. As described, a computer program for performing bin sorting, consolidation, and exchange operations. Define the command.

[0091] The CCS817 processor 820 is designed to perform the respective functions disclosed earlier. Order management module 824a, task assignment module 824b, robot management module Life as defined by module 824c and bin sorting integration and replacement module 824d The command is read. Processor 820 reads the instructions for executing the module, for example, the module. Read the instructions for executing routes 824a to 824d from memory unit 824. The instructions that the processor 820 fetched from the memory unit 824 after processing were returned. It is then coded. After processing and decoding, processor 820 executes each instruction, and then Therefore, one or more processes defined by those instructions are executed. CCS8 17 operating systems include input devices, output devices, and memory units. Execute module 824, for example, modules 824a~824d, 825. Perform multiple routines to carry out the multiple tasks necessary for the allocation. The tasks performed by the operating system include, for example, modules 824a to 82 Memory allocation for data used by modules such as 4d, 825, etc., and CCS817. This involves data transfer and input / output operations between the memory unit 824 and the disk unit. And so on. The operating system performs tasks in response to operational requests. Furthermore, after the task is completed, the operating system will transfer execution control to processor 820. Return. Processor 820 continues execution to obtain one or more outputs.

[0092] For explanatory purposes, a detailed explanation will refer to a single computer system, namely CCS81. Modules running locally on 7, for example, modules 824a~824d and 8 As mentioned in 25, the scope of the embodiments herein is limited to operating systems and pro A module running locally on a single computer system via Sessa 820. This is not limited to modules 824a-824d and 825, for example, the web By employing a browser and remote server, mobile phone, or other electronic device, It may be extended to operate remotely via a communication network. In one embodiment, One or more computing portions of the systems disclosed herein are communication networks Distributed across one or more computer systems (not shown) connected to a network. ru.

[0093] The non-transient computer-readable storage media disclosed herein differ at the receiving facility 14. To execute the workflow, a computer program that can be run by processor 820 It stores Gram instructions. Computer program instructions are various embodiments disclosed above. The process is implemented and required to run the workflow at receiving facility 14, and is timely. Perform any additional steps that may be required. The computer program instruction is executed by processor 820. When executed by, the computer program instructions are sent to the processor 820, The steps for executing the workflow at the receiving facility 14 disclosed herein will be implemented. In one embodiment, computer program code including computer program instructions A single piece is as disclosed above and in the detailed description in Figures 11-25. Implement one or more steps of the law. Processor 820 is used in these computers. Reads and executes program instructions.

[0094] A module, engine, or unit, as used herein, is a hardware A refers to any combination of software and firmware. For example, A roulette, engine, or unit consists of hardware such as a microcontroller and a motor. Computer program code adapted to be executed by the microcontroller In some cases, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is associated with storing it. Therefore, in a certain embodiment, the module, or engine, or unit The reference refers to computer programs stored on non-transient computer-readable storage media. This refers to hardware specifically configured to recognize and / or execute a code. Computer program code, consisting of computer-readable and executable instructions, is a program of any kind. It can be implemented in programming languages ​​such as C, C++, C#, Java (registered trademark), and JavaSc. ript (registered trademark), Fortran, Ruby, Perl (registered trademark), Python (registered trademark), Visual Basic sic (registered trademark), Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Microsoft (registered trademark).NE Examples include T and Objective-C (registered trademark). Others include object-oriented programming, functional programming, and S&M. Crypto and / or logic programming languages ​​can also be used. In one embodiment, Computer program code or software program is object code. It is stored on or within one or more media. In another embodiment, it is a "module". The terms "engine" or "unit" refer to a microcontroller and non- This refers to a combination with a transient computer-readable storage medium. In many cases, they are separate. The boundaries of modules, engines, or units shown in the illustration are common to all. They change and potentially overlap. For example, modules, engines, or units, Sharing hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof However, there are potentially several independent hardware, software, or firmware components. It holds the wear. In various embodiments, it is a module or engine or unit. The set contains any appropriate logic.

[0095] Figures 10A to 10B show the central computing shown in Figure 8 according to one embodiment of this specification. This diagram shows the database overview of the central database 803 of the 801 system. In one embodiment of the organizational schematic diagram of database 803, the central database 803 is a vendor - Table 1001, Vendor's Product Table 1003, Vendor's Inventory Table 100 4. Equipment table 1006, transport vehicle table 1007, storage bin table 1008, storage Table 1009 of contents in tubes, Table 1010 of storage location, Picked orders (PO ) Bin table 1011, picker order (PO) Bin contents table 1012, finish Order (FO) Bin Table 1013, Customer Table 1014, Customer Order Table 10 15. Order line item table 1016, supply shipment table 1017, and Shipping details table 1018 is the applicant's PCT international patent application number PCT / IB2020 / 0 This is disclosed in 51721, which is disclosed herein by reference in its entirety. Vendor Table 1001 contains the vendor identifier (Vendor_ID) and the vendors that are enrolled. - Additional details for 1002, such as the official company name, address, and billing information, are included. Yes. For each vendor identified in vendor table 1001, each vendor Product table 1003 and vendor inventory table 1004 are stored in the central database 803. Collaboratively define a vendor product catalog 1005 for that specific vendor within the organization.

[0096] In one embodiment, each product record in the vendor product table 1003 is one of the products Alternatively, multiple product attributes (e.g., size, color, etc.), the product's supply chain ecosystem While moving within the system, there are specific actions that must be taken for that product type. or based on vendor-specific product processing data and value-added services (VAS) that define the conditions One or more changes made by an entity to a product (e.g., repackaging, labeling, price tagging) Vendor-specific custom data that defines security tagging, for example, Due to the nature of the product, to prevent damage, leakage, or spoilage, or to avoid or prevent product hazards, To stop, minimize, or otherwise require a controlled environment for a specific product, or This includes environmental data regarding the lack of requirements. Examples of environmental data include frozen foods. Instructions regarding the need for freezing, and instructions regarding chilled but not frozen foods. Instructions regarding the need for aged storage, for general items that do not require specific controlled environmental conditions. In response, there are instructions regarding the permissibility of environmental preservation. In one embodiment, a central computing system Stem801 uses environmental data to determine the receiving facilities in the supply chain ecosystem and and various environmentally different or environmentally controlled in transport vehicles (e.g., 813) Determine and control the placement of products in storage zones or areas.

[0097] Figure 10A shows the response from the central database 803 to a query for a specific product_ID. To describe the various data that can be retrieved, a unique identifier is used, for example, Facility. _ID / Vehicle_ID, Location_ID, and Bin_ID are included in the vendor's inventory table 1004. In one embodiment, the data is stored in the vendor's inventory table 1004. The data is retrieved through relationships with other tables without including any redundancy. The illustration of redundant data between other tables disclosed herein is for similar explanatory purposes. Therefore, in order to reduce the redundancy of such data, a more normalized database structure is used. It will become clear that it is acceptable to actually implement the design.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10A, the facility table 1006 of the central database 803 is as follows: , a static field containing the Facility_ID for each facility, and additional information about that facility Related information, for example, the address and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of that street, In one embodiment, the facility has an environmentally controlled storage capacity, for example, chilled storage. Identify whether it has a cold storage zone and / or a frozen storage zone, or only a room temperature storage zone. It consists of records containing environmental data for the purpose of supply chain If all facilities equally have environmentally separated storage zones, this environmental data The data is omitted from facility table 1006. The transport vehicle table in central database 803. Each of the RU1007s represents a transport vehicle within the supply chain ecosystem. The static field of Vehicle_ID and the facility to which the transport vehicle is to go afterwards. The record consists of at least a variable destination field of Facility_ID. The transport vehicle table 1007 relates to the environmentally controlled storage capacity of transport vehicles. It further includes a field of data. In the embodiment, the entire supply chain ecosystem If all transport vehicles are equally equipped with environmentally separated storage zones, this environment The data is omitted from the transport vehicle table 1007. In one embodiment, the transport vehicle table 1007 is the type of transport vehicle, the current or last recorded GPS coordinates of the transport vehicle, and This consists of and / or the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the destination facility.

[0099] The storage bin table 1008 of the central database 803 is the system 800 shown in Figure 8. The Bin_ID of all storage units (also called "storage bins") is assigned to each record. They are stored. Each one is located at the Facility_ID of the facility where the storage unit currently exists. Alternatively, each storage unit will have the Vehicle_ID of the transport vehicle currently present, and the storage unit will have If it is currently stored in one of the indexed storage arrays of the facility or transport vehicle, The Location_ID of the specific storage location where the storage unit exists, or where the storage unit is located A robot handler or a dynamic storage area on a conveyor that is moved within or outside the facility. The location_ID is stored in each record. In embodiments configured as a compartment storage (MCS) bin, each storage unit The record identifies each compartment within each compartment of the MCS bin. It also includes a compartment field for storing children (Compartment_ID). Single In embodiments where only compartment storage (SCS) bins are used, the storage unit record The code does not include compartment fields. In the embodiment, storage bin table 10 08 stores environmental flags indicating the environmental conditions or requirements for the contents of the storage unit. In terms of form, the storage bin contents table 1009 of the central database 803 is for each storage bin The contents of each compartment, including their contents, can be tracked.

[0100] The global storage location table 1010 of the central database 803 contains all facilities and exports. List all indexed storage locations in the indexed storage array for transport vehicles. It is being used. Therefore, each record in this global storage location table 1010 is a The Location_ID of each storage location within Stem 800, and the F of the facility where the storage location resides. acility_ID, or Vehicle_ID of the transport vehicle where the storage location exists, and the ring to which that storage location belongs. Environmental status indicators that reflect the environmental control category, and their storage location currently stored If there are storage bins or order bins, it will be composed of the Bin_ID of those bins. Environment status The indicators indicate the ambient temperature storage zone, chilled storage zone, and of a designated facility or transport vehicle. This indicates that there is a storage location in the frozen storage zone.

[0101] Indexed storage arrays for all facilities and all transport vehicles, therefore, Fully indexed for global mapping of storage bin locations across the entire System 800. This means that each individual indexed storage location in the entire System 800 is, There, special sizes were used to accommodate the placement and storage of each individual storage unit. This is because it occupies an area of ​​a certain shape, and also, the records in the central database 803 include This is because each location has a location identifier or address (Location_ID), and thus export Due to the inclusion of an indexed storage array in the transport vehicle, The exact location of the storage bins contained in the storage array, even when they are being moved between facilities, However, it is now possible to identify them. Vendor inventory table 1004, facility table 1006 , transport vehicle table 1007, storage bin table 1008, storage bin content table 1009, Through the combination of the global storage location table 1010, the storage units are arranged. All stored in one of the indexed storage arrays compatible with the storage unit The location of each inventory item is recorded and tracked in this way. System 800, for example, in the chilled section. A regular storage environment without an environmentally controlled storage environment consisting of a storage zone and / or a freezing storage zone. In embodiments employing only temperature storage, the vendor's product table 1003 and equipment table Environmental data is omitted from Table 1006, and global storage location table 10 From 10 onwards, the environmental state is omitted.

[0102] In addition to storage units for holding vendor inventory, System 800 includes storage units Pre-picked orders, also known as "PO bins," have the same standardized size and configuration as the bins. We also employ PO (Pre-Order) storage units, and these PO bins contain picked orders. Similarly, this includes indexed storage locations within the facility and the transportation between them. The vehicle can be stored in a 1:1 bin-to-location base. Therefore, The PO bin table 1011 in the central database 803 is similar to the storage bin table 1008. It has the structure of a separate PO bin contents of the central database 803 Table 1012 tracks the contents of each compartment in each PO bin.

[0103] The order number recorded in the PO bin contents table 1012 is used in another customer order table 10 It is searched and assigned from 15. Each record has the order number of the respective customer order. The unique identifier (Customer_ID) of the customer whose order is being processed, and the customer who received the order. The unique identifier (Vendor_ID) of the vendor processing the order, and the information used when creating that customer order. This includes any shipping settings that apply to customer orders. In the related order item table 1016, Each record includes the item number, the order number of the customer order to which the item belongs, and the customer order for that item. The Product_ID(s) of the product type required to satisfy the condition, and the conditions that must be met for that item. This should include the quantity of that product type. Also, each customer's Customer_ID should include each customer's name and address. Along with all other customer account information, such as billing information, there is another customer table 1014 It is stored in [location].

[0104] In addition to the multi-compartment PO bin where picked order items are placed, a certain implementation In terms of form, the System 800 is a complete single-compartment system, also known as the "FO bin". We also employ a form-order (FO) storage unit, and individual customer orders are placed by the customer. The product is then packaged in a finished state, ready for pickup or delivery to the customer. In one embodiment FO bins are smaller, standardized sizes that differ from storage bins and PO bins, for example. For example, they are about half the size of the other bins. Small FO bins are suitable for mega-facilities, macro-facilities. Indexed storage arrays for facilities, micro-facility, and transport vehicles that move between them. It is not suitable, and instead, another type of indexed storage used in nano facilities Size and configured for Ray. FO bin table 10 of central database 803. Each of the 13 records is one of the indexed storage arrays in the facility or transport vehicle where the FO bin is located. If currently stored, each FO bin has one Bin_ID, one or more recipients The order number for a specific customer order where the product is located in the FO bin, and the current existence of each FO bin. The Facility_ID of the facility or the Vehicle_ID of the transport vehicle currently present in each FO bin. , and specific FO bins located in the indexed storage array of the facility or transport vehicle It consists of static fields, including the Location_ID of the storage location.

[0105] The supply and shipping table 1017 in the central database 803 typically contains data for its mega-facility. In addition, the expected inventory supply shipments that are scheduled to deliver new inventory to System 800 are This has been entered. The details of the supply shipment are listed in a separate shipment details table 1018. Each record is a unique identifier (Case_ID) for each case of product in the expected supply shipment. Shipment_ID of the shipment to which the case belongs, Product_ID of the product type included in the case (multiple IDs are allowed) ), and the quantity of the product type found in the case.

[0106] Figure 10C shows a computerized control system (CCS) 8 according to one embodiment of this specification. This shows a schematic diagram of the databases for 17 local facility databases (825 entries). In one embodiment of the organizational structure of the database 825, the local facility database 825 is Facility storage where only each storage location within that specific facility's storage array is indexed. Configure table 825b and instead use the global input for all storage locations across the entire system. The global storage of the central database 803, as shown in Figure 10b, provides the DEX. This is in contrast to location table 1010. Similar to global storage location table 1010, Each record in the equipment storage table 825b contains the Location_ID of its respective storage location, and its storage The environmental control category to which the pipe location belongs, for example, ambient temperature storage zone, chilled storage zone, or Environmental condition indicators reflecting the frozen storage zone, and, if any, the current status at that location. It consists of a static field for the Bin_ID of the storage bin being stored.

[0107] The local facility database 825 further includes each piece of automated equipment, for example, specific A unique identifier for a robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) or conveyor that can operate within the facility. The automated equipment information table 825c includes a static field for Equipment_ID. RSRVs are indexed, and the storage unit is moved within or outside the facility. A dynamic storage location is defined for positioning the storage unit while it is in motion. One embodiment So, the conveyor is used to move storage units within the facility or move them from the facility to transport vehicles. It also defines storage locations for moving storage units from transport vehicles. uipment_ID indicates that the storage unit is located inside or outside the facility and is transported by RSRV or conveyor. When vacated, it is used as the Location_ID of the storage unit, and storage unit This enables continuous tracking of the automated equipment information table 825c, which currently tracks special data inside and outside the facility. Variable values ​​for Bin_ID of storage units held and moved on a fixed RSRV or conveyor. It further enhances the field. The automated equipment information table 825c contains the type of equipment, for example, RSRV or It also stores other information such as the real-time location of conveyors and automated equipment. Another embodiment So, for example, manually operated equipment such as forklifts are also mapped to Equipment_ID, and Define a typical storage location. In this embodiment, the storage unit is operated by a manual device within the facility. When manually operated, the Equipment_ID of the manual operation device is the Location_ID of the storage unit. Used as D, it enables continuous tracking of storage units.

[0108] The local facility database 825 further includes information currently located at that particular facility. List one or more Bin_IDs for all storage units and / or order bins. It includes an on-site bin table 825e. In one embodiment, a local facility database The 825e on-site bin table displays the empty / occupied status and environmental flags for each storage unit. The Location_ID of each storage facility, the Facility_ID of the destination, and the timing data are all individually stored. It is equipped with a field for storage. In the case of a facility with multiple bin types, one embodiment So, each bin type is located in the local facility database 825, and each on-site bin is located within it. It has table 825e. The local facility database 825 contains different information about that facility. Workstation information table containing the unique identifier (Workstation_ID) of the work station. Lu825d, and for each such work station, the execution at that work station Work station type indicating the type of work (e.g., guidance work station, value-added work station) VAS (Vehicle Automation System) work station, kit assembly work station, picking work station This includes (such as a station, a packing station, an order management station, etc.). For example, The location of the work station within the facility is determined by the movement of the RSRV, or by the conveyor or other automated vehicle. Displayed in an address format configured to instruct the transport of the storage unit by the processing unit. or specific work supplies stocked in that work station (for example, packaging supplies, It can identify labeling supplies, tagging supplies, etc. For example, when handling food. Food-grade work stations that meet high hygiene standards for singing, peanut-free, wood It is comprised of subcategories such as nut-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, and dairy-free. These include allergen-safe work stations where allergen products are prohibited. Also, a hazardous materials work station specifically for hazardous materials that is prohibited in other work station categories. There is also a method. In one embodiment, classification is done on a flag basis and at a special work station. Only those with a special classification flag are flagged; if no such flag is present, it indicates a potential allergen. Regardless of the content, anything other than the controlled product class, for example, hazardous materials, exposed This indicates a work station for general goods, such as food, which are permitted. (Local Facility Day) The database 825 further includes the facility tables of the central database 803, as shown in Figure 10A. Facility information for storing content identical or similar to each record in 1006 It is equipped with a table 825a, and in one embodiment, the facility information table 825a is Bin quantity data identifies the amount of empty and occupied storage currently available at the facility. Store data as desired.

[0109] The local facility database 825 is further shown, for example, in Figures 1-3 and 8-9. Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASR) such as the multi-zone ASRS100. Includes robot information table 825f for storing data related to RSRV within S) The CCS817 processor controls the operation of RSRV within the multi-zone ASRS100. To control it, data is read from the robot information table 825f. Bull825f is, for example, a unique identifier assigned to each RSRV, i.e., Robot_ ID, location of multizone ASRS100 and RSRV within the facility, current status of RSRV The Bin_ID of the stored storage unit and each RSRV identify the multizone ASRS100. The time of entry into the storage zone, each RSRV is in a specific storage zone of the multi-zone ASRS100. Time of exit, type of storage zone the RSRV passed through, last storage zone the RSRV entered Time since leaving the facility, time spent in the last storage zone, environmental factors, and temperature factors. What data is included? In one embodiment, the CCS817 measures RSRV between two temperatures. Environmental and temperature factors are used to weight the effects of exposure. Any recovery task related to the piping zone, for example, the chilled storage zone or the frozen storage zone. While selecting one of the RSRVs to assign, the CCS817 processor performs local facility data Access the robot information table 825f in database 825 to access the cooled storage zone Due to the recent RSRV, it will be absent from the cooled storage zone for a longer period than previous RSRVs. Prioritize RSRV. CCS817 is a robot in the local facility database 825. Information table 825f indicates that any RSRV last left the cooled storage zone. Record the time of exit. For any retrieval tasks related to the cooled storage zone. While RSRV is being selected, CCS817 is more recently present in a cooled storage zone. RSRVs that were stored in a cooled storage zone for a longer period of time were superior to those that were stored in a cooled storage zone. To get started, we'll compare the exit times for RSRV (Remote Control Service Restrictions).

[0110] Robot information table 825f shows the location of RSRV within the multizone ASRS100. Storage units held by RSRV, and environmentally controlled multizone ASRS100 Storage zone or temperature-controlled storage zone (also referred to as "temperature zone" in this specification) This allows tracking information related to the last movement of RSRVs to each RSRV. In determining the temperature factor, the current system time, i.e., the CCS clock time and Last_Temp The time span between pZone_Exit_Time and each RSRV is the most environmentally controlled storage zone. This helps determine the time of the last access. In one embodiment, CCS817 is RSR The time span is normalized according to the degree of V's exposure to non-ambient temperatures. For normalization In one embodiment, CCS817 sets Last_TempZone_Exit_Time to Last_TempZone_Entry_Time. By taking the difference using IME, we can determine the time RSRV spent in the environmentally controlled storage zone. Calculate the duration. RSRV has previously been in an environmentally controlled storage zone at a similar time. If access is successful, the length of time each of the RSRVs has spent can be calculated to control the environment. Weighting of RSRVs based on the short time spent in the designated storage zone and therefore close to room temperature. Alternatively, it can be useful for prioritization. For example, if two RSRVs are under the same environmental control at approximately the same time... When leaving the controlled storage zone, each RSRV will remain active in the controlled storage zone it has spent. By calculating the time, the CCS817 optimally determines which RSRV is closest to room temperature. To predict.

[0111] In another embodiment, for example, a micro-fulfillment center (MFC) may be used. If a receiving facility such as nter has multiple environmentally controlled storage zones, CCS81 7 normalizes the temperature coefficient of the RSRV based on the environment or temperature of the storage zone. Because the boundary has a much greater impact on RSRV than the chilled environment, CCS817, The temperature coefficient of each RSRV is adjusted considering the environmental characteristics of each storage zone. The Last_TempZone_Type field in Bull825f specifies the type of environmentally controlled storage zone. The environmental characteristics of the defined and environmentally controlled storage zones are looked up and environmentally based. It can be used to normalize the temperature factor. Next, CCS817 is the temperature coefficient Use this to select the optimal RSRV for a task, such as a pick task. The task is to create an environmentally controlled storage zone, such as a chilled storage zone or a frozen storage zone. If it is located in the zone, CCS817 has a high temperature coefficient RSRV, i.e., the zone is nearby After packing, we selected the RSRV, which spent the most time in an environmentally controlled storage zone. Furthermore, the time spent in the most recent environmentally controlled storage zone and the environmentally controlled storage zone The temperature coefficient is normalized based on the severity of the environment. In conclusion, CCS817 selects RSRV, which has a low temperature coefficient. That is, CCS817 This involves visiting environmentally controlled storage zones, such as chilled or frozen storage zones, in the most recent location. Assign the RSRV to perform the picking task, and the RSRV will then heat up to room temperature. Then return it. Once the storage unit retrieval task is complete, the CCS817 robot... Last_TempZone_Entry_Time and Last_TempZone_Exit_Time in the information table 825f The field is updated. In this embodiment, the CCS817 is configured so that the RSRV is multizone ASRS When switching storage units at 100 buffer spots, the robot information table Update the Last_TempZone_Entry_Time and Last_TempZone_Exit_Time fields of 825f. do not have.

[0112] Figure 10D shows a computerized control system shown in Figure 10C, according to one embodiment of this specification. Robot information table 82 of the local facility database 825 of STEM (CCS) 817 The data stored in 5f is shown as an example. CCS817 is shown in Figures 1-3 and 9. Robot storage / retrieval vehicles (R) operating within a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) 100 Let's consider an example of recording data related to the set of SRVs. This is illustrated in Figures 1-3. The multi-zone ASRS100 has three rings, which are also referred to as "temperature zones" in this specification. Temperature-controlled storage zones, for example, a room temperature storage zone and a refrigerated storage zone, i.e., Figure As illustrated in 10D, a chilled storage zone with an environmental coefficient of 1.2 and 2.3 It consists of a frozen storage zone with an environmental coefficient. Each has a unique identifier, for example, A1. RSRV identified by A5, D4, B1, F2, F3, C3, A3, B2, CC When traversing temperature zones according to the commands issued by S817, CCS817 , corresponding data, for example, Last_TempZone_Entry_Time, Last_TempZone_Exit_Time, The Last_TempZone_Type is stored in the robot information table 8, as illustrated in Figure 10D. Record each RSRV in relation to 25f. Next, CCS817 will record the current system The time, or CCS clock time, is calculated by taking the difference using Last_TempZone_Exit_Time. Therefore, calculate the time span from when each RSRV last left the temperature zone. The CCS clock time is 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 21 seconds, and the RSRV identified as A1 is... If the recorded Last_TempZone_Exit_Time is 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 25 seconds, then CCS817 will: The time span from when A1 last left the temperature zone was calculated to be 296 seconds, and Figure 10D shows... As shown in the diagram, it is recorded in the robot information table 825f. Furthermore, CCS817 By taking the difference between Last_TempZone_Exit_Time and Last_TempZone_Entry_Time, the last Calculate the length of time spent in a temperature zone. For example, CCS817 calculates the length of time spent in a temperature zone where A1 is frozen. The duration of time spent in the pipe zone was calculated to be 32 seconds, and as shown in Figure 10D, the robot The duration is recorded in the information table 825f. Next, the CCS817 records each RSR The temperature coefficient of V can be expressed using, for example, the formula: time span ÷ duration ÷ environmental coefficient of the temperature zone. The calculation is performed using the following method. For example, CCS817 is calculated using the temperature coefficient of A1, as shown in Figure 10D. The number is calculated as 296 / 32 / 2.3 = 4.02. Similarly, CCS817 is shown in Figure 10D. As shown, calculate the temperature coefficients for other RSRVs.

[0113] While selecting RSRV for any recovery task related to temperature zones, CCS817 RSRV is more recent in the temperature zone than longer absence in the temperature zone. Prioritize the RSRV that was found. For example, the robot information table 825 shown in Figure 10D. From the data recorded in f, the CCS817 is used in chilled storage zones and frozen storage zones, etc. RSRV and any recovery tasks related to temperature zones with temperatures lower than room temperature Then select A1. In other words, in this example, CCS817 is lower than the ambient temperature zone. For any recovery task related to a temperature zone having a high temperature, A1 is set to RSRV. Select. If RSRV has accessed a temperature zone at a similar time in the past, RSR The calculation of the length of time each of V spent in a specific temperature zone is done by calculating the time spent in the temperature zone. This helps to weight or prioritize RSRVs that are short and therefore close to room temperature. Then, from the data recorded in the robot information table 825f shown in Figure 10D, CC S817 is when RSRV F3 and C3 arrive at almost the same time, which is 2:25:36 PM. It is determined that the chilled storage zone is being exited. F3 and C3 are in the chilled storage zone respectively. By calculating the duration spent, the CCS817 can determine the robot shown in Figure 10D. The duration that F3 spent in the chilled storage zone, as recorded in information table 825f, is the same as C3. Since it is shorter than that, and therefore the temperature of F3 is close to room temperature, we set F3 to RSRV. To make the optimal selection. In another example, the CCS817 uses a temperature coefficient to make the optimal selection for the picking task. Select the appropriate RSRV. Pick task in temperature zone, such as chilled storage zone or frozen storage zone. If in the zone, CCS817 has a high temperature coefficient RSRV, i.e., last After picking in the zone, select the RSRV that spent the most time in the room temperature storage zone. Select and normalize the temperature coefficient based on the time spent in the last temperature zone and the severity of the temperature zone. Convert. From the data recorded in the robot information table 825f shown in Figure 10D, C CS817 selects A1 as the RSRV with a high temperature coefficient, for example, a temperature coefficient of 4.02. The last time A1 was found was in the frozen storage zone, which has stricter regulations than the chilled storage zone. Regarding the operating environment, the period A1 spent in the frozen storage zone was the same as the period B1 spent in the chilled storage zone. Shorter than the period mentioned, A1 spent an additional 127 seconds in the room temperature storage zone. In this example, CCS817 selects A1 over B1. The picking task is in the room temperature storage zone. In some cases, the data recorded in the robot information table 825f shown in Figure 10D CCS817 recently visited the frozen storage zone to perform a picking task with A3. Therefore, for items that need to be heated back to room temperature, a low temperature coefficient is required, for example, a temperature coefficient of 0. Select A3, which has a value of 0.95.

[0114] Figure 10E shows a row of the vehicle management system 814 shown in Figure 8, according to one embodiment of this specification. A schematic diagram of the CAL vehicle database 826 is shown. As shown in Figure 10E, Each local vehicle database 826 is an export of the central database 803 shown in Figure 10A. Vehicle transport table 1007: Vehicles to store identical or similar content to each record. It includes both information tables 826a. In one embodiment, the vehicle information table 826a is As an option, empty and occupied storage units currently loaded on the transport vehicle Stores bin quantity data that identifies the quantity of the set and / or order bins. Local vehicle data Base 826 further includes vehicle storage table 826b, in which its specific transport Only the storage location for each vehicle storage array is indexed. Each local facility day Similar to the facility storage table 825b of the base 825, each of the rows in the vehicle storage table 826b The code indicates the location of each storage within the indexed storage array of the transport vehicle. The Location_ID, the environmental control category to which the storage location belongs, for example, ambient temperature storage zone, etc. Environmental condition indicators reflecting the cold storage zone, the frozen storage zone, and if any , from the static field for the Bin_ID of the storage unit currently stored in that storage location In one embodiment, the local vehicle database 826 is further installed in the transport vehicle. The automated equipment information table shown in Figure 10c is for storing information about the automated equipment. It has an automated equipment information table 826c similar to 825c. Local vehicle database 826 also includes all storage units currently loaded onto the transport vehicle, for example List one or more in-vehicle bins, such as order bins, supply bins, and empty bins, and Bin_ID. It is equipped with a turntable 826d.

[0115] Figure 11 shows a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to one embodiment of this specification. Computer-based control of the operation of the Robot Storage / Recovery Vehicle (RSRV) A flowchart of the method is shown. Multizone ASRS is used for multiple applications with different temperature requirements. To improve the storage and retrieval of different product items, the RSRV's operation is optimized. The method disclosed herein involves a multi-zone consisting of a first storage zone and a second storage zone. In ASRS, a computer configured to communicate operationally with RSRV A control system (CCS) is employed. In one embodiment, the second storage zone is located in the first storage zone. It is characterized by operating environments that are more demanding for RSRV than for N. For example, the second storage zone This zone is a cooled storage zone with a lower ambient operating temperature than the first storage zone. The first storage zone is a room temperature storage zone, and the second storage zone is a chilled or refrigerated storage zone. Consider an example of a cooled storage zone, such as a frozen storage zone. The method disclosed herein So, the first storage unit in the second storage zone is placed in the first storage location within the second storage zone. Regarding the loading process within the second storage zone, which includes the loading process, CCS will... This involves the first entry task of transporting the first storage unit to the second storage zone, and the second entry task of transporting the first storage unit to the second storage zone. The task is divided into two parts: 1) placing the items in storage location, and 2) placement (step 1101). Then, CC S performs the first entry task and the second placement task within the RSRV located outside the second storage zone. Assign to the first RSRV and second RSRV selected from (step 1102) ). Subsequently, the CCS performs the first entry task and the second placement task, in the first round. Commands are issued to the SRV and the second RSRV (step 1103). In one embodiment, The first entry task is the unloading of the first storage unit into the second storage zone by the first RSRV. This includes the rapid exit of the first RSRV from the second storage zone after unloading. In the first entry task, the unloading performed by the first RSRV is done at a buffer spot by the second RSRV. To retrieve the first storage unit later, the first storage unit is placed in the buffer spot of the second storage zone. This consists of arranging pipe units.

[0116] In one embodiment, the CCS assigns the recovery task related to the second storage zone to the second RSRV. The retrieval task involves retrieving the second storage unit from the second storage location within the second storage zone. This includes the following: The second storage location from which the second storage unit is removed is in the second storage zone. It is available upstream of the buffer spot, and from the buffer spot in the second storage zone Any storage location located along the route to the second storage location in storage zone 2, and / Alternatively, it is available downstream of the second storage location in the second storage zone, and the second storage zone Any of the locations located along the route from the second storage location to the exit portal of the second storage zone It will be selected from among the storage locations.

[0117] Figure 12 shows a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to another embodiment of this specification. A computer is implemented to control the operation of the robotic storage / recovery vehicle (RSRV). A flowchart of the method is shown. The method disclosed herein involves a first storage zone and a second Configured to communicate operationally with RSRV within a multi-zone ASRS including two storage zones. A computerized control system (CCS) is employed. In one embodiment, the second storage zone The zone is characterized by a more demanding operating environment for RSRV than the first storage zone. For example, the second storage zone is cooled to have a lower ambient operating temperature than the first storage zone. This is a storage zone. In one embodiment of the computer implementation method disclosed herein, C CS selects the first RSRV from among the RSRVs located outside the second storage zone, Assign the retrieval task related to the second storage zone (step 1201). Then CC S issues a command to the 1st RSRV (step 1202) and moves to the 2nd storage zone. (Step 1202a) The first storage unit is moved from the first storage location in the second storage zone. Retrieve (step 1202b), exit from the second storage zone, and place outside the second storage zone. Transport the first storage unit to the designated work station (step 1202c). Second storage Before entering the zone, the CCS transports the ambient temperature storage units to the first RSRV. The ambient temperature storage unit is unloaded into a buffer spot within the first temperature storage zone. An order is issued. Load the ambient temperature storage units into the buffer spot of the ambient temperature storage zone 1. After unloading, the first RSRV enters the second storage zone and the first storage location in the second storage zone. The first storage unit was retrieved, the second storage zone was exited, and the order issued by CCS was issued. Following the command, the first storage unit is sent to the work station located outside the second storage zone. To carry a box.

[0118] Product placement to the first storage unit at the work station or from the first storage unit After performing product extraction (step 1203), CCS will select the first RSRV or a different RSR. V transports the first storage unit back from the work station to the second storage zone (step (P1203a), a buffer spot in the second storage zone that is different from the storage location in the second storage zone Command to unload the first storage unit (step 1203b). CCS: After unloading the first storage unit at the buffer spot in the second storage zone, Issue a command to the 1st RSRV or a different RSRV to promptly exit the area. The CCS issues a command to another RSRV, moving from the first storage zone to the second storage zone. Enter the area and pick up the first storage unit from the buffer spot in the second storage zone. The first storage unit will be placed in one of the storage locations in the second storage zone. CCS will also be used by other RSRs. For V, after placing the first storage unit in one of the storage locations within the second storage zone, From a second storage location within a second storage zone, which is different from the storage location where the 1st storage unit was placed. A command is issued to retrieve the second storage unit. The CCS is either a buffer spot or Located on the way to the second storage location within the second storage zone, the second storage available on the upstream side. One of the storage locations within the zone and the downstream side located on the way to the exit of the second storage zone. Select a storage location for the first storage unit from among the available storage locations. Choose.

[0119] Figure 13 shows a computer for executing an order processing workflow according to an embodiment of this specification. This flowchart shows how the user will implement the system. The facility is a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASR). Stored in the ambient temperature storage zone (Zone 1) and the refrigerated storage zone (Zone 2) of S) Consider an example of receiving an order for a product item (step 1301). Multizone ASRS The computerized control system (CCS) receives orders and processes each line item in the order. Create a corresponding pick task and place each pick task in its respective environment-controlled storage zone (here It is classified into a "temperature zone" (step 1302). CCS is the pick task Based on the temperature zone and the temperature coefficient calculated for each RSRV, each pick task is Assign to the most suitable Robot Storage / Retrieval Vehicle (RSRV) (Step 1303). S is a line of items ordered that are stored in Zone 2, which is a cooled storage zone. Determine whether to zone or store (step 1304). One order Alternatively, if multiple line items are zoned into Zone 2, the CCS will be as shown in Figure 17. Using the Zone 2 bin picking process as disclosed in the detailed description, The assigned RS is to retrieve the stored storage units (referred to here as "bins"). Command the RV (step 1305). One or more line items in the order are in zone If zone 2 is not assigned, the CCS will use the normal bin pit for the assigned RSRV. Using the King process, retrieve the designated bottles from Zone 1, which is a room temperature storage zone. Command to do so (step 1306). In one embodiment, a normal bin picking pro In Seth, the assigned RSRV is a three-dimensional (3D) grid structure of the multizone ASRS. The storage structure is tracked on the upper track layout, and then moved to the down shaft of the required bins. Move, clear away unnecessary bottles, move vertically to reach the required bottles, and pick up the required bottles. Picking. In the normal bin picking process, a multizone ASRS buffer No on-demand bottle changes will be made; instead, regular or direct cleanup will be carried out.

[0120] Following orders received from CCS, RSRV retrieved the designated bins and began operations. Submit to the selection (Step 1307). Furthermore, CCS will provide instructions regarding the picking process. It generates an order and instructs the workers at the work station, for example, to use the HU installed at the work station. Issued via the Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Received from the CCS. In accordance with the instructions, the workers at the work station (e.g., human workers or robotic work units) ) picks the line items that have been processed for orders from the bin in order to process the orders. (Step 1308). The CCS is the designated bin, i.e., the previously recovered designated bin. Alternatively, order bins containing processed order items are placed in Zone 2, which is a cooled storage zone. Determine whether to return or zone (step 1309). If the designated bin is zoned... If it is returned to Zone 2 or zoned to Zone 2, the CCS will be explained in detail in Figure 18. Use the Zone 2 bin cleanup process as disclosed to clean up the designated bins. Command the RSRV assigned to (step 1310). The designated bin is returned to Zone 2. If it cannot be zoned or not, CCS will use the normal tidying process to zone Command the assigned RSRV to clear the designated bin in row 1 (step 131) 1) In one embodiment, in a normal bin cleanup process, the assigned RSRV is Move to the upper track layout of the storage structure of the 3D grid structure of the Rutilzone ASRS, and Move to the downshaft of the bins you will need later, and put away the bins you don't need. Normal cleanup In the process, for multizone ASRS buffer spots, normal cleanup or direct cleanup No replacement of the bins will be performed. In accordance with the instructions received from CCS, RSRV will be designated Clean up the bottles (step 1312). The process is carried out in Zone 1 at room temperature and then cooled. 1313 ends with processing orders for items stored in Zone 2.

[0121] Figure 14 shows an implementation in a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to an embodiment of this specification. For selecting a robotic storage and recovery vehicle (RSRV) for a given task, This shows a flowchart of how to implement the task. The pick task (step 1401) is requested. When used, the computerized control system (CCS) of the multizone ASRS is advantageous. For all available RSRVs, see the local facility database shown in Figure 10c. Read data from the robot information table (step 1402). CCS is RSRV. Each RSRV is weighted by the time elapsed since the last exposure to the temperature zone ( (1403). CCS weights based on the duration of exposure in the last temperature zone. Standardize (Step 1404). CCS weights based on the environmental characteristics of the last temperature range. Normalize (step 1405). CCS creates a list of all temperature weights and sorts. (Step 1406). CCS ensures that the picking task is performed in a cooled storage zone. Decide whether or not to do so (Step 1407). The pick task is placed in a cooled storage zone. When implemented, CCS selects the RSRV with the highest temperature weighting (step (P1408). In other words, CCS is the most important thing when storing at room temperature after the last zone pick. Choose RSRV, which has spent a lot of time in a cooled storage zone. For example, CCS is in a cooled storage zone. Select the RSRV with the highest temperature to perform the task. When implemented in a piping zone, CCS selects RSRV with a lower temperature weighting ( Step 1409). In other words, CCS is the last RSRV to visit the cooled storage zone. Select and perform the picking task, and the RSRV can return to room temperature. To ensure that RSRV is selected for the pick task, the process will terminate ( Step 1410).

[0122] Figure 15 shows a storage zone of a multi-zone ASRS100 according to one embodiment of this specification. To retrieve and return the storage unit, a computerized control system (CCS) is used. This shows the movement path of the robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) and storage unit configured as such. This shows a plan view of the multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) 100 as seen from the top. The CCS is... Storage structure 1 of the multizone ASRS100 with a three-dimensional (3D) grid structure, as shown in Figures 1-4. RSRV navigation through 00a, the actions the RSRV takes toward the storage unit Tactical operation, storage units and inventory tracking within a 3D grid structure storage body 100a King, and the receipt of orders to be processed from the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a and To perform control over the processing. In one embodiment, to carry out the disclosed functions described above CCS is a network of facilities within a larger supply chain or distribution ecosystem. A larger, more holistic computerized inventory management system configured to manage inventory across multiple stores. It is integrated into the management system, and among them the multi-zone ASRS100, for example, if there is one inventory Alternatively, it may be supplied from multiple larger regional distribution centers or macro distribution centers (MDCs). It occupies a local order processing center or micro order processing center (MFC). In one embodiment, the CCS of the multizone ASRS100, the cooperating RSRV, and the work The station components are based on the present applicant's PCT international application number PCT / CA2019 / 0508 The CCS, collaborating RSRV, and work station components disclosed in 15 That will be realized, at least partially.

[0123] As illustrated in Figure 4, in order to enable the migration of RSRVs128, storage color M123 is clustered around it, and there is no shelf for the storage column 123. In addition to the shaft 124, the 3D lattice structure storage structure 100a is a 3D lattice structure storage structure 1 The outer shaft 124a shown in Figure 15 is located on the outer circumference of 00a. The outer shaft 124a is connected via the racking teeth on the frame member 131 shown in Figure 4. Then, the vertical transition of the RSRVs 128 is performed through these outer shafts 124a. To make this possible, there are no shelves and they are not occupied by storage units. CCS is shown in the diagram. From the upper track layout 122 of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a shown in figures 1-4 It is configured to command the downward movement of the RSRVs 128 via the access shaft 124. . 3D grid structure storage body 100 for delivery to work stations 114 and 115 When the task is to retrieve the storage unit from a, the 3D grid shown in Figures 1-4 is used. Access shaft 124 from the upper track layout 122 of the substructure storage body 100a The RSRVs128 are instructed to move downwards via this method, and the recovered storage unit is placed in the work station. The task is to return the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a from sections 114 and 115. When, or when a new storage unit is first guided into the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a When this is the task, the upward direction of the RSRVs 128 via the outer shaft 124a It is configured to command the transition. RSRVs128 navigation is therefore The outer shaft 124 is located on the outer circumference of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a shown in Figures 1-4. Within a, RSRVs128 moves from the lower track layout 126 to the upper track layout Moving upward towards 122, RSRVs 128 are inside the inner access shaft 124 Move downwards from the upper track layout 122 towards the lower track layout 125. It follows a spiral transition pattern, which involves passing through the outer shaft 124a. The returned storage units being transported and the newly guided storage units are located inside the access It does not interfere with the retrieval of the storage unit via shaft 124.

[0124] In one embodiment, according to the vortex transfer pattern disclosed above, the CCS is cooled RSRVs1 in either the second storage zone 102 or the cooled third storage zone 103 To minimize the time spent by 28, generate the following exemplary navigation scheme: To carry out the task. CCS is a cooled storage zone, for example, a chilled storage zone. Ensure that the minimum amount of time is spent in zone 102 or the frozen storage zone 103. In this configuration, each RSRV128 is, by default, the first track of the upper track layout 122. It is present in Queria 122a, and therefore normally exists in the first storage zone 101 at room temperature. The CCS, if necessary, retrieves the storage unit from there to a cooled second storage zone. Command RSRVs128 to enter 102 or the cooled third storage zone 103. Figure 15 shows the retrieval of the storage unit from the cooled second storage zone 102. Figure 15 shows an exemplary transition path instructed to RSRV128 by the CCS. The solid line transition path indicates the transition of RSRV128 on the upper track layout 122. The dashed line transition path indicates the transition of RSRV128 on the lower track layout 126. The rectangular blocks with identification numbers are located in the first storage zone 101 of the multizone ASRS100. The buffer spots 112a and 112b of the second storage zone 102 are shown, respectively. ru.

[0125] In the methods disclosed herein, the storage unit is referred to as a “room temperature bottle,” which is a room temperature bottle. This is a bottle containing a product that can be stored at room temperature in a warm environment, and therefore, the first storage at room temperature This indicates that it is designated for storage in tubing zone 101, or is referred to as a "cool bin" and is cold. Bottles that require storage in a chilled environment, for example, in the chilled second storage zone 102 Or it shows storage in the third storage zone 103 of the freezer. The example shown in Figure 15 is the second storage zone 1 This concerns the recovery of coolbins from 02. A similar process is carried out in storage zone 3, 1. This also applies to the recovery of coolbins from 03. In the methods disclosed herein, "non The essential storage unit (also called the "unnecessary bin") is currently a 3D grid structure storage structure 10 It is not stored in any of the storage locations for 0a, and is also for order processing or other tasks. It is not currently required at work station 114 or 115, and therefore, order processing Storage of the 3D lattice structure storage body 100a until needed later for analysis or other purposes. This refers to bottles that are scheduled to be stored in a designated location. These unwanted bottles are, for example, Previously retrieved from storage and as part of the order fulfillment task, at work station 11 Return bins picked in 4 or 115, or the first 3D grid structure storage structure 10 This is a newly induced bin containing new product stock to be stored in 0a. When used in this context, "target bin" refers to each storage area of ​​the 3D grid structure storage body 100a. It is currently stored at the location and is being processed at work station 114 or 115, or for order processing or other purposes. These are the bins currently needed for the purpose. Various implementations of the multizone ASRS100. The configuration includes a 3D lattice structure storage body 100a, a related fleet of RSRVs 128, and, The applicant's International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2016 / 050484, PCT / CA2019 / 050404, PCT / CA20 Disclosed in 19 / 050815 and PCT / CA2019 / 050816 Use an equivalent or similar type of compatible storage unit 127 or storage bin. .

[0126] Figure 16 shows a transition path configured as shown in Figure 15, according to one embodiment of this specification. From the storage zones of the multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) 100, in this specification, "bins" and To retrieve and return the storage units, a computerized control system (CCS) is used. ) In response to commands, the robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) will carry out the following The flowchart of the law is shown. Figure 16 shows the storage zone of the multi-zone ASRS100. Control logic is executed cooperatively between the RSRV and CCS to collect and return the bins. A flowchart of the routine. In the flowchart shown in Figure 16, the steps are performed. The steps of the method are labeled with circled numbers on the left side of the flowchart. These circled numbers represent the 3D (3D) dimensions of the multizone ASRS100 shown in Figure 15. ) In the storage structure map of the grid structure, the transition path of the RSRV in which the method steps occur The numbered rectangular blocks on the right side of the flowchart are shown to illustrate the points. The method involves steps in the multizone ASRS100 illustrated in Figure 15. The nearby buffer spots 112a and 112b are shown. By law, the RSRV is the first track of the upper track layout 122 shown in Figure 15. Located in area 122a, in the illustrated example, is the first storage zone 101 (zone 1) at room temperature. Transport unwanted room-temperature bottles that are to be stored in the storage area. Step 1601, CCS From among the available RSRVs currently present in storage zone 101 at room temperature, Select this RSRV, which does not already have a task to retrieve storage bins from any storage zone. do.

[0127] CCS determines which of the available RSRVs can withstand ambient temperature conditions for the longest period. In other words, which RSRVs are cooled in the second storage zone 102 (zone 2) and the Based on the assessment of the longest time spent outside storage zone 103 (zone 3), Cool Select one of the available RSRVs for the bin retrieval task. In one embodiment, CCS exits either the cooled storage zone 102 or 103. The exit time is recorded, and that exit time is shown in Figure 10c as the local facility day of the CCS. By storing the information in the base robot information table, the cooled storage zone Track the presence and absence of each RSRV in lines 102 and 103. If retrieval is necessary, the CCS compares the stored exit times of available RSRVs. Which RSRV was absent from cooled storage zones 102 and 103 for the longest period? In other words, which RSRV is the first storage zone 101 and work station 114 and 1 Determine which of the 15 room temperature conditions it spent the longest time on, and select this RSRV for the Coolbin retrieval task. Select. In other embodiments, RSRVs are prioritized for the coolbin recovery task. Alternative or additional means are employed to implement or contribute to the selection, for example, Using one or more temperature sensors on each RSRV, the current operating temperature of the RSRV is determined by a small number of temperature sensors. If not, select RSRV based on partial basis, and higher operating temperature than lower operating temperature Prioritize the one with the degree, and place the latter in one of the cooled storage zones 102 and 103. It indicates a more recent existence. In one embodiment, the CCS is also a cooled storage zone. Regardless of the exit time or other measure of presence or absence in 102 or 103, cooling Use differences in operating temperature when selecting RSRV for bin retrieval tasks. For example, C CS's elevated temperature is related to factors such as the relative weight of the bottle and the transfer distance from previous retrieval tasks. Other factors may be at play, and to prevent overheating, the cooled storage zone 102 and Prioritize RSRVs that run at higher temperatures, as they may benefit from exposure to 103. ru.

[0128] Furthermore, step 16 selects RSRV to assign to the Coolbin retrieval task. In 02, CCS will determine if RSRV is already on upper track layout 122. Except for the RSRV, the outer shaft 124a is located on the lower track layout 126. It commands to transition to the upper track layout 122 via one of them. Then C CS is connected to RSRV via the entrance portal of the second storage zone 102, as shown in Figures 1-3. The upper part adjacent to one of the buffer spots 112a of the first storage zone 101 near 108a Move to spot on track layout 122, and also the current transport on RSRV Command the system to lower the warm bottle to buffer spot 112a.

[0129] This buffer spot in the first storage zone 101 is located near the second storage zone 102. After lowering this unnecessary room temperature bottle to step 112a, in step 1603, CCS, RS For the RV, the second storage zone 10 is cooled via the nearby upper entrance portal 108a. Enter the upper attic space of 2, and also in step 1608, the currently assigned RS Previously buffer spotted by another RSRV, as will be done later by another RV. Buffs in the second storage zone 102 where unnecessary coolbins are stored in T112b Command to move to a pickup spot adjacent to one of the spot 112b. At step 1603, CCS will use the buffer spot of the second storage zone 102 against RSRV. We'll load the unnecessary cool bins onto the RSRV's upper support platform from the 112b. I give the command to Uni.

[0130] In step 1604, the CCS is carrying an RSRV that does not need a cool bin at that time. Access shaft 1 provides access to storage column 123 containing the target coolbin. Move to spot 122b of the second track area 122b of the upper track layout 122 that covers 24. Command to move. The CCS is adjacent to this access shaft 124 storage column 1 One of the 23, for example, a 3D grid storage that is equal to or greater than the storage location of the target coolbin. At the level of the pipe structure, identify available or unoccupied storage locations, and With the 1605, the RSRV can use the 124 access shaft to transport unnecessary cool bins. Lower the coolbin to a usable storage level and store the unnecessary coolbin in an available storage area. The command is given to do so. In step 1606, the CCS now has no bins in the RSRV, for example In the downward direction, there is an available storage space for unnecessary cool bins on the same access shaft 1 Assuming it was available at a higher level within 24, the storage where the target coolbin exists Move to the same access shaft 124 to the location, and then rotate the target cool bin from this storage location. The command was to collect the target coolbin and load it onto the RSRV's upper support platform. ru.

[0131] As disclosed above, selected available cool bins can be left unattended. For example, the storage location is from buffer spot 112b in the second storage zone 102 to the target location. Through the same access shaft 124 in which Rubin is located, as shown in Figure 3 In the overall transition path of the RSRV leading to the lower exit portal 109a, target cool To be located upstream of the bottle storage location, the storage location where the target cool bottle is located is equivalent to the storage location where the target cool bottle is located. Located at or above the Bell level, the RSRV is through lower exit portal 109a, Exit from the second storage zone 102 which has been cooled. In this method, the selected available The storage location is from buffer spot 112b in the second storage zone 102 to the target cool bin. It was located along the way to the storage location, and as a result, RSRV left the unnecessary rubins behind. Later, in order to move upstream and ascend back to the storage location of the target coolbin, all There is no need to reverse direction at any point along the physical transition path.

[0132] In another example, the selected available storage location is, for example, a cool bin in which the items are stored. In a situation where there are no available upstream storage locations that are not occupied, the storage location of the target coolbin is It is also placed at a lower level as an alternative. In this example, the selected available storage location is R In the overall SRV migration path, it is located downstream of the target coolbin storage location. Therefore, the RSRV temporarily reverses direction after loading the unnecessary cool bins. Then, ascend from the storage area where the unwanted coolbins are kept to the storage area of ​​the target coolbin. It is configured to transition in the upstream direction. Such instantaneous transitions of RSRV in the upstream direction Despite requiring backtracking, the available downstream storage location is the second storage location. From buffer spot 112b in tube zone 102, the target coolbin is accessible from the same The same entire RSRV from the access shaft 124 to the lower exit portal 109a It still exists on the migration path, but buffer spot 112 in the second storage zone 102 Not the route from b to the storage location of the target coolbin, but the storage location of the target coolbin. It will be placed along the route to the lower exit portal 109a. Regardless of whether it is an upstream or downstream relationship, CCS is a second storage zone where RSRV is cooled. Transitions between multiple access shafts 124 within shaft 102, and entry and exit to and from them. By avoiding the need for transfers, you can choose available storage locations for unnecessary cool bins. This helps to keep the overall occupancy time of RSRVs in the second storage zone 102 low.

[0133] In step 1607, the RSRV will load the unwanted coolbins and retrieve the target coolbins. Afterwards, the CCS used the RSRV to carry the bins, with the access shaft 124 on the lower track layer. It descends to Out 126 and cools through the lower exit portal 109a of the full-span bulkhead 104. Exiting the second storage zone 102, and passing through the first storage zone 101 at room temperature, CCS The target work station 114 or Command to transition to 115. The target work station is shown exemplified in Figure 15. As shown, single-point work station 114 or multi-point work station It is 115. CCS picks via work station 114 or 115. Command the migration of RSRV to an access spot located below port 117a or 117b. Then, when the products are picked from the recovered coolbins that have been transported onto the RSRV, In section track layout 126, the first storage zone of the multizone ASRS100 at room temperature Command the RSRV to re-enter line 101.

[0134] In step 1608, CCS directs the 3D lattice structure storage structure to the RSRV, outer shaft 1 It is instructed to move upward through one of 24a, thereby the recovered CoolB The 3D grid structure is transported to the upper track layout 122 of the storage structure. In step 1609 The CCS commands the following: (a) RSRV to its entrance portal 10 The cooled second storage zone 102 is re-entered via 8a, thereby allowing the previously recovered items to be re-entered. Therefore, the cool bins, which are no longer needed, are being returned to the cooled second storage zone. b) RSRV, available from buffer spot 112b in the second storage zone 102 (c) to move to an adjacent spot, and (c) to another spot from the second storage zone 102. Another RSRV, tasked with later retrieving the target coolbin, will pick it up later. I'm now loading a coolbin that I don't need to RSRV into its available buffer spot 112b. Command to unload. In step 1610, CCS cold the RSRV without the bins. Exiting the rejected second storage zone 102, the upper track layer of the 3D grid structure storage structure Through the upper exit portal 109a of the second storage zone 102 of Out 122, the first storage zone at room temperature Command to return to pipe zone 101. RSRV is at ambient temperature on upper track layout 122. Upon returning to the first storage zone 101, the CCS will inform the RSRV of the first storage zone 101 The system is instructed to pick up an unnecessary room-temperature bottle from one of the buffer spots 112a. , and as a result, another RSRV assigned to a different Coolbin recovery task To accept the necessary room-temperature bottles, the buffer spot 112a is opened. In this configuration, for the next bin allocation step 1611, the CCS removes the unnecessary room temperature bins. The picked-up RSRVs are assigned to the room temperature bottle retrieval task, and during that time, the RSRVs are targeted. Available storage accessible from the same access shaft 124 where the target room temperature bottles should be retrieved. The location is configured to store unwanted room-temperature bottles that are being transported at that time. Possible storage locations are upstream of the storage location where the target room temperature bottles for the room temperature bottle recovery task are located or It may be located downstream.

[0135] The aforementioned method is performed within a cooled storage zone 102 or 103 containing the target cool bin. The goal is to minimize the time spent by either RSRV, and CCS is the first at room temperature. RSRV initiated outside of the cooled storage zone 102 or 103 within storage zone 101 Assign the Coolbin retrieval task to the assigned RSRV, which previously buffered. The RSRV was tasked with retrieving the ringed Coolbin. The goods are stored in an available storage location accessible from the same access shaft 124 as the goods, and In the backend, the RSRV cools the recovered cool bin as shown in Figure 15. The upper track area 122b or 122c of storage zone 102 or 103 Return only to Fast Spot 112b or 112c, and the RSRV is stored in the cooled storage zone 10. Do not return to available storage locations that require further transfer to 2 or 103. In this method, unnecessary cool bins are placed on an access shawl for storage in an available storage location. To carry unnecessary cool bins down to T124, use the cooled storage zone 102 or 10 Within 3, without imposing additional time on the same RSRV, in a properly environmentally controlled storage zone It is filled. Instead, in the return path of the entire bin collection and return process, R The SRV will now unload the bins that are no longer needed at buffer spot 112b or 112c. For this purpose, briefly enter the cooled storage zone 102 or 103, and then, optionally, Without moving access shaft 124 or retrieving another target cool bin, cooling Immediately exit storage zone 102 or 103.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the collected bins from which the products are to be picked are on the RSRV. Drive-through work stations where goods are transported through work stations 114 and 115. Although 114 and 115 are used, in other embodiments, unloading (dropping) is used instead. (Off-line) Work stations, for example, work stations with only conveyors, In this case, the return path of the bin collection and return process is different RS that performed the collection task. This is performed by RV. In one embodiment, the cooled storage zone 102 or 103 Same short unloading time for returned cooler bins at buffer spot 112b or 112c And, the rapid re-exit of the RSRV after such unloading means that unnecessary cooling bins are cooled. This RSRV returns to storage zone 102 or 103, but the same bottle was previously retrieved. Regardless of whether they are the same RSRV, the cooled storage zones 102 and 103 Used to minimize the time RSRV spends under harsh operating conditions. Another RSRV Alternatively, after spending a sufficient amount of time outside of the cooled storage zones 102 and 103, Subsequently, relying on the same RSRV that has re-adapted to the temperature, buffered coolbin , placed in an available storage location on the way to retrieve the Coolbin, another target This also involves passing through the access shaft 124 of the cooled storage zone 102 or 103. Using one pass, a new target coolbin is retrieved and the previously returned coolbin is loaded. By placing them in the cooled storage zones 102 and 103, the RSRV will be used during the time It helps minimize the time spent. RSRV is consumed within cooled storage zones 102 and 103. These techniques to minimize storage time are used in cooled storage zones 102 and 103 The RSRV for cold environments is specially configured to optimally handle the harsh operating conditions inside. Without any additional processing, the same type of standardized product used in ASRS at room temperature is used. This enables the use of general-purpose fleets by RSRV.

[0137] Detailed embodiments of this specification are characterized by ambient temperature and cooled environmental conditions. This relates to multiple zones of a 3D lattice structure storage structure, but in other embodiments, one Alternatively, 3D grid-structured storage to minimize the time RSRV spends in multiple storage zones. Similar division of the structure into isolated storage zones and strategic navigation of RSRVs remain A specific environment where one or more storage zones have a harsher environment compared to other storage zones. It is adopted regardless of the difference. For example, in one embodiment, the multizone ASRS100 is It consists of a room temperature zone accompanied by a heated zone that is heated to a temperature higher than room temperature conditions. For example, processing food or meal orders using heated food from a heated storage zone. Therefore, in this case, the high temperature in the heated zone indicates a more demanding operating environment for the RSRV. Therefore, using some or all of the technologies disclosed herein, Dew time is limited. In addition to temperature, other environmental conditions can be varied between storage zones. The example in question is humidity, where one or more humidity-controlled storage zones are within their respective humidity ranges. It is configured to operate in a way that controls the surrounding environment outside the 3D grid structure storage structure. A single ambient temperature humidity that lacks arbitrary dedicated humidity control, exceeding the arbitrary humidity control equipment of the facility. A storage zone is included.

[0138] In another example, storage in the completely enclosed second storage zone 102 or third storage zone 103 High-security products are stored in a controlled environment, and in the more environmentally open first storage zone 101. Like low-security goods that are stored there, the product categories stored there are different. Therefore, in various embodiments, the focus is on physically isolating the storage zones from one another. It is fine to have security measures in place, for example, for valuable items such as firearms, ammunition, medicines, or The question also arises as to whether the safety of the product items in those combinations is defined by their respective properties. In another example, allergens and non-allergen foods and products such as nuts and other allergens are physically inspected. To isolate them and prevent cross-contamination. In another example, different vendors or customers To ensure accuracy in inventory management and order tracking, compare your own supplies and orders with those of others. Physical separation from goods or ordered items may be required. Another example is flammability or other Hazardous materials are isolated from others in one of the enclosed storage zones, and one or more Enclosed storage zones are, for example, particularly for flammable or hazardous items, odor and / Or increase ventilation for the storage of hazardous materials, and / or increase existing fire extinguishing measures at the facility. In terms of safety-related equipment, such as the inclusion of additional or special fire extinguishing devices to strengthen the fire, one or more Unlike other storage zones, storage zones 102 and 10 contain flammable materials. When stored in 3, in one embodiment, the boundary wall is particularly fire-retardant and Use the materials.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment of the multizone ASRS100, within the 3D grid structure storage structure In one embodiment, an open-top storage unit is used to hold the storage space, but in another embodiment, Various storage units capable of storing inventory are similarly divided into separate storage zones. The storage units are stored in a 3D grid structure. The specific shape and size of these storage units Regardless of the kale, and the corresponding configuration and scale of the 3D grid structure storage structure, Therefore, in this specification, the term “storage unit” means, for example, a bin, tote, or tray. Used to refer to any variety of stock holders such as boxes, pallets, and Gaylords. The 3D grid structure storage structure of the illustrated embodiment constitutes a 3D array of storage locations. Track rails are located at the top and bottom of the 3D lattice structure storage structure, respectively. While OUT 122 and 126 are employed, other embodiments include the top of the 3D array or It consists of a grid with a single track layout at one of the lower parts. Disclosed above. As described above, the work station does not necessarily have to be fully accessible to RSRVs. It does not need to be a travel-through type, and therefore the work station can be accordingly For example, it is positioned directly adjacent to the track layout 126 of the 3D lattice structure storage body. It does not need to be connected to it by an extension track, RSRV drop-off Points and access points at work stations where workers interact with storage units. To handle and process the storage unit between them, alternative transport means are employed instead. Because it's good.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a collaborative 3D lattice structure storage body and RSRV configuration are adopted. The RSRVs move up and down as a whole via the access shaft 124, and the RSRVs It can be operated in four different working positions, on any side of any access shaft 124 The storage column 123 located there can be accessed laterally. In other embodiments, the storage unit The knitted items are stacked directly on top of each other and removed from above by a robot handler. It employs the stack-and-dig method, and each robot handler is located at the top It has a wheeled chassis that stays on top of the rack layout and moves in only two horizontal dimensions. , interacting with only the top storage unit of the stack in a direct overhead relationship. It relies on a crane that can be lowered in order to do so. In the illustrated embodiment, each storage unit The access location where the storage unit is collected or stored is the storage area where the storage unit is stored or collected. This refers to the space within the adjacent access shaft 124 to which the RSRV reaches laterally. In another embodiment, the access location where the storage unit is retrieved or stored is the storage unit The upper track tray is located above the stackable or stackable storage column 123. It's an out spot.

[0141] Figure 17 shows a storage zone of a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to one embodiment of this specification. To retrieve the storage unit (referred to as "bin" in this specification) from the bin, a computer is used. In response to commands from the Control System (CCS), the robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RS) A flowchart shows how it is performed by RV. Multizone ASRS is performed at room temperature. It comprises Zone 1, which is the first storage zone, and Zone 2, which is a cooled second storage zone. Let's consider an example. In step 1701, the CCS is disclosed in the detailed explanation in Figures 15-16. Assign the binpick task to the RSRV selected as such. In step 1702, CCS is a multi-zone ASRS with a three-dimensional (3D) storage structure upper track. Move to layout and instruct to unload unnecessary bins into the buffer spot in the first storage zone. Order. In step 1703, the CCS will enter the second storage zone for the RSRV. The command is given to the robot, and as shown in Figure 10c, the robot information in the local facility database The report table contains the time when RSRV entered the second storage zone, i.e., Last_TempZone_En Record try_Time. In step 1704, CCS will send RSRV to the second storage zone. Command the loading of unnecessary bins from the buffer spot. In step 1705, CCS provides access to RSRV, including the necessary bins in the second storage zone via an access shaft. Or instruct the downshaft to navigate and enter. In step 1706, C CS instructed RSRV to go down to an empty storage area and clear away any unnecessary bottles. In step 1707, CCS will provide the necessary vehicles in the second storage zone to RSRV. Move to the storage area containing the bottles and order to load the required bottles. In step 1708, CCS is a 3D grid structure storage structure with lower track rails for RSRVs that transport the necessary bins. The command is to descend to the exit and transition, and to exit the second storage zone. CCS is low The robot information table in the CAL facility database shows that RSRV has left the second storage zone. The time of exit, i.e., Last_TempZone_Exit_Time, is recorded. The CCS is located in the second storage zone. Prioritizing RSRVs that have been absent from the second storage zone for a longer period than those that were nearby. Therefore, Last_TempZone_Entry_Time and Last_TempZone_Exit for each assigned RSRV The _Time is recorded in the robot information table of the local facility database. The process is as follows: The process ends with the completion of the bin-picking task in the second storage zone (step 1709).

[0142] After the unwanted bins are collected from the buffer spot in the second storage zone, the CCS will then... Based on the available or unoccupied storage space within the storage column containing the bins, unnecessary Choose a storage location for the bottles. Place the bottles that are not needed in the empty storage column. After putting things away in storage, RSRV moves to the required bins and then picks up the required bins from storage. Pick up and exit the second storage zone.

[0143] Figure 18 shows a storage zone of a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to one embodiment of this specification. To return the storage unit (hereinafter referred to as "bin") from the bin, a computer is used. In response to commands from the Control System (CCS), the robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RS) A flowchart shows how it is performed by RV. Multizone ASRS is performed at room temperature. It comprises Zone 1, which is the first storage zone, and Zone 2, which is a cooled second storage zone. Let's consider an example. In step 1801, the CCS is disclosed in the detailed explanation in Figures 15-16. Assign the bin cleanup task to the RSRV that was selected as present. In step 1802... The CCS moves to the RSRV, either the access shaft or the up shaft, and the multi-zone Command the ASRS to move onto the upper track layout of the 3D storage structure. In step 1803, CCS provides the second storage for the multizone ASRS to RSRV. Enter the zone and instruct the system to lower the unnecessary bins into the buffer spot in the second storage zone. In step 1804, the CCS returns to the first storage zone for the RSRV and the first storage Command the system to load unnecessary bins from the zone's buffer spot. The process then proceeds as follows: Task assignments, for example, the task of clearing out unnecessary bins in the first storage zone. Finish (Step 1805).

[0144] Figure 19 shows a multi-zone conveyor system 145 via a conveyor system 145 according to one embodiment of this specification. A multi-display showing work stations 143 and 144 attached to the ASRS100. This is a partial perspective view of the Zone Automated Warehouse (ASRS) 100. In this embodiment, the conveyor system Tem 145 is the lower part of the three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure storage body of the multi-zone ASRS100. It is operably coupled to track layout 126. Conveyor system 145 is 3 It protrudes outward from one of the circumferential surfaces of the D-lattice structure storage body, as illustrated in Figure 19. , one or more single-point work stations, for example, order picking work stations Station 143 and order management work station 144 directly connect to the conveyor system 145 It is installed.

[0145] As illustrated in Figure 19, an empty order tote 1901a is used for order picking. At countertop 143a adjacent to picking port 143b of station 143 They are stacked manually. When orders are taken, the multizone ASRS100 computer... According to the instructions received from the Control System (CCS), the order picking work station Each picking port 143b has a worker, for example, a human worker. The robotic workpiece is placed in each picking port 143b, and the storage unit is placed in each picking port 143b. Select the product items defined in the order from 127, and assign each product item to Place it in the corresponding order tote 1901a. Complete the picking process and execute the order processing. When doing so, the worker, in accordance with the instructions received from CCS, will pick the order including the order that was picked. Place tote bag 1901b onto conveyor system 145. Similarly, other order picking operations Other workers at Station 143 receive other orders containing their respective picked items. Note: Place tote bag 1901b onto conveyor system 145. Conveyor system 145 is Order tote 1901b containing the picked order items, as shown in Figure 19, Tote collection area 1 of conveyor system 145, adjacent to management work station 144. Transport to 45a. At order management work station 144, the order tote bag 1901b is included. Orders that have already been picked will be placed in order bin 127a of the multizone ASRS100. They are used, stored, and then collected. Each order bin 127a contains at least one The order tote bags 1901b are configured to be nested or stored inside each other. For example, see Figure The order bin 127a shown in 19 is configured to hold two order totes 1901b. It is being done. At order management work station 144, picking from order bin 127a When you collect the ready order tote 1901b, it will be empty for the newly completed order. Tote space or capacity is created. The collected order tote 1901b is used in the order management work station. It may be placed on countertop 144a of section 144. CCS is the order management operation. The capacity to be created at Station 144 is predicted, and accordingly, order logs for storage are created. Transport item 1901b. If there are no ordered items to be picked up, CCS will manage the order. It is anticipated that there is no capacity at the work station 144, and therefore, the empty tote space Search and identify the order bin 127a that has capacity. When this is the case, that is, when the order tote 1901b is stored in the order management work station 144 If there is an order bin 127a with available tote space for the conveyor system Unit 145 transports order tote bag 1901b to order management work station 144, where, In accordance with the instructions received from the CCS, the worker, for example, a human worker or a robot, will perform the task. The body has already removed the ordered tote bag 1901b which is ready for pickup, and Therefore, tote for newly completed orders stored in multizone ASRS100 Creating space. Following instructions received from CCS, Order Management Workstation 1 44 workers transfer order tote bags 1901b from the conveyor system 145 to the order management work system. Move the order to the order bin 127a that was submitted to the placement port 144b of station 144. When the customer arrives for pickup, the order tote 1901b is used for order management operations. It is collected at station 144 and also removed from order bin 127a, and outbound drain The items are placed in the designated area, and then the freshly picked-up order items are placed in the order tote bag 1901b. It is stored in bottle 127a. In this embodiment, the outbound rack is used for order management operations. This is a wheeled tote truck positioned adjacent to Station 144. Order Bin 127 When all of a's tote bag space is filled with ordered items to be picked up, the empty outbow The hand truck is manually pushed to order management work station 144. Customer pick-up The top creates an empty tote space in order bin 127a, enabling a 1:1 exchange. Upon delivery, in this embodiment, the empty order tote 1901a is manually collected and the order picker It is stacked next to the loading work station 143. The conveyor system 145 is below So, the newly picked ordered items that were placed in order tote bag 1901b, order picking Used to transport from the work station 143 to the order management work station 144. It can be done.

[0146] Figures 20A-20B show a multi-zone automated warehouse (ASRS) according to one embodiment of this specification. A flowchart of a computer implementation method for processing and storing ordered goods. This is a diagram showing the order being processed and the multizone ASRS10 shown in Figure 19. Let's consider an example where it needs to be stored in 0 (Step 2001). The ordered item is shown in Figure 19. As shown, the multi-zone ASRS100 order picking work station 143 In this process, the items are picked and placed on the order tote. According to the instructions received from the Computer Control System (CCS), the worker processes the order. The order tote bag containing the ordered items is placed on the conveyor system 145 shown in Figure 19. (Step 2002). The conveyor system 145 receives the order tote bags as shown in Figure 19. As shown, the conveyor system 145 is located close to the order management work station 144. Transport to the tote collection area 145a (step 2003). CCS will then transport the order tote to that For storage, the order management work station 144 is located in the designated port shown in Figure 19. Step 2004 determines whether order bin 127a will be received in step 144b. The availability of order bins at order management work station 144 depends on the placement of order totes. To do this, it indicates that there is available empty tote space within the order bin. If the item is not picked up at work station 144, this means there are no items to pick up. Therefore, it indicates that there is no empty tote space in the order bin for placing the order tote, CC S has tote space available from one of the storage zones of the multi-zone ASRS100. To retrieve the order bins, the assigned robotic storage / retrieval vehicle (RSRV) is used. I issue a command.

[0147] As shown in Figure 20A, the order bin is received at the order management work station 144. If not, the CCS will cool the order tote containing the ordered items with the multizone ASRS100. The second storage zone, Zone 2, is then designated to determine whether or not to allocate or store the order. If the order tote bags should be zoned, the CCS will be explained in detail in Figures 16-17. As shown, using the Zone 2 bin picking process, the tote space is Command the assigned RSRV to pick the specified order bin (S (2006). If the order tote should not be zoned, the CCS is detailed in Figure 13. As disclosed in the description, the normal bin picking process from the first storage zone at room temperature. Assign to pick a specified order bin that has a tote space Command the RSRV (step 2007). Pick the specified order bin. Afterwards, CCS retrieves the order bins with tote space from RSRV and performs order management work at the station. Instruct to submit to 144 (Step 2008). Order Management Work Station Receive the order bin at 144, and that order bin is available to store the order tote. If it indicates that there is storage space, the conveyor system 145 will store the items to be stored. Note: Transport the tote bags from the tote bag collection area 145a to the order management work station 144. Step 2009). In accordance with the instructions received from CCS, order management work station 14 Worker 4 places the order tote into the order bin (Step 2010). CCS is the order tote Order bins with a zone are placed in the cooled second storage zone of the multi-zone ASRS100. Decide whether to separate or store them (Step 2011). Order box with order tote If the CCS should be zoned into a second storage zone that has been cooled, see Figures 16 and 18. As disclosed in the detailed description, the Zone 2 bin clearing process is used for order bins Order the assigned RSRV to clear it away (Step 2012). Order bins containing this should not be zoned in a cooled second storage zone, but rather always If it should be stored in the first storage zone at a temperature, the CCS is disclosed in the detailed description in Figure 13. They were assigned to clear the order bins using the normal bin clearing process, The RSRV is instructed to clear the order bins (Step 2013). Execute the process and thereby store the order tote in the multizone ASRS100 (step 2015).

[0148] Figure 21 shows a multi-zone for customer pickup according to the embodiments herein. Flowchart of a computer implementation method for retrieving ordered goods from an automated warehouse (ASRS) This shows the order. The ordered items are in the order bin of the multizone ASRS100, as shown in Figure 19. It is stored in the order tote bag located within 127a. The order tote bag is picked up by the customer. When requested for queuing (step 2101), the computerized control system ( CCS) The order tote is in the cooled second storage zone of the multi-zone ASRS100. Determine whether the item is zoned or stored in Zone 2 (Step 2102). If the tote bags are zoned or stored in a second, cooled storage zone, the CCS will: Using the Zone 2 bin picking process disclosed in the detailed explanation in Figures 16-17 R, assigned to pick the designated order bin where the order tote bags will be stored. Command the SRV (Step 2103). Place the order tote into the cooled second storage zone. They are not separated or stored separately, but instead are stored in the first storage zone at room temperature in the multi-zone ASRS100. If stored in a hub, the CCS is typically as disclosed in the detailed description in Figure 13. Using the bin picking process, pick the designated order bin to store the order tote. Command the assigned RSRV to do so (step 2104). CCS For RSRV, the designated order bin is collected, and the order management process is carried out as shown in Figure 19. Command to hand it over to Station 144 (step 2105). Received from CCS Following the instructions, the workers at order management work station 144 took the order tote from the order bin. Take out the order tote and place it on the outgoing rack (step 2106). CCS is the order Determine whether the tote is awaiting storage (step 2107). In one embodiment, The process for picking up ordered tote bags and the process for storing ordered tote bags are a one-to-one exchange. Therefore, the determination of whether or not an ordered tote bag is in storage is made using Figures 19 and 20A~ As disclosed in the detailed description of 20B, order management work station 144 This corresponds to the decision of whether or not the order has been received. In other words, the order tote bag is picked up by the customer. Therefore, it is collected from the order bin, and a tote space is formed within the order bin, Just picked, placed in order tote at order picking station 143. The ordered items, transported to the order management work station 144 shown in Figure 19, were: 1: RSR at order management work station 144 to perform both tasks in one exchange To minimize multiple submissions of Vs, they are optimally stored within the same order bin.

[0149] If the order tote is awaiting storage, the worker shall, in accordance with the instructions received from CCS, Note: Place the tote bag into the order bin (step 2108). CCS will place the tote bag into an empty order bin or tote bag. The order bin containing the product is placed in the cooled second storage zone of the multi-zone ASRS100. Determine whether or not to separate or store the order bins (step 2109). If the second storage zone should be divided into zones, the CCS will be as shown in detail in Figures 16 and 18. As disclosed in the detailed explanation, the Zone 2 bin clearing process is used to clear the order bins. Instruct the assigned RSRV to attach it (step 2110). The order bin is cold. The rejected second storage zone should not be zoned, but instead should be placed in the first storage zone at room temperature. If storage is required, the CCS will be a normal battery as disclosed in the detailed description in Figure 13. Use the cleanup process to instruct the RSRV assigned to clear the order bins. (Step 2111). RSRV will clear the order bins (Step 2112). This will enable the collection of order totes for customer pickup. (Tep 2113).

[0150] Figure 22 shows the inventory supply between the supply facility and the receiving facility shown in Figure 8, according to an embodiment of this specification. This shows a flowchart of the computer implementation method for executing the charging workflow. In the embodiments described below, for example, product inventory at a receiving facility such as a micro order processing center is used. For example, they have disclosed methods for guiding supply from supply facilities such as macro distribution centers, and a small portion of these methods are... The receiving facility is compatible with a specified type of storage unit referred to as a "bin" in this specification. Each type of automated warehouse (ASRS) is provided. In one embodiment, the ASRS is The multizone ASRS disclosed above. In Figure 22, the flowchart shows the supply The facility's computerized facility management system (FMS) and one of the multiple receiving facilities Computerized Control System (CCS) and to fulfill inventory replenishment orders for receiving facilities This document describes an inventory replenishment routine that is executed in a coordinated manner. The cargo is loaded onto transport vehicles and received at the receiving facility. The supply cargo is then shipped from the supply facility. This includes the incoming bottles from the supply facility to the receiving facility. Store new product inventory. Bins arriving from transport vehicles are sent out from the receiving facility. The bottles are exchanged, and the outgoing bottles are then transported by transport vehicles from the receiving facility to the supply facility. Both are loaded. New product inventory is guided into the ASRS at the receiving facility. Incoming bins and shipping Both dispensing bottles are of the same predetermined type, compatible with at least the ASRS of the receiving facility. In the embodiment, the incoming bottle is replaced with the same amount as the outgoing bottle. In the embodiment, the outgoing bottle is , consisting of one or more empty bottles. Before exchanging incoming bottles for outgoing bottles, the receiving facility At least one previously non-empty bin from ASRS, at least one empty bin It is converted to a bottle, and this conversion takes the contents from at least one previously not empty bottle. Consolidate and sort ASRS into one or more other non-empty bins at the collection facility. This is done by converting at least one previously non-empty bin to at least one empty bin. Before receiving, the CCS, which is capable of controlling the ASRS of the receiving facility, will receive as follows: Through the execution of automated steps that can be operated to control the facility's ASRS, Identify the need for at least one empty bottle. Prior to receiving the supply cargo at the receiving facility, CCS This identifies the required number of outgoing bins to be exchanged for incoming bins from the supply facility. Receive incoming communications. CCS tracks ASRS bin inventory and product inventory at receiving facilities and Query the managed database to identify potential delivery bins with currently available quantities. Following the decision that the currently available number of available delivery bins is less than the required number of delivery bins, CCS converts at least one previously non-empty stock bin into at least one empty bin. The conversion will begin. To start the conversion, CCS will automatically query the database. And the contents are small enough to consolidate and organize into fewer bottles, at least 2 Identify a bin that is not full, not empty. Furthermore, CCS has fewer ASRS at the receiving facility. At least two empty units per Robot Storage / Recovery (RSRV) Collect the empty bottles and deliver the two empty, non-empty bottles to the work station. The command is given to do so. Furthermore, the CCS will instruct the first RSRV to have at least two empty The command was given to collect the bottle with the most empty space among the bottles that were not full, and also to collect at least one For the additional RSRV, the order is to collect the remaining contents of two bottles that are not empty but not full. The work station has multiple bin access spots. CCS is integrated and organized. Command the delivery of the bin with the most empty slot to the placement port of the work station used. Also, at another picking port on the work station, there were two bins that were not empty but less than full. Instruct them to deliver the goods.

[0151] In one embodiment, the receiving facility is as shown in Figures 1, 6A, 15, and 24. The facility includes a bin exchange area 119 with an inbound lane and an outbound lane. The inbound lane is for exports. To handle the receiving bin flow from the transport vehicle to the ASRS, the receiving facility's shipping Guided from the dock towards the ASRS. The outbound lane is the delivery bin from the ASRS to the transport vehicle. To handle the outbound flow, guide it outwards from ASRS towards the shipping dock. Each lane of the bin exchange area 119 is shown in Figures 1, 6A, 15, and 24. It has sea urchins and conveyors 120 and 121.

[0152] Each bin is assigned a unique bin identifier (Bin_ID). CCS is as follows: It controls the exchange of incoming and outgoing bottles. The CCS is located at the receiving facility or near the transport vehicle. CCS receives notification that the bin has arrived or is approaching. CCS receives the bin exchange from the ASRS at the receiving facility. The RSRV is instructed to deliver the bins to the outbound lane of exchange area 119. CCS For the same RSRV that delivered the outgoing bin to the outgoing lane, the incoming bin was picked up from the incoming lane. The system is queued up, and the incoming bins are instructed to be transported to their destination via ASRS. The destination to which the incoming bottles are instructed is an available storage location within ASRS. In one embodiment, the delivery bin consists of one or more occupied bins. In another embodiment, the occupied bins At least one of the bins contains returns from one or more customers. In another embodiment, occupancy At least one of the jars contains one or more expired stock items. In the implementation configuration, at least one of the occupied bins is recalled by one or more Includes stock items. In another embodiment, at least one of the occupied bins is one or more Including inventory transfer.

[0153] The flowchart shown in Figure 22 consists of steps in the inventory replenishment workflow. The aforementioned exchange of incoming bottles (referred to here as "supply bottles") and outgoing bottles is managed, and Executed. If a replenishment order is required (step 2201), in step 2202, receive The facility's CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) is based on demand forecasting, for example, stock keeping units (SKUs). Based on the rate and existing inventory held at the receiving facility, the required replenishment inventory is calculated. CCS replenishes depleted stock based on current inventory levels and product run rates. To determine the required products and quantities, CCS proceeds in step 2203. , generating replenishment orders via communication networks such as the internet, and FMS of the supply facility It is sent to. In one embodiment, such communication is conducted directly between facilities or between facilities. This is done through intermediaries such as Udobase platforms. Based on the details of the replenishment order. The intermediary is, for example, the central data of the central computing system 801 illustrated in Figure 8. Inventory records within databases such as Tabes 803, and relative proximity to receiving facilities. Depending on connectivity and other factors, a supply facility is selected from multiple candidates within the facility network. In step 2204, the supply FMS maintains the necessary replenishment stock according to the details of the replenishment order. For replenishment orders, including the required quantity and configuration of supply bins necessary for carrying and transporting. Calculate the shipment details. In this context, "configuration" refers to a specific product and quantity in multiple supply bins. This describes a method for distributing and optimizing shipping space and bin quantity efficiency. In one embodiment, Steps 2204 and 2205 are carried out by the CCS of the receiving facility, and the results are It is sent to the supply FMS. In another embodiment, steps 2202, 2203, 2204 2205 is a cloud-based platform or central computing system This was carried out by Tem 801, and the results were transmitted via the communication network to CCS and supply It is sent to FMS.

[0154] In step 2205, the supply FMS processes the actual replenishment order at the supply facility before order processing. Or during processing, some or all of these shipping details, and at least the quantity of the supply bins , and transmit to the CCS of the receiving facility. In one embodiment, the CCS of the receiving facility can optionally, The bin sorting and consolidation process is implemented using the 2206 model, for example, to achieve the best exchange ratio of 1:1. To achieve or approximate the result, and / or to make optimal use of the bin capacity of the transport vehicle, Optimize the amount of incoming supply bins and outgoing bins that should be exchanged. In the bin sorting and integration process, CC S issues a command to consolidate the bins, creating a specified amount of empty bins. In terms of implementation, the bottle sorting and consolidation process is intended to increase the amount of empty bottles in the receiving facility, This includes customer returns, expired inventory, recalled inventory, or inventory transfers, which are thereby occupied by the company. This will be done to consolidate the current number of bottles into a smaller number of bottles at the receiving facility. In parallel with the implementation of the consolidation process, the supply facility will implement the ASRS work station for the supply facility. Based on the calculated and submitted bin quantities and configurations, the necessary replenishment stock will be sent to ASR. Picking and compiling into supply bins for shipment from S to the receiving facility. This allows the replenishment order to be processed as an order. That is, in step 2207, the supply FMS , trigger a collection of supply bins depending on the quantity and configuration. In step 2208, supply FM S issues a command to load the supply bins onto transport vehicles at the supply facility's loading dock. The supply bottles loaded at the supply facility are then automatically or manually loaded onto the transport vehicle. Loaded as a storage array, in step 2209, the transport vehicle is at the receiving facility To facilitate movement, the vehicle is operated from the supply facility to the receiving facility (Step 2210).

[0155] Figure 23 shows a receiving facility, also referred to as a "bin," for inventory replenishment, according to one embodiment of this specification. A flowchart of computer implementation methods for performing the organization and consolidation of storage units. Figure 23 shows a flowchart, for example, for a micro order processing center. At the receiving facility, inventory is organized and consolidated from multiple inventory bins, thereby enabling, for example, macro To create empty bottles that can be exchanged for full supply bottles from distribution centers and other supply facilities. This shows a bin sorting and consolidation sequence or process. For example, a facility where product items are sorted into bins. Automated Storage and Recovery Systems (ASRS) stored in [location] In the receiving facilities that make up the eval System, the computerized control system (CCS) is used. A method is implemented to release the restriction on a subset of a. In this method, bins and product items are tracked and managed from a database, CC S is full, not empty, and currently holds product items in the jar, at least two of them. Identify bins smaller than 1. CCS is at least one of ASRS's robotic storage / retrieval (R For delivery to the work station, SRVs must have at least two containers that are not empty but not full. The command is given to collect the bottles. The CCS will give a small number of commands to one or more human or robotic workpieces. At the very least, organize your product items from less than full bins to smaller bins, rather than using two empty bins. Order them to merge, thereby at least one of the two empty but not full bins Convert one into at least one empty bottle. In one embodiment, the CCS is one or more human Or, the robot's workpiece should place a product item into one of the bins that are not empty but less than full. From multiple first non-empty, less-than-full bottles, select one or more second bottles that are not empty but less than full. Command to consolidate into non-empty, less-than-full bins, thereby consolidating one or more first non-empty bins. Convert a less than full bottle into one or more empty bottles, and one or more second non-empty less than full bottles Converts the contents into one or more full bins in this instance. In another embodiment, the CCS is At least one of the full bottles is automatically, partially automatically, loaded onto the dock. They are transported by hand, and the full bottles arrive at the loading dock by transport vehicles, This generates instructions to replace at least a subset of the expected incoming bins. In the application form, CCS replaces an empty bottle with another subset of incoming bottles. Alternatively, multiple empty bottles can be automatically, partially, or manually transported to the facility's loading dock. Generates instructions for doing so. In another embodiment, the CCS arrives at or prepares for loading dock. To exchange at least one incoming bottle for one empty bottle, the receiving facility's loading dock For automatically, partially automatically, or manually transferring at least one empty bottle to a bag. Generates instructions.

[0156] In one embodiment, at least two non-empty, less-than-full bins currently holding items are provided. Before finalizing, CCS at receiving facilities that require replenishment stock will be used for delivery to other locations. It receives incoming communications that identify the required amount of outbound bins needed from the supply facility, and The database is queried to identify the amount of currently available candidate delivery bins, and currently available Compare the quantity of potential delivery bins to the required quantity of delivery bins, thereby determining whether to use one or an additional empty bin. Determine the need to create a supply. The incoming communication is from a supply facility to which a replenishment order was previously sent. The message is received, and a request for replenishment stock is made from there. The incoming communication indicates that the replenishment stock has been transported to the receiving facility. Identify the quantity of supply bottles that will be exchanged for the outgoing bottles from the receiving facility.

[0157] The flowchart shown in Figure 23 is a step in the inventory replenishment workflow shown in Figure 22. In step 2206, the process of sorting and consolidating bins is carried out voluntarily at the receiving facility. It has a . The receiving facility's CCS receives replenishment orders from the supplying facility's facility management system (FMS). Receive the bin count (step 2301). In step 2302, CCS supplies To determine the number of bins to be sent out that best compensate for the facility's bin losses, i.e., The idea is to supply the outgoing bottles in a 1:1 ratio to the incoming supply bottles. In the step, the CCS can be routed towards the supply facility or towards the final destination. This involves accounting for customer return bins, expired inventory bins, and inventory transfer bins. If the number of bottles directed to the facility is less than the total number of bottles required for delivery, CCS will... Subtract the number of these identified occupied dispensing bins from the total number of dispensing bins to determine the overall dispensing bin requirement. Determine the amount of empty bottles needed to satisfy the requirement. In the method shown in Figure 23, CCS determines the amount of empty bottles needed to satisfy the requirement. Sorting, consolidation, and collection of empty bottles are being carried out at ASRS facilities such as work stations at RSRV and receiving facilities. To avoid interrupting the order processing process for customer orders using the bins, bin compensation at the supply facility. Prioritizing the processing of customer orders at the receiving facility over the need for the receiving facility, therefore step 230 In step 3, the CCS is a suitable workspace for carrying out the bin organization and consolidation task, for example, Determine whether a 2-point work station and RSRV are available. If such ASRS resources are currently unavailable, that is, if the ASRS resources are not available If constrained by an order processing task, until such resource restrictions are released Therefore, the sorting and consolidation of bins will be delayed.

[0158] If it is determined in step 2303 that sufficient resources are available, then step 2 In 304, CCS will receive 10 empty bottles at the ASRS receiving facility to meet the bottle compensation needs. Determine if the required amount is already available. Receiving facilities to meet the bin compensation needs. If there is a sufficient quantity of empty bottles available in ASRS, bottle sorting and consolidation is not necessary, pro Seth will end (2311). To meet the compensation needs of the bin, at the ASRS of the receiving facility If there are not enough empty bottles available, CCS will use the "Common Stock Keeping Unit" The existence of multiple inventory bins containing the same product, also known as "SKU bins," can be checked. And upon confirming such existence, it was found that several bins among the common SKU bins were not full. Check if there are any, and of those, the remaining amount in the nearly empty, less-than-full bottle is the same as the other one. Alternatively, check if it can accommodate multiple less-than-full bottles based on their available capacity. If there are multiple bins that are not full, in steps 2305 and 2306, C CS is most empty for delivery to a 2-point work station for one RSRV. Instruct the retrieval of the nearest bottle, and also in response to one or more additional RSRVs, It also has the capacity to accept product volume from nearly empty bottles, and one or more other less-than-full bottles The system collects the items and sequentially delivers them to the same 2-point work station for processing. The command is given. In step 2307, the CCS instructs the RSRV carrying the nearly empty bottle, Command to move to the picking port of the 2-point work station, step 2 In 308, CCS is 2 points against RSRV carrying one or more other less-than-full bins. The system instructs the workstations to sequentially join the queue at their respective ports. In step 2309, CCS checks the nearest empty bin for a human or robotic workpiece. Pick the remaining product items from there, and head the other less-than-full bins towards the placement port. The remaining product items are then indexed sequentially, one or more other The command is to place the bins in a state where they are less than full. In step 2310, the CCS is local facility data Update the database to change the recorded status of the bin that was previously closest to being empty to "empty". This process ensures that a sufficient number of bins are empty to meet the bin compensation needs for replenishment orders. This process is repeated from step 2303 onward until the desired outcome is reached. Therefore, the bin organization and consolidation process is repeated. , one or more bottles that are not empty but not full and nearly empty, first set from the supply facility Convert to a completely empty bottle to exchange for the supply bottle that is scheduled to arrive, while keeping the non-empty bottles full. The second set of full bottles involves adding product items to the bottles that are now completely empty. This will result in the bottles being converted to be closer to full capacity than they are now.

[0159] In one embodiment, picking of replenishment orders, or at least the shipment thereof from a supply facility. This is conditional on sufficient availability of delivery bins at the receiving facility, and the FMS at the supplying facility, Before picking or shipping replenishment orders, ensure sufficient delivery bins are available from the receiving facility's CCS. You can wait for the "count count" confirmation signal. This prioritizes orders from customers with available stock. This means processing the order. This is done when the receiving facility already has the order in stock during peak order hours. Order processing can be done without delay based on inventory, and the receiving and transportation of replenishment orders can be done during off-peak hours. This means delaying the order until the off-peak hours, as the frequency of orders is lower during these off-peak hours. More ASRS resource restrictions have been lifted at receiving facilities, and shipment of replenishment orders is now subject to certain conditions. This enables the completion of the bin organization and consolidation process. In other embodiments, other prioritization Keemu is adopted. The aforementioned example of the bin organization and consolidation process is a common SK for storing identical products. This is performed on U-bins, but in other embodiments, bin organization and consolidation is performed on different products within them. This is also implemented in the example of a mixed SKU bin that stores each A subdivided multi-SKU bin divided into multiple compartments is employed. In this case, the occupied or empty state of each compartment qualifies for bin consolidation. It is used to measure the overall emptyness and available capacity of a full bottle.

[0160] 1:1 bin exchange ensures predictable, consistent, and balanced bin flow between facilities. This is carried out for the purpose of: In another embodiment, the supply bin quantity for the replenishment order is equal to the bin capacity of the transport vehicle. There are few, and a large number of occupied delivery bins are waiting to be transported to destinations other than supply facilities. However, there are routes where supply facilities serve as cross-dock or through points. In the above example scenario, the outgoing empty bins are insufficient to compensate for the loss of incoming bins at the supply facility. To prevent this, bottles are exchanged in a 1:1 ratio with Iriki bottles, and bottles that are excessively occupied are also replaced. Extra bottles are available by shipping some or even exchanging empty bottles at a ratio of less than 1:1. Using the vehicle's capacity, and also the need to unload empty bottles from the facility that receives them, the empty bottles are provided. If the need to compensate for the supply facilities outweighs the need to increase the amount of bins used for distribution, the amount of bins used for distribution may also be increased.

[0161] In another embodiment, the unified consolidation of useful product inventory at the receiving facility's ASRS is performed by Any purpose other than specifically creating empty stock bottles to exchange for incoming supply bottles, namely, those This is done for purposes other than compensating for the loss of bottles at the supply facility where incoming supply bottles arrive. If a large number of orders for a single product are placed, each will store less than or nearly empty quantities of that product. Picking from a large number of inventory bins results in a smaller quantity of full or nearly full inventory. It is far less time- and resource-efficient than fulfilling the order from the bin. Therefore, the identical identification of at least two non-empty, less than full, common SKU bins for consolidation is This can be used in combination with the execution of the subsequent steps 2305-2310 shown in Figure 23. This is possible, and this is because the motivation for reorganization and integration is the preceding decision stage in the method shown in Figure 23. Even if there is no compensatory empty bottle requirement to drive the 2304 and 2304, use This is possible. In one embodiment, the aforementioned picking efficiency-motivated bin sorting integrated process The system is designed to avoid tying up ASRS resources such as RSRVs and work stations. These resources are used during peak times, specifically in step 2303 of the method shown in Figure 23. The possibility will be checked.

[0162] In another embodiment, useful product inventory at a receiving facility is organized and consolidated to generate empty shipping bins. Instead, the same bin sorting and consolidation process is used for items currently stored at the receiving facility's ASRS. From bottles that are not yet full, to customer returns and expired stock that are generally classified as unwanted items, Recall inventory and inventory transfers are streamlined and consolidated to eliminate the occupancy of such unnecessary items. Reduce the amount of waste. For example, this means reducing the storage space occupied by such waste. The amount of bottles exceeds the expected amount of incoming supply bottles, and / or the incoming supply bottles It is anticipated that at least some of the unwanted items will exceed the capacity of the transport vehicles, which is desirable. This is useful in the case of the sorting and consolidation process. If the quantity originally exceeds the vehicle capacity or incoming bottle quantity, the unwanted items will be stored. The number of bottles to be transported should be equal to the bottle capacity of the transport vehicle or the expected incoming supply of bottles to the transport vehicle. It can be used to reduce the quantity to an amount equal to the original quantity. Alternatively, the unwanted items can be stored. If the initial number of bins is already below the vehicle capacity or the number of incoming bins, then... Using an integrated process, we reduce the number of bins storing waste and reduce the amount of empty bins in transport vehicles. This allows for more space to be left for unloading bottles, which means that empty bottles are loaded onto the transport vehicles. The bottle is already an empty bottle stored at the receiving facility's ASRS, or this unwanted item is being sorted. One or more empty bottles created by the compounding process, and / or details in Figure 23. One or This depends on whether there are multiple empty bottles. In another embodiment, the sorting and consolidation of unwanted items is done at ASRS. And in order to minimize the number of storage bins occupied by such unwanted items, optional supplements This is executed regardless of the details of the order.

[0163] For consolidating unwanted items, the method shown in Figure 23 involves at least two non-empty / full containers suitable for sorting and consolidating. Perform the same database search for items under bin, but not for useful product inventory. Search for jars that have been flagged as containing unwanted items. This type of search is a scenario. Depending on the circumstances, this may or may not be implemented between common SKU bins. For example, best before date In the case of expired products, in particular, the nature of the expired product, for example, hazardous materials vs. non-hazardous materials For example, compostable materials versus non-compostable materials, recyclable materials versus non-recyclable materials, If you do not require separate, isolated, or special handling, different SKUs and product categories Expired products are arbitrarily consolidated into the same jar. Customer returns or refunds In the case of called inventory, in one embodiment, the contents are SKU, manufacturer / supplier, and / or related by the intended destination of the returned or recalled inventory from those customers. A search is performed among the bins. In the case of inventory transfer, in this embodiment, the contents are in SKU Therefore, regardless of whether they are related or not, the intended destination of the inventory being transferred The search is performed among the bins that are related to each other. In this specification, the term SKU is used. However, in various embodiments, for example, a vendor-independent universal product code (U Other unique product identifiers, including PC, are used. Therefore, ASRS uses multiple Store vendor inventory, and also by multiple such vendors, or that vendor It is optionally used to process orders received on behalf of [the company / organization]. Two or more such orders. Once the bins that can be organized and consolidated are identified, the organizing and consolidation process proceeds as shown in Figure 23. Proceed according to steps 2305-2310. Unlike the consolidation of useful product inventory, a certain In the embodiment, one or more bins resulting from having consolidated unwanted inventory Instead of being returned to the ASRS for storage, it is used as a voluntarily occupied delivery bin at the ASR Discharged from S or work station, for example, the bin exchange process disclosed below It is then exchanged for one or more incoming supply bins arriving by transport vehicle.

[0164] Figure 24 shows the replacement and induction of the storage unit according to one embodiment of this specification. Robot storage / retrieval vehicles configured with a computerized control system (CCS). (RSRV) and the transition route of storage units, Multizone Automated Warehouse (ASRS) This is a plan view from the top of 100. As shown in Figure 24, multizone ASR The S100 has two bin exchange areas 119. The bin exchange area 119 is Lower track layer in the storage structure of the 3D grid structure of Chizone ASRS100 Out of the first storage at room temperature in the illustrated multi-zone embodiment, on one side. The zone has an outbound conveyor 121 that extends outwards. Bin exchange area 119 It is parallel to the retrieval conveyor 121 on the same side of the storage structure of the three-dimensional grid structure. It also has an adjacent inbound conveyor 120. Each conveyor 120, 12 The inner end of 1 is lower than the lower track layout in the storage structure of the 3D grid structure. Therefore, the RSRV on the lower track layout in the 3D grid structure storage structure is discharged ( (Outgoing) It is configured to hand over empty inventory bins to the outgoing conveyor 121, for example, It is installed at the inner end of the outbound conveyor 121, adjacent to the peripheral edge of the lower track layout. The empty stock bins are then transferred to the outbound conveyor 121 via the transfer table, and then, for example, For example, similarly at the inner end of the receiving conveyor 120, the peripheral adjacent spot of the lower track layout The incoming and outgoing supply bins are received from the receiving conveyor 120 via another transfer table installed at the base. It is configured to take in the incoming supply bins and outgoing empty stock bins in a 3D grid storage structure. Spots on the lower track layout of a 3D grid structure storage structure entering and exiting For example, on the transfer table, the inner ends of the receiving conveyor 120 and the outbound conveyor 121 Then, the receiving bin port 1 of the induction station where the replenishment stock first enters the 3D grid structure storage structure. 46 and, more precisely, referred to as outbound bin port 147. In the following example, in particular, outbound empty stock bin port While it mentions the bin, other types of shipping bins disclosed above, such as customer return bins, Expired / unnecessary stock bottles are also exchanged for incoming supply bottles via the bottle exchange area 119. You may exchange it.

[0165] Figure 25 shows the configuration transition path shown in Figure 24, according to the embodiments of this specification. The specification specifies a computer for performing the replacement and induction of storage units referred to as "bins". A flowchart of the implementation method is shown. At the induction station and bin exchange area. The process for replacing the bin is shown in Figure 25. In Figure 25, the flowchart is: For example, a computerized control system (CCS) for receiving facilities such as a micro-order processing center. ) and, for example, the computerization of transport vehicles arriving from supply facilities such as macro distribution centers. Bin exchange routines and bin guidance routines are executed in coordination with the vehicle management system. This indicates the number of enclosed steps adjacent to the steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 25. The letters represent points along the transition paths of the bins shown in the plan view map of Figure 24. The solid line path is, for example, an automated warehouse such as the multi-zone ASRS100 shown in Figure 24. Movement of a 3D lattice structure storage structure on the upper track layout in ASRS The dashed lines represent the transition paths on the lower track layout in the 3D grid structure storage structure. This represents the transition. The square box marked "R" indicates replenishment / supply. ) Indicates the action taken regarding the bins; the square box marked "E" indicates empty stock. Actions taken regarding (empty inventory) bins or other outgoing bins This indicates.

[0166] The bin exchange and induction process shown in Figure 25 transports the incoming supply bin. The process begins with the arrival of the transport vehicle at the receiving facility (Step 2501). Step 2302 So, the vehicle management system (VMS) for transport vehicles that carry incoming supply bins is a wide-area wireless network Transport vehicles via network and optionally via cloud-based platforms. Notify the CCS of the pickup facility that the recipient has arrived at or is approaching the pickup facility. The series of steps, including the management of incoming supply bins, and the series of steps, including the management of outgoing empty inventory bins, are all part of the process. The steps are executed in parallel.

[0167] Starting with the supply bin management sequence on the left side of Figure 25, in step 2503, 1. A supply bin is, for example, from the platform of a cargo carousel of a transport vehicle, and a certain actual In terms of implementation, it can be fully automated or manually assisted as needed, from the transport vehicle (Figure 2) It is lowered onto the receiving conveyor 120 shown in 4. In step 2504, for example, the transport vehicle The storage arrays are loaded into their respective storage locations, for example, a carousel platform. The Bin_ID of each supply bin was previously recorded in its local computer-readable memory. MS communicates the Bin_ID of the supply bins being loaded onto the receiving conveyor belt 120 to the CCS. And so, each of the transport vehicles from each of the storage arrays Descending a supply bin triggers the transfer of that supply bin's Bin_ID to the receiving facility's CCS. To do or be involved in the storage location where the supply bins are unloaded from the transport vehicle. Instead of being transferred by VMS based on tion_ID, in one embodiment, the supply bin When the items are loaded onto the receiving conveyor 120, an appropriately positioned automated leader, or The Bin_ID of the incoming supply bin is scanned from the supply bin by a human-operated reader or It is read wirelessly.

[0168] On the other hand, in the empty bottle management sequence on the right side of Figure 25, in step 2509, CCS For RSRV, the bin sorting and consolidation process previously disclosed in the detailed explanation in Figure 23 is particularly special. The first empty bottle designated or created and thereby intended for exchange with incoming supply bottles. The command is given to retrieve the item from the 3D grid structure storage body. In response, step In 2510, RSRV is based on the upper track layout in the 3D grid structure storage structure. Move to the access shaft adjacent to the storage column that holds this empty bottle, and access Transition to the shaft, then descend to the level where the empty bottle storage area is located, and this storage area Empty bottles are extracted from the 3D lattice structure storage body, and these extracted empty stock bottles are placed in the lower part of the 3D lattice structure storage body. Descend to the rack layout, carry the items, and then proceed to step 2511 to the guidance station. Meanwhile, in the supply bin management sequence, in step 2505, the bins unloaded from the transport vehicle The first supply bin is transported on the receiving conveyor 120 toward the guidance station, and the guidance station We arrive at station loading port 146.

[0169] Returning to the empty bottle management sequence, the lower track layout in the 3D grid structure storage structure. The RSRV carrying the empty stock bin that was initially extracted above induces this empty bin in step 2512. Unload at the discharge port 147 of the lead station. Returning to the supply bin management sequence, the step We just unloaded the first empty inventory bin at the dispatch port 147 of the guidance station on platform P2506. The same RSRV then loads the first supply bin into itself, and in step 2507, 3 The supply bins are moved to an available storage location within the D-grid structure storage facility and placed there. In one embodiment, this loading of the supply bin is performed according to the vortex transfer pattern disclosed above. First, the supply bin is placed on the upper track of the outer shaft 124a in the 3D lattice structure storage body. Transport to the layout, then to the available storage area as shown by the solid line transfer path in Figure 24. Move over it to the upper spot of the access shaft 124 adjacent to the location, and then this A Lower the access shaft 124 to the level of the available storage area and load the supply bins there. This consists of the following. Once you have confirmed that the loading of the supply bins was successful, proceed to step 2508. Then, CCS updates the local facility database and now the Bin_I of the stored supply bins D is registered as the Location_ID of the storage location where the supply bin is actually placed, and thereby, The location of specific replenishment stock items loaded into supply bottles at the supply facility is registered, and therefore Then, the routing of these inventory items to the receiving facility ASRS is completed. In one embodiment, supply The specific inventory contents of a bin are stored in the supply bin's own dynamically updateable, computer-readable memory. Identified using data stored locally, at any time during the bin exchange and induction process. This is also read by CCS. In another embodiment, the specific inventory contents of the supply bin are Bin_ID In connection with this, it is stored in the cloud platform's database, and from there CCS this Access the data and update your local facility database. In another embodiment, The local facility database is omitted, and the cloud database is updated by CCS. The location status of the supply bin is the unique Facility_ID of the receiving facility, and the supply bin is the receiving facility The Location_ID of the storage location where the goods were just placed is updated. Local facility database Due to the redundancy of ASRS, even if communication with the cloud platform is interrupted, ASRS will still be able to handle it. Operation becomes possible.

[0170] Meanwhile, in step 2513 of the empty bottle management sequence, the exit port of the induction station After being unloaded at 147, the first empty bottles are placed on the outbound conveyor 121 as shown in Figure 24. It is being transported towards the loading dock at the receiving facility. The loading dock is on the outbound conveyor 121. Upon reaching the outer end, the empty bottles are loaded onto the transport vehicle in step 2514 and stored It is placed in a specific storage location within the tube array. Before or at this point, the VMS is The empty bottle's unique Bin_ID is received from the CCS, or the empty bottle is loaded onto the transport vehicle. When the appropriate VMS reader scans the Bin_ID from the empty bin itself or wirelessly It is received by reading. In step 2515, VMS receives the Bin_ID, and empty bins are exported. It is registered in association with the Location_ID of a specific storage location located in the storage array of transport vehicles, and Therefore, we will fully or partially compensate for supply bins previously shipped in the same transport vehicle. Along with the shipment of empty bottles intended for this purpose, when the transport vehicle arrives at the supply facility, this Bin_ID Vehicle reporting with the same option can be performed. The process involves incoming supply bins and outgoing empty bins. The process ends when the bottle exchange is successful (step 2516).

[0171] Figure 26 shows a storage unit 127, also referred to as a "storage bin," according to an embodiment of this specification. To perform the exchange and guidance, from the top of the transport vehicle 813 that has arrived at the receiving facility 14 This is a perspective view. Transport vehicle 813 is used to supply facilities such as macro distribution centers, for example. For example, transporting the storage unit 127 between the receiving facility 14, such as a micro order processing center. It is used for the following purpose. Transport vehicle 813 is used for the larger automated warehouse (ASRS) of receiving facility 14. Similar to a large three-dimensional (3D) 3D lattice structure storage structure, a predetermined number of storage locations within it are 3D It is composed of rays, each containing a cyborg to receive its own storage unit. The components and their configurations, each a specific storage unit that can be placed in any storage location at any time. Each location has a location address assigned to it for use in electronic tracking. In one embodiment, a small 3D grid structure-based ASRS used by the facility Instead of a model version, the illustrated embodiment is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Disclosed in the present applicant's PCT international application number PCT / IB2020 / 051721 As shown, for example, the trailer of a semi-trailer truck, or a box truck Alternatively, in the rear cargo area of ​​the 813 transport vehicle, such as the rear cargo compartment of a van, one set of bin carousels 815 is used. Each bin carousel 815 is spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. It consists of a pair of continuous loop belts or chains running along the longitudinal direction of the trailer, each However, a pair of operable units that can drive a belt or chain around its continuous loop path. It is wrapped around each sheave or sprocket. A series of platform wires The form is intended to seat and support each storage unit 127 on each platform. They are suspended at regular intervals b...

Claims

1. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system, Multiple storage locations are configured to accommodate storage units, The first storage zone, which constitutes the first group of the aforementioned storage locations, The second storage zone, which constitutes the second group of the aforementioned storage locations, At least one partition separating the second storage zone from the first storage zone, One or more portals that penetrate and open into the at least one partition wall between the first storage zone and the second storage zone, A track layout comprising a first track area occupying the first storage zone, a second track area occupying the second storage zone, and one or more connecting track segments that connect the first track area and the second track area to each other via one or more portals configured in the at least one partition wall, One or more robotic storage / retrieval vehicles (RSRVs) configured to place and retrieve the storage units in and out of the storage locations, wherein the one or more RSRVs are further configured to move along the at least one track layout in both the first track area and the second track area to access the first group and the second group of storage locations, respectively, and the one or more RSRVs are further configured to move between the first track area and the second track area via one or more connected track segments linked therein, Equipped with, A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system in which storage units stored in the first group of storage locations and the second group of storage locations are accessible by any one of a plurality of work stations attached to a lower track layout that extends continuously to the first and second storage zones.

2. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage zone and the second storage zone have different environmental control equipment installed therein, and either the environmental control equipment's operating characteristics or the other characteristics of the environmental control equipment are different from each other.

3. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first storage zone and the second storage zone is a cooled storage zone having a lower ambient operating temperature than the other of the first storage zone and the second storage zone.

4. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one track layout has an upper track layout positioned above the storage area, the at least one partition has an upper portion that rises upright from the upper track layout, and at least one of the one or more portals is configured to open through the at least one partition in the upper portion to accommodate a connecting track segment of the upper track layout that connects the first track area and the second track area of ​​the upper track layout.

5. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein at least one track layout has a lower track layout located below a storage area, at least one partition has a lower portion that is upright from the lower track layout, and at least one of one or more portals is configured to open through the at least one partition in its lower portion to accommodate a connecting track segment of the lower track layout that connects the first track area and the second track area of ​​the lower track layout.

6. In the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, further, A third storage zone, isolated from both the first and second storage zones by at least one additional partition, comprising a third group of storage locations, and At least one additional portal opening through to the at least one additional partition between the third storage zone and at least one of the first and second storage zones, the at least one additional portal configured to allow one or more RSRVs to move through therein, A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system equipped with the following features.

7. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one additional partition has a plurality of additional portals opening to the first storage zone and the second storage zone.

8. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one track layout has an upper track layout positioned above the storage area, and the at least one additional partition has an upper portion that rises upright from the upper track layout.

9. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional portal has at least one upper portal that opens through the at least one additional partition in its upper portion.

10. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 6, wherein the first storage zone, the second storage zone, and the third storage zone are each equipped with environmental control equipment and either of the operating characteristics of the environmental control equipment is different from each other, and the first storage zone, the second storage zone, and the third storage zone are accessible by one or more RSRVs.

11. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more buffer spots, each of which is located on at least one track layout and accessible from at least one track layout by one or more RSRVs, and each of which is configured to temporarily hold one of the storage units thereon.

12. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more buffer spots is located in close proximity to one of the one or more corresponding portals.

13. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 11, wherein the one or more buffer spots have a plurality of buffer spots, and at least one of the buffer spots is located in the first storage zone and the second storage zone, respectively.

14. The multi-zone automatic storage and retrieval system according to claim 11 further comprises a computerized control system that operably communicates with one or more RSRVs, the computerized control system comprising a network interface coupled to a communication network, at least one processor coupled to the network interface, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium communicably coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the non-transient computer-readable storage medium is configured to store computer program instructions, and when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to do the following, namely, As part of the retrieval task associated with the second storage zone, the system requests the retrieval of one target storage unit from among the storage units stored in the second storage zone. The recovery task associated with the second storage zone is assigned to the first RSRV in one or more RSRVs selected from one or more RSRVs located in the first storage zone, and For the first RSRV selected from the aforementioned one or more RSRVs, the following command is issued, namely: A command to move to the second storage zone via one or more portals opening from the first storage zone toward the second storage zone, and During the aforementioned transition, before entering the second storage zone from one or more portals, a command is issued to unload one of the storage units currently being transported to the first RSRV, selected from one or more RSRVs, to one or more buffer spots in the first storage zone. To issue an order, To make someone do something Multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system.

15. In the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 14, when the computer program instruction is executed by at least one processor of the computerized control system, the at least one processor is further instructed to issue the following additional command to the first RSRV selected from the one or more RSRVs in an additional step of the retrieval task relating to the second storage zone, namely, When entering the second storage zone, a command is given to pick up one buffered storage unit from one or more buffer spots in the second storage zone, A command to move from one or more buffer spots within the second storage zone to an access location within the second storage zone where one of the target storage units stored in the second storage zone can be retrieved, and Before retrieving one of the target storage units at the access location, a command is given to place the picked-up storage unit into one of the available storage locations in the second storage zone. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system that issues a warning.

16. In the multi-zone automatic storage and retrieval system according to claim 14, when the computer program instruction is executed by at least one processor of the computerized control system, it causes the at least one processor to do the following: To complete the retrieval task related to the second storage zone, the following commands are issued to a selected first RSRV from among the one or more RSRVs: a command to retrieve one of the target storage units stored in the second storage zone, and a command to deliver one of the target storage units to a work station to facilitate product picking from one of the target storage units at the work station. Following the completion of the retrieval task related to the second storage zone and the picking of products from one of the target storage units carried by the selected first RSRV from among one or more RSRVs, a command is issued to either the selected first RSRV from among one or more RSRVs, or a different RSRV from among one or more RSRVs, to place one of the target storage units in one or more buffer spots in the second storage zone and then exit the second storage zone, and As part of a subsequent retrieval task assigned to the second RSRV among one or more RSRVs, which is associated with the second storage zone and selected from the selected first RSRV among one or more RSRVs and a different RSRV among one or more RSRVs, the following command is issued to the second RSRV among one or more RSRVs in order to retrieve another target storage unit stored in the second storage zone, namely, A command to enter the second storage zone, A command to pick up one of the stored storage units from one of the one or more buffer spots in the second storage zone, A command to move from one or more buffer spots in the second storage zone toward an access location in the second storage zone from which another target storage unit can be retrieved, and A command to place one of the storage units picked up from one or more buffer spots in the second storage zone into one available storage location in the second storage zone, before retrieving another target storage unit from the storage units at the access location, To issue an order, A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system.

17. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, further comprising a computerized control system that operably communicates with one or more RSRVs, wherein the computerized control system comprises a network interface coupled to a communication network, at least one processor coupled to the network interface, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium communicably coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the non-transient computer-readable storage medium is configured to store computer program instructions, and the computer program instructions are configured, when executed by the at least one processor, to assign the at least one processor the task of moving one unnecessary storage unit in the second storage zone to one of the one or more RSRVs that are assigned to retrieve a necessary storage unit from the storage location in the second group, among the storage units stored in the second storage zone.

18. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, further comprising a computerized control system that operably communicates with the one or more RSRVs, the computerized control system comprising a network interface coupled to a communication network, at least one processor coupled to the network interface, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium communicably coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the second storage zone features a more stringent operating environment for the one or more RSRVs than the first storage zone, the non-transient computer-readable storage medium is configured to store computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor is instructed to prioritize one or more RSRVs that have been absent from the second storage zone for a longer period than one or more RSRVs that have been recently present in the second storage zone when selecting one of the one or more RSRVs to assign to an arbitrary retrieval task related to the second storage zone, the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system.

19. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 18, wherein when a computer program instruction is executed by at least one processor of the computerized control system, the system further causes at least one processor to record the exit time of one or more RSRVs when any one of them last left the second storage zone, and to compare the exit times of one or more RSRVs in order to prioritize one or more RSRVs that have been absent from the second storage zone for a longer period than one or more RSRVs that have been recently present in the second storage zone, while selecting one of the one or more RSRVs for any retrieval task related to the second storage zone.

20. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein at least one partition separating the second storage zone from the first storage zone has an upright partition separating the first storage zone and the second storage zone, and one or more connecting track segments are stretched through one or more portals from one side of the upright partition to the other side of the upright partition.

21. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one truck layout is located above the storage area, and the second storage zone is located above the at least one truck layout and has an enclosed attic space isolated from the first storage zone.

22. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 21, wherein the enclosed attic space is separated by boundary walls of the second storage zone, at least one of the boundary walls is separate and isolated from the building walls of the facility housing the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system, and the enclosed attic space is isolated from the first storage zone and the surrounding space of the facility.

23. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 22, wherein the boundary wall of the enclosed attic space is separate from and isolated from the building wall of the facility.

24. A multi-zone automatic storage and retrieval system according to claim 22, wherein the boundary wall is provided on a frame member of a grid structure storage structure of the multi-zone automatic storage and retrieval system that separates a second group of storage locations.

25. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 21, wherein the first storage zone is not enclosed in the attic space and is open to the surrounding environment of the facility housing the multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system.

26. A multi-zone automatic storage and retrieval system according to claim 21, further comprising environmental control equipment installed in the enclosed attic space of the second storage zone.

27. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the storage locations are arranged in storage columns configured to accept the placement of storage units therein, and one or more RSRVs are configured to move across the at least one track layout between access locations where different storage columns are accessible by one or more RSRVs, to load and retrieve storage units to and from the storage columns.

28. A multizone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 27, wherein the access locations have unoccupied access shafts configured such that the storage columns are clustered and one or more RSRVs move to access multiple levels of the storage columns, each of the unoccupied access shafts is adjacent to at least one of the storage columns, and the one or more RSRVs can position and retrieve the storage units from within each of the unoccupied access shafts relative to the storage columns.

29. A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 1, wherein the storage units for storing product inventory are received at a receiving facility on a transport vehicle from a supply facility and are automatically guided to a multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) at the receiving facility, the multi-zone ASRS is of a type compatible with a predetermined type of each of the storage units, the storage units for storing the product inventory are exchanged for a delivery storage unit from the receiving facility, thereby loading the delivery storage unit onto the transport vehicle for transfer from the receiving facility, and both the storage units for storing the product inventory and the delivery storage unit are of the same predetermined type compatible with the multi-zone ASRS at the receiving facility.

30. A computer implementation method for controlling the operation of robotic storage / recovery vehicles (RSRVs) in a multi-zone automated storage and recovery system (ASRS), The multizone ASRS comprises a plurality of storage locations configured to accommodate the arrangement and storage of storage units, a first storage zone constituting a first group of the storage locations, and a second storage zone isolated from the first storage zone and constituting a second group of the storage locations. The method employs a computerized control system that communicates operably with the RSRVs. The computerized control system comprises a network interface connected to a communication network, at least one processor connected to the network interface, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium communicably connected to the at least one processor. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium is configured to store computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor is subjected to the following, namely: The process of placing a first storage unit in the second storage zone, which includes placing the first storage unit in the first storage location within the second storage zone, is divided into a first entry task of transporting the first storage unit to the second storage zone and a second placement task of placing the first storage unit in the first storage location. Assigning the first entry task and the second placement task to the first and second RSRVs selected from among the RSRVs located outside the second storage zone, respectively, To issue commands to the first RSRV and the second RSRV to execute the first entry task and the second placement task, A computer implementation method that enables this.

31. A computer-aided mounting method according to claim 30, wherein the first entry task includes unloading the first storage unit in the second storage zone by the first RSRV, and the rapid exit of the first RSRV from the second storage zone after the unloading.

32. A computer-aided mounting method according to claim 31, wherein the unloading performed by the first RSRV in the first entry task includes placing the first storage unit in a buffer spot in the second storage zone so that the second RSRV can later retrieve the first storage unit from the buffer spot.

33. A computer implementation method according to claim 30, wherein the second storage zone has a more severe operating environment for the RSRVs than the first storage zone.

34. A computer mounting method according to claim 30, wherein the second storage zone is a cooled storage zone having a lower ambient operating temperature than the first storage zone.

35. A computer implementation method for controlling the operation of robotic storage / recovery vehicles (RSRVs) in a multi-zone automated storage and recovery system (ASRS), The multizone ASRS comprises a plurality of storage locations configured to accommodate the arrangement and storage of storage units, a first storage zone constituting a first group of the storage locations, and a second storage zone isolated from the first storage zone and constituting a second group of the storage locations. The method employs a computerized control system that communicates operably with the RSRVs. The computerized control system comprises a network interface connected to a communication network, at least one processor connected to the network interface, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium communicably connected to the at least one processor. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium is configured to store computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by the at least one processor, they cause the at least one processor to do the following, namely, (a) Assigning the recovery tasks related to the second storage zone to a first RSRV selected from among the RSRVs located outside the second storage zone, (b) The following command is given to the first RSRV, namely: Command to move to the second storage zone, A command to retrieve the first storage unit from the first storage location in the second storage zone, and A command to exit the second storage zone and transport the first storage unit to a work station located outside the second storage zone, To issue an order, (c) After the work station has performed either placing the product into the first storage unit or extracting the product from the first storage unit, it is instructed to move the first storage unit back from the work station to the second storage zone and to unload the first storage unit at a buffer spot in the second storage zone that is clearly different from the storage location in the second storage zone. Computer implementation method.

36. A computer implementation method according to claim 35, wherein when the computer program instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the computer implementation method causes the at least one processor to issue a command to one of the first RSRV and one of the other RSRVs to promptly exit the second storage zone after unloading the first storage unit at the buffer spot of the second storage zone.

37. A computer implementation method according to claim 35, wherein when the computer program instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the computer implementation method causes the at least one processor to issue a command to another RSRV among the RSRVs to enter the second storage zone from the first storage zone, pick up the first storage unit from a buffer spot in the second storage zone, and place the first storage unit in one storage location in the second storage zone.

38. A computer implementation method according to claim 37, wherein when the computer program instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the computer implementation method causes the at least one processor to issue a command to the other RSRV to retrieve the second storage unit from the second storage location in the second storage zone, which is different from the storage location in the second storage zone where the first storage unit was stored, after the first storage unit has been placed in the one storage location in the second storage zone.

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