Vertical accumulation buffer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an accumulation buffer (1), providing vertical storage, configured to accumulate objects (OJ) from a first conveyor (C1) and to discharge the accumulated objects onto a second conveyor (C2), the accumulation buffer comprising: / A / an elevator comprising: - a set of raising platforms (12) configured to raise the objects; - a first transmission (13) forming a closed loop, along which the raising platforms (12) are distributed, the transmission (13) being driven by a first motor; / B / a lowerator comprising: - a set of lowering platforms (14) configured to lower the objects; - a second transmission (15) forming a closed loop, along which the lowering platforms are distributed, the transmission (15) being driven by a second motor; / C / a vertically movable transfer system configured to move an object (OJ) supported by one of the raising platforms (12) to one of the lowering platforms (14) positioned at the same level.

Description

Description Title: Vertical Accumulator

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vertical storage accumulator, configured to pick up objects from a first conveyor, at the input, and store them, then return the stored objects to a second conveyor, at the output.

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to equipment including such an accumulator, as well as the first conveyor and the second conveyor, but also to an accumulation process implementing such equipment. technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of logistics, and more specifically to buffers, which are configured to decouple two flows of objects, input and output. For example, they might decouple a first flow of storage containers, containing stock items, conveyed by conveyors in an automated storage and retrieval system, from a second flow of containers required at one or more order picking stations to fulfill one or more orders. The item(s) contained in the second flow of containers allow an operator or a robot to fill an order container with a combination of items from the storage containers for order fulfillment.The accumulator is then configured to decouple a first process which consists of removing the storage containers from the storage system, and storing them temporarily while they are transported to one or more order preparation stations, and according to the rate required for each order preparation station for the fulfillment of orders.

[0004] In general, and in this disclosure, such an accumulator can, as another example, be configured to decouple a first flow of order containers prepared at one or more order picking stations from a second flow of containers to be transported to a means of transport, such as a truck. The accumulator is then configured to decouple a first process, which consists of removing the order containers from the order picking station(s) to free them up and prepare the next orders, and temporarily storing them until they are transported to the means of transport (car, truck, tricycle, or other) for delivery to their destination.

[0005] Also, generally speaking, and in this disclosure, objects can be storage containers, which often each contain the same type of items, or order containers, which contain at least one item or combination of items that have been ordered. Previous technique

[0006] Accumulation conveyors are known to exist, on which objects can be temporarily stored side by side at the same height, and which are configured to accumulate objects from a first stream, and return them according to a second stream. One drawback of this first family of batteries is a significant footprint, which increases and is proportional to the need for storage.

[0007] The state of the art still includes vertical storage accumulators, namely those extending along a vertical component, allowing objects to be stored one above the other, such as those disclosed by WO 2020 / 201 101 A1, or WO 2016 / 113230, and with a smaller footprint compared to horizontal storage of objects, but which typically requires greater complexity, typically requiring a large number of independent actuators for their implementation, which increases their cost. Summary

[0008] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0009] In one aspect, a vertical storage accumulator is proposed, configured to collect objects from a first conveyor and deliver the collected objects to a second conveyor, the accumulator comprising: / A / an elevator comprising: - a set of lifting supports configured to lift objects, - a first transmission forming a closed loop, along which the said lifting supports are distributed, - a first motor configured to drive the first transmission in a first direction of rotation, / B / a descender comprising: - a set of lowering supports configured to lower objects, - a second transmission forming a closed loop, along which said step-down supports are distributed - a second motor configured to drive the second transmission in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, and / C / a vertically mobile transfer system comprising a transfer element configured to move an object supported by one of the lifting supports to one of the lowering supports, juxtaposed at the same level.

[0010] In general: - the first transmission may include, on the one hand, a forward strand along which the lifting supports are ascending, and on the other hand, a rear strand along which the lifting supports are descending, when the first transmission is actuated in the first direction of rotation and - the second transmission may include, on the one hand, a front strand along which the lowering supports are downward, and on the other hand, a rear strand along which the lowering supports are upward, when the second transmission is actuated in the second direction of rotation

[0011] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0012] According to one embodiment, the transfer system comprises a vertically guided trolley, supporting said transfer member and comprising a drive mechanism actuated by the first motor of the elevator and the second motor of the descender, and configured to move the trolley at a speed corresponding to the average of the speed of the elevator and the descender, the speed of the elevator being positive and the speed of the descender being negative, said trolley being moved: - on the uphill side when the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission driven in the first direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission (driven in the second direction of rotation and - on the descent when the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission driven in the second direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission driven in the first direction of rotation.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a portion of meshing in contact with the front strand of the first transmission and in contact with the front strand of the second transmission.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises: - a first portion of the meshing in contact with the first transmission, the first portion of the meshing and the first transmission forming a first gear, - a second portion of the gear meshing with the second transmission, the second portion of the gear mesh and the second transmission forming a second gear.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a direction reversal device ensuring a reversal of the direction of rotation between said first portion of the meshing engaged with the front strand of the first transmission, and said second portion of the meshing engaged with the front strand of the second transmission.

[0016] According to one embodiment: - the first transmission (forming the closed loop) is guided between a first lower rotary guide member and a first upper rotary guide member and - the second transmission forming the closed loop, is guided between a second lower rotary guide element and a second upper rotary guide element.

[0017] The said accumulator may have a vertical structure comprising: - the first lower guide member and a second lower guide member articulated at a pivot in a lower portion of the vertical structure, along the same lower axis of rotation, and - the first upper guide element and the second upper guide element are pivotally articulated in an upper portion of the vertical structure along the same upper axis of rotation.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the carriage is guided in translation on and along the vertical structure, the carriage being interposed between the first transmission and the second transmission.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said transfer member is a movable pusher member, along a horizontal component, under the action of an actuator of the transfer system, for ensure the transfer of the object from the lifting support to the adjacent lowering support at the same height level.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to equipment comprising a first conveyor, a second conveyor and an accumulator according to the present disclosure, the lifting supports being configured to pick up objects from the first conveyor and the lowering supports being configured to return the objects to the second conveyor.

[0021] According to one embodiment: - the first conveyor comprises a first end conveyor having a set of slots, spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the first end conveyor, the slots opening at a free end of the first end conveyor, - the second conveyor comprises a second end conveyor having a set of slots, spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the second end conveyor, the slots opening at a free end of the second end conveyor, and - the elevator lifting supports configured to lift objects each comprise a comb structure having a crossbar and teeth extending from the cantilevered crossbar, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the first end conveyor, and lift the objects resting on the first end conveyor, when the first transmission is driven in the first direction of rotation, - the elevator lowering supports configured to lower objects include a comb structure comprising a cross member, and teeth extending from the cantilevered cross member, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the second end conveyor, and deposit the objects onto the second end conveyor, when the second transmission is driven in the second direction of rotation.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first conveyor and the second conveyor, in particular the first end conveyor and the second end conveyor of the equipment are juxtaposed at the same level, configured to permit a direct transfer of an object from the first conveyor to the second end conveyor, passing through said elevator and said descender.

[0023] This disclosure relates, according to a third aspect, to an accumulation process employing equipment as described in this disclosure, a first object being supported by the first conveyor, the process comprising: - / a / Drive the first transmission in the first direction of rotation so that one of the first lifting supports lifts the first object from the first conveyor, and raises said first supported object until the first lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports, which is empty of objects, - / b / Actuate the transfer mechanism so as to ensure the transfer of the first object supported by the lifting support to the lowering support free of objects.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the process comprises: -Here Load another object onto the first conveyor in particular the first end conveyor so that a second lifting support following the first lifting support lifts and raises said other object, and in which said other object is raised by the second lifting support by the drive in the first direction of rotation of the first transmission, at least partially simultaneously with the raising of the first object by the first lifting support, and raise said other supported object until the second lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports, empty of object.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the process, the object(s) supported by the lowering supports are returned to the second conveyor by: - / d / Drive the second transmission in the second direction of rotation in order to place an object supported by one of the lowering supports onto the second conveyor, - / e / . Move the object placed by the lowering support horizontally onto the second conveyor.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a second object is conveyed on the first conveyor, in particular on the first end conveyor, while the first object is stored at a height on one of the lifting supports or at a height on one of the lowering supports, and wherein the method provides: - / f / Transfer the second object directly from the first conveyor, in particular the first end conveyor, to the second conveyor, in particular the second end conveyor, and move the second object onto the second conveyor in order to return the second object, prior to the first object.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the equipment according to the second aspect, said accumulator includes a control unit comprising one or more microprocessors, a memory and instructions for the implementation of the process in this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0029] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of equipment according to this disclosure comprising a first conveyor with a first end conveyor having through slots, and a second conveyor with a second end conveyor having through slots, and an accumulator comprising a lift and a descender, juxtaposed, and a transfer system, said lift comprising a set of lifting supports, distributed along a first transmission driven in a first direction of rotation by a first motor and forming a closed loop guided by a first upper rotary guide member and by a second lower rotary guide member, said descender comprising a set of lowering supports, distributed along a second transmission driven in a second direction of rotation by a second motor and forming a closed loop guided by a second upper rotary guide member and a second lower rotary guide member, said transfer system being vertically mobile and comprising a transfer member configured to move an object from one of the lifting supports to one of the lowering supports, when said lifting support and lowering support are juxtaposed at the same height level. Fig. 2

[0030] [Fig. 2] is a front view of the equipment, illustrating: - the ascent of the lifting supports, each featuring a comb structure configured to pick up objects from the first end conveyor, when teeth of the comb pass through the slots of the first end conveyor, - the descent of the lowering supports each having a comb structure configured to deposit objects onto the second end conveyor, when teeth of the comb pass through the slots of the second end conveyor. Fig. 3

[0031] [Fig. 3] is a detailed perspective view illustrating the lifting support passing through the slots of the first end conveyor and the lowering support passing through the slots of the second end conveyor. Fig. 4

[0032] [Fig. 4] is a side view, seen from the side of the descender, illustrating the second transmission, in the form of a closed loop, guided by the second upper rotary guide member and by the second lower rotary guide member, driven by the second motor, the lowering supports being downward between the two rotary members along a front strand of the loop, and the lowering supports being upward along a rear strand of the loop. Fig. 5

[0033] [Fig. 5] is a detailed view of the transfer system which includes a trolley configured to be guided vertically and driven up or down at a speed corresponding to an average speed between the first transmission and the second transmission, the trolley configured to be driven up when the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission in the first direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission in the second direction of rotation, and to be driven down when the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission in the second direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission in the first direction of rotation, the speed of the elevator being positive and the speed of the descender negative. Fig. 6

[0034] [Fig. 6] shows a first embodiment of the carriage drive mechanism which includes a gear portion such as a toothed wheel, engaged with the front strand of the first transmission, along which the lifting supports are raised when the first transmission is driven in the first direction of rotation, and simultaneously engaged with the strand before the second transmission along which the lowering supports are downward when the second transmission is driven in the second direction of rotation. Fig. 6a

[0035] [Fig. 6a] is a kinematic diagram of the gears of the carriage drive mechanism according to a second possibility of the drive mechanism, which includes: - a first portion of the meshing in contact with the front strand of the first transmission along which the lifting supports are upwards when the first transmission is driven in the first direction of rotation, - a second portion of the meshing in contact with the front strand of the second transmission along which the lowering supports are descending when the second transmission is driven in the second direction of rotation, the second transmission of the static descender, the first transmission driven in the first direction of rotation, causing the front strand to rise and the rear strand to descend, the front strand in contact with the first portion of the meshing, a direction reversal device driving the second portion of the meshing in contact with the second transmission in rotation in a reverse direction ensuring the raising of the carriage. Fig. 6b

[0036] [Fig. 6b] is a kinematic diagram of the gears of the trolley drive mechanism according to the second possibility of the drive mechanism, the first static transmission, the second transmission of the descender driven in the second direction of rotation, causing the descent of the front strand in contact with the second portion of the mesh, driving the first portion of the mesh in contact with the front strand of the first transmission in rotation in an opposite direction of rotation, ensuring the descent of the trolley. Fig. 6c

[0037] [Fig. 6c] is a kinematic diagram of a reversing device with bevel gears. Fig. 6d

[0038] [Fig. 6d] is a kinematic diagram of a three-gear reversing device. Fig. 7

[0039] [Fig. 7] is a detailed view, illustrating the activation of said transfer organ, moved by an actuator to push an object, in particular a container, from one of the lifting supports, and to one of the lowering supports, juxtaposed at the same height level. Fig. 8

[0040] [Fig. 8] is a front view of the thrust according to figure 7. Fig. 9

[0041] [Fig. 9] schematically illustrates an initial stage of the accumulation process implemented by the equipment in which the front strand of the first transmission is provided with three lifting supports superimposed one above the other, said lifting supports being aligned respectively with three superimposed lowering supports, attached to a front strand of the second transmission, one lower of the lifting supports being aligned with the first conveyor being loaded with a first object, and while two lower of the lowering supports have been previously loaded with two objects, with a lower object at the level of the second conveyor, and a higher object superimposed on the lower object. Fig. 10

[0042] [Fig. 10] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 9, said elevator being raised by one step corresponding to the difference in level between two consecutive lifting supports, and while the descender is static, causing the lifting support supporting the first object to rise to the level of the upper object supported by the lowering support, as well as the transfer system to rise by half a step, the lifting support following that carrying the first object, aligned with the first conveyor, being loaded with another object. Fig. 11

[0043] [Fig. 11] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 10, said elevator being raised by one step corresponding to the difference in level between two consecutive lifting supports, and while the descender is static, causing the lifting support carrying the first object to rise to the level of the lowering support free of object, as well as the transfer system to rise by an additional half step to a height position where the transfer member permits the transfer of the first object from said lifting support to the lowering support, free of object, at the same level, the lifting support following that carrying the other object, aligned with the first conveyor being loaded with an additional object. Fig. 12

[0044] [Fig. 12] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 11, with the elevator and the descender static, after the first object has been transferred from the lifting support to the lowering support. Fig. 13

[0045] [Fig. 13] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 12, the elevator being static, the descender having descended by one step corresponding to the gap between two consecutive lowering supports, after the lower object has been returned to the second conveyor, the upper object now aligned at the height of the second conveyor, causing the transfer system to descend by half a step. Fig. 14

[0046] [Fig. 14] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 13, the elevator being static, the descender having descended by one step corresponding to the gap between two lowering supports consecutive, after return of the upper object on the second conveyor, the first object aligned at the height of the second conveyor, causing the transfer system to descend by an additional half step into a position where the transfer element allows the transfer of the other object supported by a lifting support at a first level of height of the first conveyor to a lowering support of the same level, aligned. Fig. 15

[0047] [Fig. 15] is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 14, with the elevator and the descender static, the transfer member having carried out the transfer of the other object supported by an elevator support at a first level of height of the first conveyor to the lowering support of the same level, aligned. Description of the implementation methods

[0048] The present disclosure relates to a vertically stored accumulator 1, configured to collect OJ objects from a first conveyor C1, and return the accumulated objects to a second conveyor C2.

[0049] The battery includes: / A / an elevator comprising: - a set of 12 lifting supports configured to lift objects, - a first transmission 13 forming a closed loop, along which the said lifting supports 12 are distributed, - a first motor M1 configured to drive the first transmission 13 in a first direction of rotation / B / a descender comprising: - a set of 14 lowering supports configured to lower objects, - a second transmission 15 forming a closed loop, along which said lowering supports 14 are distributed, - a second motor M2 configured to drive the second transmission in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, and / C / a vertically mobile transfer system comprising a transfer member 16 configured to move an object OJ supported by one of the lifting supports 12 to one of the lowering supports 14, juxtaposed at the same level.

[0050] The first transmission 13, forming the closed loop, can be guided between a first lower rotary guide member OG1i and a first upper rotary guide member OG1s. The first transmission 13 comprises, on the one hand, a front strand 131, connecting the first lower and upper rotary guide members OG1i, OG1s, along which the lifting supports 12 are upward-moving when the first transmission is actuated in the first direction of rotation, and on the other hand, a rear strand 132, typically parallel to the front strand, the rear strand 132 connecting the first lower and upper rotary guide members OG1i, OG1s, along which the supports elevators 12 are downwards, when the first transmission 13 is actuated in the first direction of rotation.

[0051] According to the accumulator and accumulation method described herein, the objects are loaded by the lifting supports connected by the front strand 131, with the rear strand 132 of the first transmission providing a return path for the lifting supports. The elevator is permitted to operate, which can be actuated by the rotation of the first transmission 13 in the first direction of rotation, preferably only, allowing unlimited movement, one after the other, of the lifting supports 12 at the level of the first conveyor C1. The passage of the lifting supports around the first upper rotating guide member OG1s ensures a 180° rotation of the lifting supports. Similarly, the passage of the lifting supports around the first lower guide member OG1i ensures a 180° rotation of the lifting supports.

[0052] The second transmission 15 forming the closed loop can be guided between a second lower rotary guide member OG2i and a second upper rotary guide member OG2s.

[0053] The second transmission comprises, on the one hand, a front strand 151, connecting the second lower and upper rotary guide members OG2i, OG2s, along which the lowering supports 14 are downward when the second transmission 15 is actuated in the second direction of rotation, and on the other hand, a rear strand 152, typically parallel to the front strand, the rear strand 152 connecting the second lower and upper rotary guide members OG2i, OG2s, along which the lowering supports are upward, when the second transmission 15 is actuated in the second direction of rotation (Figure 4).

[0054] The passage of the lowering supports 14 around the second upper rotary guide member OG2s ensures the 180° rotation of the lowering supports. Similarly, the passage of the lowering supports around the second lower guide member OG2i ensures the 180° rotation of the lowering supports.

[0055] Generally, the first and second transmissions can be two roller chains, respectively, with the lifting supports attached to the links of the first chain and the lowering supports attached to the second chain. In such a case, the guide elements, in particular the first lower and upper rotary guide elements OG1i, OG1s, can be two toothed wheels, lower and upper, respectively engaging with a lower and an upper portion of the roller chain of the first transmission 13. The second lower and upper rotary guide elements OG2i, OG2s can be two toothed wheels, lower and upper, respectively engaging with a lower and an upper portion of the roller chain of the second transmission 15.The first motor M1 can be coupled to one of the first upper or lower guide members to ensure the rotation of the first transmission in the first direction of rotation. The second motor M2 can be coupled to one of the second upper or lower guide members to ensure the rotation of the second transmission in the second direction of rotation.

[0056] Generally, the first transmission 13 and the second transmission 15 can each be two belts, preferably toothed belts, with the lifting supports attached to one belt and the lowering supports to a second belt. In such a case, the guide elements, in particular the first lower and upper rotary guide elements OG1i, OG1s, can be lower and upper gears, respectively, engaging with a lower and upper portion of the toothed belt of the first transmission 13. The second lower and upper rotary guide elements OG2i, OG2s can also be lower and upper gears, respectively, engaging with a lower and upper portion of the toothed belt of the second transmission 15.The first motor M1 can be coupled to one of the first upper or lower guide members to ensure the rotation of the first transmission in the first direction of rotation. The second motor M2 can be coupled to one of the second upper or lower guide members to ensure the rotation of the second transmission 15 in the second direction of rotation.

[0057] In general, the first transmission 13 and the second transmission 15 can extend substantially parallel to each other, the first lower rotary guide member OG1 i and the second lower rotary guide member OG2i sharing the same lower axis of rotation, the first upper rotary guide member OG1s and the second upper rotary guide member OG2s sharing the same upper axis of rotation.

[0058] The length of the first transmission 13 and the length of the second transmission 15 can be identical.

[0059] In general, the number of lifting supports 12 attached to the first transmission 13 and the number of lowering supports 14 attached to the second transmission 15 can be identical.

[0060] The spacing hereinafter referred to as "not" between two of the consecutive lifting supports 12 of the first transmission may be identical, namely that the lifting supports 12 may be distributed regularly along the length of the first transmission 13.

[0061] The spacing hereinafter referred to as "not" between two of the consecutive lowering supports 14 of the second transmission may be identical, namely that the lowering supports 14 may be distributed regularly along the length of the second transmission 15.

[0062] According to one embodiment: - the front strand 131 of the first transmission 13 can support at least three lifting supports 12, or even more such as four, five, six, seven... etc lifting supports. - the front strand 151 of the second transmission 15 can support at least three lowering supports 14, or even more such as four, five, six, seven... etc lowering supports.

[0063] The accumulator's storage capacity can be improved by increasing the number of lowering supports 14 and the number of lifting supports 12 of the accumulator, the objects being stored in the accumulator preferably only on said lifting supports 12 and said lowering supports 14.

[0064] At least in one position of the accumulator 1, at least two superimposed lifting supports 12 of the front strand 131 of the first transmission 13 are respectively juxtaposed with at least two superimposed lowering supports 14 of the front strand 151 of the second transmission 15, following at least two height levels when two other supports respectively lifting and lowering, of lower level, are respectively at level with the first end conveyor 10 and the second end conveyor 11.

[0065] The vertically mobile transfer system, comprising the transfer element 16, includes a vertically guided carriage 17 supporting said transfer element 16. According to an embodiment not shown, and according to a first possibility, the transfer system may include an actuator, such as a third motor, namely a motor independent of the first motor M1 and the third motor M2, configured to drive the carriage 17 upwards or downwards. According to such an embodiment, the movements of the carriage 17 require control, based on the movements of the first transmission 13 and the movements of the second transmission 15, or based on the position of the supports, and typically by a control unit comprising one or more microprocessors and typically sensors.

[0066] According to a second possibility not requiring a third motor, the trolley 17 can include a drive mechanism ME, operated by the first motor M1 of the elevator and by the second motor M2 of the descender, configured to move the trolley at a speed corresponding to the average of the speed of the elevator and the descender, the speed of the elevator being positive and the speed of the descender being negative.

[0067] Thus, the ME drive mechanism moves the carriage 17: - on the uphill side when the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission 13 driven in the first direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission 15 driven in the second direction of rotation and - on the descent when the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission 15 driven in the second direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission 13 driven in the first direction of rotation.

[0068] The speed of the elevator Va is positive (or zero), i.e., Va>0, for example, +1 m / s, and the speed of the descender Vd is negative (or zero), i.e., Vd<0, for example, -0.5 m / s. Therefore, the speed of the trolley Vc is the average of the speeds of the elevator Va and the descender Vd, for example, +0.25 m / s. The speed of the trolley can be calculated as follows:

[0069] [Math 1] Vc = - Va + Vd 2

[0070] Such an embodiment according to the second possibility is advantageous compared to the first possibility in that it saves not only an independent motor for the movement of the vertical carriage of the transfer system, but also specific control electronics, since the said ME drive mechanism ensures the movement of the carriage by a mechanical transmission only.

[0071] According to a first embodiment, in particular illustrated in figure 6, the drive mechanism ME includes a meshing portion 21 in contact with the front strand 131 of the first transmission 13 and in contact with the front strand 151 of the second transmission 15.

[0072] In Figure 6, the gear portion 21 can be a toothed wheel, mounted pivotally relative to a chassis of the carriage, along a typically horizontal axis, typically passing through a plane of symmetry between the first transmission 13 and the second transmission 15. This gear portion 21 forms a first gear with the front strand 131 of the first transmission, and a second gear with the front strand 151 of the second transmission 15.

[0073] According to a second embodiment, the ME drive mechanism can typically include: - a first portion of the gearing 19 in contact with the first transmission 13, the first portion of the gearing 19 and the first transmission 13 forming a first gear, - a second gear portion 20 in contact with the second transmission 15, the second gear portion 20 and the second transmission 15 forming a second gear.

[0074] Figure 6a is a kinematic diagram of the gears of the carriage drive mechanism according to one possibility of the second embodiment of the drive mechanism, namely that the first meshing portion 19 is in contact with the front strand 131 of the first transmission, and that the second meshing portion 20 is in contact with the front strand 151, but also in that a direction reversing device 22 ensures a reversal of the direction of rotation between the first meshing portion 19 and the second meshing portion 20.

[0075] In figure 6a, the second transmission of the static descender, the first transmission 13 is driven in the first direction of rotation, causing the front strand 131 to rise, as indicated by the arrow pointing towards the reader (represented by a point in a circle), engaging with the first portion of the gear 19 and the rear strand 132 to descend, as indicated by the arrow pointing away from the reader (represented by a cross in a circle), the direction reversal device 22 driving the second portion of the gear 20 into engagement with the second transmission in rotation in a reverse direction of rotation ensuring the raising of the carriage 17.

[0076] Figure 6b is a kinematic diagram of the gears of the carriage drive mechanism of the drive mechanism, the first static transmission, the second transmission of the descender is driven in the second direction of rotation, causing the descent of the front strand 151 in contact with the second portion of the mesh 20, the reversing device 22 driving the first portion of the mesh 19 in contact with the front strand of the first transmission in rotation in an opposite direction of rotation, ensuring the descent of the carriage 17.

[0077] According to one possibility, the reversing device includes bevel gears. Thus, Figure 6c is one possible embodiment, among others, of the direction reversing device 22, which includes a An input shaft ET intended to be connected to the first gear segment 19, and an output shaft ST intended to be connected to the second gear segment 20, the input shaft and output shaft being coaxial. The direction reversing device comprises three bevel gears in series, namely a first bevel gear rotatably fixed to the input shaft ET, a third bevel gear rotatably fixed to the output shaft, and a second, intermediate bevel gear forming a first gear with the first bevel gear and a second gear with the third bevel gear, mounted to pivot freely.

[0078] Figure 6d illustrates another possible embodiment, among others, of the direction reversing device 22 which includes an input shaft ET intended to be connected to the first meshing portion 19, and an output shaft ST intended to be connected to the second meshing portion 20, the input shaft and the output shaft coaxial, the reversal of rotation being ensured by three gears in series, including a first gear EG1 formed by a pinion pair, a second gear EG2 formed by a pair formed by a first toothed wheel and a chain (or a first pulley and a belt) and a third gear EG3 formed by a second pair formed by the chain and a second toothed wheel (or by the belt and a second pulley).

[0079] When the first transmission and the second transmission are identical, said first portion of gearing 19 and said second portion of gearing 20 may be identical gear wheels.

[0080] The said accumulator can typically have a vertical structure 18 comprising: - the first lower guide element OG1 i and a second lower guide element OG2i articulated at a pivot in a lower portion of the vertical structure, along the same lower axis of rotation, and - the first upper guide element OG1s and the second upper guide element OG2s are pivotally articulated in an upper portion of the vertical structure 18, along the same upper axis of rotation.

[0081] The carriage 17 can be guided in translation on and along the vertical structure 18, the carriage 17 interposed between the first transmission 13 and the second transmission 15.

[0082] According to one embodiment, said transfer member 16 can be a movable pusher member, along a horizontal component, under the action of an actuator of the transfer system, to ensure the transfer of the object from the lifting support to the lowering support juxtaposed at the same height level.

[0083] The present disclosure further relates to equipment comprising a first conveyor C1, a second conveyor C2 and an accumulator 1 according to the present disclosure, the lifting supports 12 being configured to pick up objects from the first conveyor C1 and the lowering supports 14 being configured to return the objects to the second conveyor C2.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the equipment: - the first conveyor C1 may include a first end conveyor 10 comprising a set of slots FT, spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the forward direction of the first end conveyor, the slots opening at a free end of the first end conveyor, - the second conveyor C2 may include a second end conveyor 11 comprising a set of slots FT, spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the second end conveyor, the slots FT opening at a free end of the second end conveyor 11.

[0085] According to such an embodiment: - the lifting supports 12 of the elevator configured to lift objects each comprise a comb structure having a crossbar TV attached to the first transmission and teeth DT extending from the cantilevered crossbar, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the first end conveyor 10, and lift the objects resting on the first end conveyor 10, when the first transmission 13 is driven in the first direction of rotation. - the lowering supports 14 of the lowering device configured to lower the objects comprise a comb structure having a crossbar attached to the second transmission, and teeth extending from the cantilevered crossbar, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the second end conveyor 11, and deposit the objects on the second end conveyor 11, when the second transmission 15 is driven in the second direction of rotation.

[0086] According to such an embodiment, and as seen in figure 3, the first end conveyor 10 and the second end conveyor 11, at the same level, leave between them a free clearance, allowing the simultaneous passages, on the one hand, of the crossbar TV of the lifting support 12 driven by the first transmission 13 on the way up, and on the other hand, of the crossbar TV of the lowering support 14 driven by the second transmission 15 on the way down, and while the teeth DT of the comb of the lifting support 12 pass through the slots FT of the first end conveyor 10, and / or while the teeth DT of the comb of the lowering support 14 pass through the slots FT of the second end conveyor C2.

[0087] In general, the first end conveyor 10 can comprise a set of parallel, motorized belts delimiting the slots FT. Similarly, the second end conveyor 11 can comprise a set of parallel, motorized belts delimiting the slots FT.

[0088] The first conveyor C1 may consist of the first end conveyor 10, or may include, as an extension of the first end conveyor 10, a separate conveyor, for example a roller conveyor.

[0089] The second conveyor C2 may consist of the second end conveyor 11, or may include, as an extension of the second end conveyor 11, a separate conveyor, for example a roller conveyor.

[0090] This disclosure further relates to an accumulation process employing equipment as described in this disclosure, a first object OJ supported by the first conveyor C1, the process comprising: - / a / Drive the first transmission 13 in the first direction of rotation so that one of the first lifting supports 12 lifts the first object OJ from the first conveyor, and raises said first supported object OJ until the first lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports 14, empty of object, - / b / Actuate the transfer member 16 so as to ensure the transfer of the first object OJ supported by the lifting support 12 to the lowering support 14 free of object.

[0091] When the first conveyor C1 includes the first end conveyor 10 with its slots FT and the lifting supports 12 each include the comb structure, including the teeth configured to pass through the slots, said first object OJ is supported by the first end conveyor, prior to implementation of step / a / : Drive the first transmission along the first direction of rotation according to step / a / allows the teeth of the first lifting support to pass through the slots of the first end conveyor 10, on the ascent and lift the first object of the first end conveyor 10.

[0092] In one embodiment, the accumulation process may include: -Here Load another object onto first conveyor C1, in particular the first end conveyor 10 so that a second lifting support following the first lifting support lifts and raises said other object.

[0093] The other object OJ11 is raised by the second lifting support by the drive in the first direction of rotation of the first transmission 13, at least partially simultaneously with the raising of the first object OJ1 by the first lifting support. The step here may include raising the supported other object OJ1 until the second lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports 14, which is empty of an object.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the process, the object(s) supported by the lowering supports 14 are returned to the second conveyor C2 by: - / d / Drive the second transmission 15 in the second direction of rotation in order to place an object supported by one of the lowering supports 14 onto the second conveyor, - / e / . Move horizontally the object placed by the lowering support 14 onto the second conveyor.

[0095] When the second conveyor C2 includes the second end conveyor 11 with its slots FT and the lowering supports 14 each include the comb structure, including the teeth configured to pass through the slots, the drive of the second transmission 15 according to step / d / allows the teeth of the lowering support to pass through the slots of the second end conveyor 11, on the descent, and deposit the object on the second end conveyor 11.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the equipment, the first conveyor C1 and the second conveyor C2, in particular the first end conveyor 10 and the second conveyor end conveyors 11 are juxtaposed at the same level, and configured to allow a direct transfer of an object from the first conveyor C1 to the second conveyor C2, in particular from the first end conveyor 10 to the second end conveyor 11, passing through said elevator and said descender.

[0097] Such an embodiment allows a change in the sequence of objects between the first conveyor C1 and the second conveyor C2.

[0098] The accumulation process according to this disclosure may thus include a second object which is conveyed on the first conveyor C1, in particular on the first end conveyor 10, while the first object is stored at height on one of the lifting supports 12 or on one of the lowering supports 14, and in which the process provides: - / f / Transfer the second object directly from the first conveyor C1, in particular the first end conveyor 10 to the second conveyor C2, in particular the second end conveyor 11, and move the second object onto the second conveyor C2 in order to return the second object, prior to the first object.

[0099] According to one embodiment, said accumulator may include a control unit comprising one or more microprocessors, and a memory and instructions cooperating with the memory and the microprocessor(s) for the implementation of the aforementioned method. Industrial application

[0100] These technical solutions can be applied particularly in the field of logistics: - said accumulator, in particular the equipment can be interposed between a first flow of objects such as storage containers, each including for example the same type of item, on the one hand, and on the other hand, a second flow of order containers required at the level of an order preparation station for the execution of an order by an operator or in a robotic manner, using the contents of a combination of the storage containers; - said accumulator in particular said equipment can, according to another example, be configured to decouple a first flow of order containers prepared at one or more order preparation stations, and a second flow of containers to be transported to a means of transport, such as a truck.

[0101] One operational embodiment is illustrated in figures 9 to 15, including an object accumulation phase illustrated in figures 9 to 11, or even 12, and a restitution phase in the following figures.

[0102] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an initial stage of the equipment accumulation process in which the front strand of the first transmission 13 is provided with three lifting supports 12, superimposed one above the other, said lifting supports being aligned respectively with three superimposed lowering supports 14, attached to a front strand of the second transmission 15.

[0103] One of the lower lifting supports 12, aligned with the first conveyor C1, was loaded with the first object OJ1. Meanwhile, two of the lower lower supports 14 were previously loaded with two objects each: one lower object at the level of the second conveyor C2, and one upper object superimposed on the lower object. Two more objects are supported by the first conveyor C1 downstream of the accumulator. The transfer system carriage is at an initial height so that the transfer mechanism is configured to ensure a transfer between the lifting support 12 and the lowering support 14, which is positioned one step above conveyors C1 and C2.

[0104] Figure 10 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 9, said elevator having been raised by a step corresponding to the difference in level between two consecutive lifting supports 12 by the drive of the first transmission following the first direction of rotation, and while the descender is static.

[0105] The ascent of the first object OJ1 by the elevator by one step is caused by the ascent of the lifting support 12 supporting the first object until it reaches the level of the upper object supported by the lowering support 14, which in turn causes the transfer system 17 to ascend by half a step, via the drive mechanism ME. The lifting support 12 following the one carrying the first object OJ1, aligned with the first conveyor C1, was loaded with another object OJ11 by the first conveyor C1.

[0106] Figure 11 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 10, with the elevator having been raised by a further step corresponding to the difference in level between two consecutive lifting supports. While the lowering mechanism is stationary, this causes the lifting support carrying the first object OJ1 to rise to the level of the lowering support, which is free of objects. The transfer system also rises by an additional half step to a higher position where the transfer mechanism allows the transfer of the first object OJ1 from the lifting support to the lowering support, which is free of objects, at the same level. The lifting support following the one carrying the other object, aligned with the first conveyor, has been loaded with an additional object OJ111.

[0107] Figure 12 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 11, with the elevator and the descender static, after the first object OJ1 has been transferred from the lifting support 12 to the lowering support 14 at the same level.

[0108] Figure 13 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 12, with the elevator stationary, the descender having descended by one step corresponding to the distance between two consecutive lowering supports by rotation of the second transmission in the second direction of rotation, after the lower object has been returned to the second conveyor, the upper object now aligned at the height of the second conveyor C2. The descent of the descender by one step causes the transfer system to descend by half a step.

[0109] Figure 14 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 13, with the elevator stationary, the descender having descended another step corresponding to the distance between two consecutive lowering supports, after the upper object has been returned to the second conveyor C2, the first object OJ1 being aligned at the height of the second conveyor C2. The descent of the descender by one step generates the the transfer system descends an additional half step into a position where the transfer member allows the transfer of the other object OJ11 supported by a lifting support, at a first height level above the first conveyor, to a lowering support of the same level, aligned.

[0110] Figure 15 is a consecutive view of the step in Figure 14, with the elevator and the descender static, the transfer element having carried out the transfer of the other object supported by an elevator support at a first level of height of the first conveyor to the lowering support of the same level. List of reference signs

[0111] - 1: Accumulator, - 10. First end conveyor, - 11. Second end conveyor, - 12. Lifting supports, - 13. First transmission, - 131. Front strand (First transmission), - 132. Rear strand (First transmission), - 14. Lowering supports, - 15. Second transmission, - 151. Front strand (Second transmission), - 152. Rear strand (Second transmission), - 16. Transfer unit, - 17. Chariot, - 18. Vertical structure, - 19. First portion of the meshing, (Figures 6a and 6b in particular) - 20. Second portion of the meshing, - 21. Meshing portion (Figure 6) - 22. Direction reversing device (Figures 6a and 6b in particular) - C1. First conveyor, - C2. Second conveyor, - OG1 i, OG1s. First rotary guiding elements, respectively lower and upper, - OG2i, OG2s. Second rotary guide elements, respectively lower and upper, - FT. Slots, - TV. Crossings, - DT Dents, - M1. First engine, - M2. Second engine, - ME. Drive mechanism (carriage), - OJ, OJ1, OJ11, OJ111 Object, first object, other object and additional object.

Claims

Demands

1. A vertical storage accumulator (1) configured to accumulate objects (OJ) from a first conveyor (C1), and return the accumulated objects to a second conveyor (C2), the accumulator comprising: / A / an elevator comprising: - a set of lifting supports (12) configured to lift objects, - a first transmission (13) forming a closed loop, along which said lifting supports (12) are distributed, - a first motor (M1) configured to drive the first transmission (13) in a first direction of rotation / B / a descender comprising: - a set of lowering supports (14) configured to lower objects, - a second transmission (15) forming a closed loop, along which said step-down supports are distributed - a second motor (M2) configured to drive the second transmission in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, and / C / a vertically mobile transfer system comprising a transfer member (16) configured to move an object (OJ) supported by one of the lifting supports (12) to one of the lowering supports (14), juxtaposed at the same level.

2. Accumulator according to claim 1 in which the transfer system comprises a vertically guided trolley (17), supporting said transfer member (16) and comprising a drive mechanism (ME) actuated by the first motor (M1) of the elevator and the second motor (M2) of the descender, and configured to move the trolley at a speed corresponding to the average of the speed of the elevator and the descender, the speed of the elevator being positive and the speed of the descender being negative, said trolley being moved: - on the uphill side when the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission (13) driven in the first direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission (15) driven in the second direction of rotation and - on the descent when the absolute value of the speed of the second transmission driven in the second direction of rotation is greater than the absolute value of the speed of the first transmission (13) driven in the first direction of rotation.

3. Accumulator according to claim 2 in which the drive mechanism (DM) comprises: - a first portion of the mesh (19) in contact with the first transmission (13), the first portion of the mesh (19) and the first transmission (13) forming a first gear, - a second portion of the gear (20) in contact with the second transmission (15), the second portion of the gear (20) and the second transmission (15) forming a second gear.

4. Accumulator according to claim 3, wherein: - the first transmission (13) comprises, on the one hand, a front strand (131) along which the lifting supports are upwards, and on the other hand, a rear strand (132) along which the lifting supports are downwards, when the first transmission is actuated in the first direction of rotation and - the second transmission (15) comprises, on the one hand, a front strand (151) along which the lowering supports are downward, and on the other hand, a rear strand (152) along which the lowering supports (14) are upward, when the second transmission (15) is operated in the second direction of rotation, and in which the drive mechanism comprises a direction reversal device (22) ensuring a reversal of the direction of rotation between said first meshing portion (19) engaged with the front strand (131) of the first transmission, and said second meshing portion (20) engaged with the front strand (151) of the second transmission.

5. Accumulator according to claim 2 in which the first transmission (13) comprises, on the one hand, a forward strand (131) along which the lifting supports are upward, and on the other hand, a rear strand (132) along which the lifting supports are downward, when the first transmission is actuated in the first direction of rotation and - the second transmission (15) comprises, on the one hand, a front strand (151) along which the lowering supports are downward, and on the other hand, a rear strand (152) along which the lowering supports (14) are upward, when the second transmission (15) is actuated in the second direction of rotation and in which the drive mechanism (ME) comprises a meshing portion (21) in contact with the front strand (131) of the first transmission (13) and in contact with the front strand (151) of the second transmission (15).

6. Accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: - the first transmission (13) forming the closed loop, is guided between a first lower rotary guide member (OG1 i) and a first upper rotary guide member (OG1s) and - the second transmission (15) forming the closed loop, is guided between a second lower rotary guide member (OG2i) and a second upper rotary guide member (OG2s), and said accumulator having a vertical structure (18) comprising: - the first lower guide element (OG1 i) and a second lower guide element (OG2i) articulated at a pivot in a lower portion of the vertical structure, along the same lower axis of rotation, and - the first upper guide element (OG1s) and the second upper guide element (OG2s) are pivotally articulated in an upper portion of the vertical structure (18), along the same upper axis of rotation.

7. Accumulator according to any one of claims 2 to 5, taken in combination with claim 6, wherein the trolley (17) is guided in translation on and along the vertical structure (18), the trolley (17) interposed between the first transmission (13) and the second transmission (15).

8. Accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which said transfer member (16) is a pusher member movable, along a horizontal component, under the action of an actuator of the transfer system, to ensure the transfer of the object from the lifting support to the lowering support juxtaposed at the same height level.

9. Equipment comprising a first conveyor (C1) and a second conveyor (C2) and an accumulator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said lifting supports (12) configured to pick up objects from the first conveyor (C1), said lowering supports (14) configured to return objects to the second conveyor (C2).

10. Equipment according to claim 9, wherein: - the first conveyor (C1) comprises a first end conveyor (10) having a set of slots (FT), spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the first end conveyor, the slots opening at a free end of the first end conveyor, - the second conveyor (C2) comprises a second end conveyor (11) having a set of slots (FT), spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the second end conveyor, the slots (FT) opening at a free end of the second end conveyor (11), and in which: - the lifting supports (12) of the elevator configured to lift objects each comprise a comb structure having a cross member (TV) and teeth (DT) extending from the cantilevered cross member, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the first end conveyor, and lift the objects resting on the first end conveyor (10), when the first transmission is driven in the first direction of rotation, - the lowering supports (14) of the elevator configured to lower the objects comprise a comb structure having a crossbar, and teeth extending from the cantilevered crossbar, parallel to each other, spaced apart to pass through the slots of the second end conveyor (11), and deposit the objects onto the second end conveyor (11), when the second transmission is driven in the second direction of rotation.

11. Equipment according to any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein the first conveyor (C1) and the second conveyor (C2), in particular the first end conveyor (10) and the second end conveyor (11) of the equipment according to the equipment of claim 9, are juxtaposed at the same level, configured to permit a direct transfer of an object from the first conveyor (C1) to the second end conveyor (C2), passing through said elevator and said descender.

12. An accumulation method employing equipment according to any one of claims 9 to 11, a first object (OJ1) being supported by the first conveyor (C1), the method comprising: - / a / Drive the first transmission (13) in the first direction of rotation so that one first Lifting supports (12) lift the first object (OJ) from the first conveyor, and raise said first supported object (OJ1) until the first lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports (15), empty of object, - / b / Actuate the transfer member (16) so as to ensure the transfer of the first object (OJ1) supported by the lifting support (12) to the lowering support (14) free of object.

13. An accumulation method according to claim 12, comprising -Here Load another object (OJ11) onto the first conveyor (C1) in particular the first end conveyor (10) so that a second lifting support following the first lifting support lifts and raises said other object, and in which said other object (OJ11) is raised by the second lifting support by the drive in the first direction of rotation of the first transmission (13), at least partially simultaneously with the raising of the first object (OJ1) by the first lifting support, and raise said other object (OJ11) supported until the second lifting support is aligned in height with one of the lowering supports (15), empty of object.

14. An accumulation method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the object(s) supported by the lowering supports (14) are returned to the second conveyor (C2) by: - / d / Drive the second transmission (15) in the second direction of rotation in order to deposit an object supported by one of the lowering supports (14) onto the second conveyor, - / e / . Move horizontally the object placed by the lowering support (14) onto the second conveyor (C2).

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a second object is conveyed on the first conveyor (C1), in particular on the first end conveyor (10), while the first object is stored at a height on one of the lifting supports (12) or on one of the lowering supports (14), and wherein the method provides: - / f / Transfer the second object directly from the first conveyor (C1), in particular the first end conveyor (10) to the second conveyor (C2), in particular the second end conveyor (11) and move the second object onto the second conveyor (C2) in order to return the second object, prior to the first object.

16. Equipment according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said accumulator comprises a control unit including one or more microprocessors, memory and instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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