Container comprising a moulded bottom receptacle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a container (1) for a storage and retrieval system comprising an assembly having, joined to one another: - a lower receptacle (2), comprising a component made of moulded material based on cellulose fibres, which is impermeable to water. - an upper receptacle (3) defining a volume for holding a load, such as articles. The present disclosure also relates to a storage and retrieval system having such a container (1).

Description

Description Title: Container comprising a molded lower receptacle

[0001] This disclosure relates to a container for a warehouse storage and retrieval system, but also to a storage and retrieval system comprising such a container. technical field

[0002] This disclosure falls within the domain of warehouses which include a storage system comprising at least one storage rack defining several storage bays for containers, stacked one on top of the other.

[0003] Such a storage rack typically includes a vertical structure, formed by a set of vertical uprights, often in the form of vertical metal profiles.

[0004] The different cells are materialized by pairs of mechanical interfaces attached to the uprights, usually called "brackets" which ensure the centering and support of the different containers in the storage cells.

[0005] Each pair of interfaces comprises a first interface fixed to at least two uprights of the vertical structure and a second interface fixed to at least two other uprights of the vertical structure, with support portions of the two interfaces oriented towards each other in cantilever of the uprights, configured to provide support for the container in the two support portions of the mechanical interfaces. Previous technique

[0006] This disclosure relates specifically to a container for a storage and retrieval system, said container being intended to be housed in the bays of the rack as previously described. Such storage racks are serviced by a transport system comprising vehicles typically with automated guidance, the transport system being capable of picking up and placing containers in the bays of said rack. These containers contain items that can be assembled to fulfill orders, said orders ultimately being intended to leave the warehouse for delivery to an end customer or distributor. Such storage and retrieval systems are known as ASRS, from the English acronym "Automated Storage and Retrieval System."

[0007] Document EP 3638607A1, filed on behalf of the present Applicant, is an example of such prior art, as illustrated in Figure 1 of this application. Such a storage and retrieval system comprises: - at least one container (or "bin" according to EP 3638607 A1) suitable for holding an object, said container suitable for being housed in the shelving, in particular supported by two mechanical interfaces (or brackets) attached to the uprights, - a motorized cart (the vehicle) including climbing means configured to cooperate with the uprights of the storage rack to allow the trolley to rise along the uprights of the storage rack, the trolley including a device for gripping and placing said receptacle.

[0008] The gripping device includes a support mounted movable relative to the trolley between, on the one hand, a deployed position, in which said support extends at least partially over a lateral edge of the trolley out of alignment with the chassis and, on the other hand, a retracted position, in which said support is housed opposite the chassis.

[0009] Such a gripping system is configured, during loading, to load a container arranged above the chassis from the retracted position of the mobile support, and up to the deployed position of the mobile support for which the container can be placed in the slot, the container supported by simultaneous pressure on the first and second interfaces of the slot.

[0010] Conversely, the gripping system is configured to extract a container by simultaneously pressing on the first and second interfaces of a pair of interfaces from the deployed position of the mobile support, and then load it onto the chassis of the trolley in the retracted position of said mobile support.

[0011] Document EP3638607A1 further discloses, in particular: - the movable support comprising a platform (or a frame or a bar), and a finger fixed relative to the platform (or the frame or the bar), the fixed finger projecting upwards, - the container (or tray) including an imprint configured so as to be able to accommodate at least a portion of the finger.

[0012] The person in the field of storage and transport systems, particularly ASRS, typically uses containers configured to withstand the conditions of use, and in particular the following conditions of use: - to sustainably bear the load of an item received in the bin, typically around 30 kg maximum weight, over time, when the bin rests simultaneously on two support portions of the mechanical interfaces, spaced apart from each other, and without excessive deformation of the central portion of the base arranged between the two support portions, not supported by the mechanical interfaces, - to resist fatigue during the numerous loading / unloading cycles of the gripping system, particularly due to friction between the mechanical interfaces and the bottom of the container and / or due to interactions between the finger and the indentation of the bottom, - in the event of detection of heat and / or smoke and activation of a sprinkler fire suppression system, resist water while ensuring stable support of stacked containers in the compartments, in particular those loaded with articles, and without risk of the containers falling.

[0013] We know from document WO2022 / 229453 that the usual plastic containers in order preparation storage and transport systems should be replaced with metal containers. According to document WO2022 / 229453, the container notably comprises a metal body forming the base and side walls. The metal body provides the structural strength of the container under operating conditions in the Transport and storage system. An internal lining, preferably made of food-grade material, can cover the internal surfaces of the metal body. This lining can be plastic or cellulose-based, typically paper or cardboard, impregnated with a waxy material.

[0014] According to document WO2022 / 229453, the use of a metal body ensures; - protection of the storage system against fire, as metal is a non-flammable material, and - said structural resistance of the container under conditions of use, and in particular a resistance to the load of the container which can weigh at most 35 kg, 30 kg representing the load of the articles, and 5 kg representing the typical load of the metal container according to the description of document WO2022 / 229453.

[0015] According to the inventors' findings, while such a metal container is advantageous for the aforementioned qualities in terms of robustness and fire retardancy compared to a plastic container, it has the disadvantage of an ecological cost (in particular significant CO2 emissions) especially for its manufacture, and is the cause of a significant overweight which has a negative impact, particularly in terms of energy consumed by the transport system, during its use, especially the frequent lifting of loaded containers.

[0016] According to the inventors' findings, such a metal container has other disadvantages: - It is poorly compatible with (metal) roller conveyors due to metal-on-metal contact, which generates nuisances, particularly noise. - to disrupt the WIFI signals of the storage and retrieval system, in particular the WIFI signals carrying guidance instructions for motorized trolleys, - to be poorly adapted to humid environments.

[0017] Transport pallets with a flat top surface for loading goods and feet spaced far enough apart to allow forklift insertion are also known, for example from documents FR2105274A1 and US4337710A. These pallets are made from a single piece of plastic, either compression-molded or injection-molded, or compression-molded from wood chips or fibers mixed with a binder. These pallets are designed to be stackable and are strong enough to support multiple goods.

[0018] US patent 3850116A describes a so-called sliding pallet that can be transported by a flatbed forklift. This pallet is a sheet made of a selected blend of polyolefin resins. Synthetic or organic fibers can be added to the resin during the sheet's extrusion to increase the coefficient of friction between the pallet and the transported goods.

[0019] However, this type of wood fiber-based material is not suitable for manufacturing a one-piece ASRS storage container, particularly because such a container has relatively high side walls. Summary

[0020] This disclosure relates, in its first aspect, to a container for a storage and retrieval system comprising an assembly of components joined together: - a lower receptacle, - an upper receptacle defining a receiving volume for a load, such as items.

[0021] According to this disclosure, said lower receptacle includes a component made of molded material based on cellulose fibers, which is waterproof.

[0022] The upper receptacle has a top opening configured to allow the deposit or retrieval of items. This top opening allows items to be retrieved from the receiving volume of the upper receptacle, which is assembled onto the lower receptacle, or items to be deposited into the receiving volume of the upper receptacle, which is assembled onto the lower receptacle. Such a container, with its top opening (when assembled with the lower receptacle, particularly when resting on it), is in an open state, allows the container to be used for item retrieval or deposit operations during order picking, especially in an ASRS (Automatic System for Retrieval and Storage).

[0023] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0024] According to one embodiment, the upper receptacle may include a cardboard component, in particular a sheet cardboard component.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the molded material can be molded wood.

[0026] In one embodiment, molded wood may comprise: - 90 to 98% wood by weight, - 2% to 10% by weight of a binder, the sum of the components making up 100%.

[0027] In particular, the wood can be in the form of softwood particles, especially with a particle size of less than 50 mm.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the binder can be a thermosetting resin, in particular urea-formaldehyde, or even polyurethane.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the molded wood component can be obtained by a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: / A / Supply of dry wood particles, / B / Mixture of wood particles with a thermosetting binder, / C / Depositing the mixture into a mold, comprising at least a first mold section and a second mold section, / D / Compression molding of the mixture between the first mold part and the second mold part, and heating of said mold until the thermosetting binder of the mixture hardens. / E / Demolding of said molded wood component.

[0030] According to one embodiment: - the lower receptacle is a tray comprising a base and raised edges, with a cavity defined between the raised edges and the base, - the upper receptacle forms a box having a bottom and side walls delimiting the receiving volume and in which a base of the box is received by fitting into said cavity of the tray, in a removable manner or in a manner fixed to the bottom, said box extending in height, protruding from the tray.

[0031] In particular, the height of the case is at least twice the height of the platform, and in particular up to ten times the height of the platform.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the side walls of the box have water drainage openings, distributed around a periphery of the box, preferably arranged near the bottom of the box.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the base of the tray includes stiffening embossments such as stiffening ribs, the stiffening embossments distributed over the base of the tray.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the raised edges of the tray can be flared outwards configured so that several identical trays can be stacked one inside the other forming a stack, a base of one of the upper trays penetrating said cavity of a lower tray of the stack, with where appropriate an interlocking of the stiffening embossments of the upper tray with the stiffening embossments of the lower tray.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the wall thickness of the tray can be between 4 mm and 12 mm.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the upper receptacle can be obtained from a pre-cut cardboard blank, which can lie flat and includes: - a central part forming the bottom of the box, - a first flap, transverse, and a second flap, transverse, folded at right angles from the central part by two transverse fold lines, - a third longitudinal flap, and a fourth longitudinal flap, folded at right angles from the central part by two longitudinal fold lines, said longitudinal and transverse flaps forming an upper band forming the side walls of the box, once folded.

[0037] This disclosure also relates, in a second aspect, to a storage and retrieval system, comprising at least one storage rack and one or more containers as detailed in this disclosure, said at least one storage rack comprising a set of uprights verticals and several pairs of mechanical interfaces defining several storage cells for the container(s), each pair of mechanical interfaces comprising a first interface fixed to at least two uprights of the vertical structure and a second interface fixed to at least two other uprights of the vertical structure, support portions of the two interfaces being oriented towards each other in cantilever of the uprights, configured to provide support for the container in the two support portions of the mechanical interfaces, spaced apart, resting on the lower receptacle.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the storage and retrieval system may have a motorized trolley comprising a gripping and depositing device for said container equipped with a support mounted movable relative to a chassis of said trolley between a deployed position, in which said support extends at least partially over a lateral edge of said trolley out of alignment with said chassis; and a retracted position, in which said support is housed opposite said chassis; said support comprising a structural element, and at least one protruding finger fixed relative to said structural element and oriented upwards, and in which the molded material component comprises at least one gripping embossment forming a recessed relief on an external surface of the lower receptacle, the recessed relief configured to receive said at least one finger. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0040] [Fig. 1] is a view of a storage and retrieval system according to the prior art, illustrating a first storage rack and a second storage rack, separated from each other by an aisle, each storage rack comprising a vertical structure including uprights joined together by braces, mechanical interface pairs, attached to the uprights, being distributed along the height of the vertical structure to define several superimposed storage cells, the two interfaces of each pair being configured to provide support for a storage bin by two supports of the interfaces, spaced apart, Figure 1 further illustrating a motorized trolley, arranged vertically between the two storage racks, coupled to rack climbing elements via toothed wheels of the trolley, projecting laterally at the four corners of a chassis of the motorized trolley,a motorized trolley gripping device comprising a support mounted movable relative to the trolley shown in a deployed position, said support extending at least partially over a lateral edge of the trolley out of alignment with the chassis, the support coupled to a storage bin, and for the purpose of removing the storage bin by retracting said movable support and the storage bin, above the chassis, within the limits of the chassis, the figure illustrating the plastic storage bin. Fig. 2 and 2a

[0041] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of a container according to this disclosure, the container comprising an upper receptacle including a bottom and side walls, defining a top opening, and a lower receptacle of the container, the upper receptacle and the lower receptacle being in an assembly position.

[0042] [Fig. 2a] is a perspective view of the container in Figure 2, according to an exploded view in which the upper receptacle and the lower receptacle are separated. Fig. 3

[0043] [Fig. 3] is a view of an example of a cardboard blank, flat, having a central part, and flaps which can be folded to form the bottom and side walls of the upper receptacle. Fig. 4

[0044] [Fig. 4] is a perspective view of a motorized trolley of a storage system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trolley being provided with a container gripping device, the view illustrating a movable support of the gripping device in a deployed position of said movable support, the view further illustrating four upward-projecting fingers configured to engage with recessed reliefs formed on an external, lower surface of the container. Fig. 5

[0045] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fitting of a base of the upper receptacle into a cavity formed between raised edges and the bottom of the lower receptacle, the view notably illustrating supports of the upper receptacle on the raised edges of the lower receptacle, and stiffening embossments, which are salient from the bottom on the internal surface of the lower receptacle, said embossments having inclined walls for their interlocking when stacking lower receptacles, the cross-sectional view illustrating in the vicinity of two stiffening embossments, gripping embossments forming recessed reliefs intended to be gripped by the fingers of the gripping device. Fig. 5a

[0046] [Fig. 5a] is a detailed view of figure 5, illustrating the difference in design between: - the stiffening embossments of the lower receptacle which have side walls inclined at an angle CIER to the vertical, allowing interlocking, with an interlocking of the stiffening embossments when stacking the lower receptacles, the stiffening embossments forming protrusions (or bumps) on an internal surface of a height hER relative to an internal surface of the bottom of the lower receptacle, and - the gripping embossments of the lower receptacle forming protrusions (or bumps) on the internal surface of a height hEA strictly less than the height FIER, and at an angle aEA of the side walls with respect to the vertical, strictly less than the angle QER. Fig. 5b

[0047] [Fig. 5b] is a detail view of one of the raised edges, and according to one embodiment, said raised edge having a recess. Fig. 6

[0048] [Fig. 6] is a view of a stack between an upper plate in the cavity of a lower plate, with interlocking stiffening embossments belonging to the upper and lower plates respectively, while gripping embossments belonging to the upper and lower plates are not interlocked. Fig. 7a

[0049] [Fig. 7a] is a top and perspective view of a lower receptacle having stiffening embossments and four gripping embossments, according to a first embodiment. Fig. 7b

[0050] [Fig. 7b] is a top and perspective view of a lower receptacle having stiffening embossments and two gripping embossments, according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8

[0051] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view from below of a container according to this disclosure, illustrating the lower, external surface of the lower receptacle. Fig. 9

[0052] [Fig. 9] is a schematic and perspective view of an upper receptacle, with a closing flap, the upper receptacle finding a particular application as an order card. Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b

[0053] [Fig. 10a] and [Fig. 10b] are two partial views of a container placed, respectively, on a first trolley having lateral stops separated according to a first spacing (Fig. 10a) and on a second trolley having lateral stops separated according to a second spacing (Fig. 10b), a lower receptacle of the container having a geometry of raised edges offering two pairs of external lateral surfaces, with: - a first pair of external, lower lateral surfaces, spaced according to a first spacing, the lateral surfaces of the first pair being configured to cooperate with the lateral stops of the first trolley, to wedge said container between the stops, - a second pair of external, upper lateral surfaces, spaced according to a second spacing which is greater than the first spacing, the lateral surfaces of the first pair configured to cooperate with the lateral stops of the second trolley to wedge the container between the stops.

[0054] In the description that follows, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "internal", "external", refer to the orientation of the container in its normal position of use.

[0055] This disclosure relates to a container 1 for an ASRS storage and retrieval system comprising an assembly of the following components: - a lower receptacle 2, - an upper receptacle 3 defining a receiving volume for a load, such as articles.

[0056] In general, the lower receptacle 2 can be adjusted to the dimensions of the upper receptacle 3. By "adjusted" we mean that the horizontal footprint of the lower receptacle 2 is equal to, or even slightly greater than, the horizontal footprint of the upper receptacle 3, for example within a limit of 10%, or even 5% of the horizontal footprint of the upper receptacle 3. Thus the horizontal footprint (i.e. a surface) of the lower receptacle can be greater than or equal to the horizontal footprint of the upper receptacle, but less than or equal to 110% of the horizontal footprint of the lower receptacle, or even less than or equal to 105% of the horizontal footprint of the lower receptacle.

[0057] In particular, when the lower receptacle 2 and the upper receptacle 3 have bottoms 20, 30, the bottoms 20, 30 of the two receptacles can be substantially the same in length and the same in width, to plus or minus 10%, or even to plus or minus 5%.

[0058] The upper receptacle 3 may include a base 30, typically rectangular, and side walls 31, typically rectangular, and typically four side walls 31. The side walls meet at corners to form a peripheral belt.

[0059] The upper opening of the upper receptacle 3 allows for the depositing or removal of a load such as items. The upper receptacle 3 can be used to hold items, typically identical items, when the container is used as a single-item storage container for order picking. During order picking, items are picked from the receiving volume of the upper receptacle 3 through the upper opening while the upper receptacle 3 is assembled with the lower receptacle 2. The upper receptacle 3 may typically lack a closing mechanism for the upper opening, as illustrated in the examples in Figures 2 or 8.The upper and lower receptacles can be joined rigidly to one another, for example via adhesive or a non-reversible snap-fit, or removably, notably through geometric cooperation. A geometrically cooperative assembly is understood as a mechanical connection between the lower receptacle 2 and the upper receptacle 3. For example, the mechanical connection is achieved through a form conjunction such as a tight fit, snap-fit, tongue and groove, etc. Typically, the upper receptacle 3 simply fits into the lower receptacle 2. This type of assembly, whether rigidly joined or removable through geometric cooperation, comprising an active connection between the upper and lower receptacles, is advantageous compared to a simple overlap or even a contact by... friction in that it allows for better support between the upper and lower receptacles, facilitating the handling of the container as a whole.

[0060] In addition, the removable assembly has the advantage of facilitating the recycling of the container, especially when the upper and lower receptacles are not made of the same material.

[0061] The upper receptacle 3 can also be used to hold one or more items from an order when the upper receptacle of the container is used as an order carton. The upper receptacle 3 is an order carton, comprising a base 30 and side walls 31, as well as closing flaps 32 for closing the upper opening, as illustrated by way of example in Figure 9. During order picking, the order items are placed into the receiving volume of the upper receptacle 3 through the upper opening, which is not yet closed by the flaps 32, while the upper receptacle 3 is assembled with the lower receptacle 2. The upper opening is then closed by the flaps, and the upper receptacle 3 is typically separated from the lower receptacle 3 to serve as an order carton, or shipping carton.The upper receptacle and the lower receptacle are thus assembled in a removable manner, for example by simply fitting them together.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the upper receptacle 3 comprises an environmentally friendly component, in particular bio-based and / or recycled, typically made of cardboard. Advantageously, the upper receptacle is a component made of cardboard, in particular sheet cardboard.

[0063] In this Application, "cardboard" means a material similar in nature to paper, obtained from cellulose, and presented in thick, rigid sheets. This may include, in particular, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, greyboard, folding cardboard, wood, laminated, glued or boiled cardboard.

[0064] The use of cardboard has the following advantages: - manufacturing the receptacle with significantly lower CO2 emissions than other materials, particularly plastic or metal, - Cardboard is easily recyclable, - Cardboard also offers a calorific value that is typically much lower than plastics, limiting the spread of fire in the event of a fire in the storage system compared to plastic containers, - a density lower than that of plastic and metal, allowing the creation of a receptacle for contained weight, for example, limiting the weight moved by the transport system.

[0065] The lower receptacle 2 comprises a component made of a molded, waterproof, cellulose-based material, typically in one piece. Advantageously, said upper receptacle is a component made of a molded, waterproof, cellulose-based material, in one piece.

[0066] The molded material can be boiled cardboard, molded cardboard made from paper or paper pulp, cardboard made from wood fibers, bamboo or sugarcane, or molded wood. More generally, the molded material can be made from an agglomerate of plant material(s) with a binder, typically glue.

[0067] The molded material is inherently waterproof due to the resins present in the material, such as wood resins, and / or the manufacturing process. The molded material can be further made waterproof by adding resins (PE, PP, PLA, phenolic) to the material before molding, or by applying a polymer coating after molding.

[0068] The lower receptacle 2, advantageously impermeable to water and preventing its penetration, guarantees the structural strength of the container 1, even in humid conditions, for example, when the container is sprayed with water by sprinklers during a fire. The structural strength of the lower receptacle, in humid conditions, ensures that the container remains stable in a storage rack, even when the container is supported only by two separate and distant supports, typically a first mechanical interface 111 and a second mechanical interface 112, and under load conditions.

[0069] The lower container 2, which is waterproof, ensures safety by preventing the container from falling, even in wet conditions, even when the upper receptacle 3, made of cardboard, is not waterproof, namely that the cardboard of the upper receptacle 3 can absorb moisture and have its structural resistance reduced by the moisture.

[0070] The supports may be spaced at a distance greater than or equal to 350 mm. The load received in said receiving volume may be 30 kg. Under such conditions, with supports separated by at least 350 mm and a 30 kg load positioned midway between the two supports, the structural resistance may be such that the maximum deflection of the lower receptacle, at said midway position, may be less than 5 mm.

[0071] Molding offers a significant advantage in creating functional, complex, and application-specific shapes and surfaces, such as: - one or more recessed gripping ridges on an external surface of the lower receptacle, for grasping and manipulating the container by one or more fingers of a gripping device, - Reinforcing embossments configured to increase structural strength and limit deflection under load, while minimizing the weight of the molded material component as much as possible. - raised edges of the lower receptacle, the edges intended to form with the base of the lower receptacle a cavity configured to ensure assembly of the upper receptacle by interlocking, or even to allow stacking between the lower receptacles during storage, - a recess for an identification label, which is then protected from friction applied to the tray, - one or more handles for gripping and carrying the container.

[0072] Molding allows for the production of a material that is generally stronger than other types of sheet cardboard.

[0073] The cardboard component can typically be obtained from a flat, pre-cut cardboard blank with flaps or flaps, after folding and assembling the flaps.

[0074] The lower receptacles, made of identical molded material, can typically be stacked one inside the other, as illustrated in Figure 6.

[0075] Before assembling the lower receptacles, respectively to the upper receptacles to obtain the containers, the two components necessary to obtain the container can be stored (or transported) in positions of least bulk, namely: - The pre-cut cardboard blanks can be advantageously stored flat in an initial stack, and typically the blanks are tied together with one or more ties and - the lower receptacles, namely the molded material components, in one piece, can be stored according to a second stacking.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment, the molded material can advantageously be molded wood.

[0077] Molded wood may include: - 90 to 98% by weight of wood, such as for example 92% by weight of wood, or even 94% by weight of wood, and - 2% to 10% by weight of a binder, such as for example 8% by weight, or even 6% by weight of binder, the sum of the components making in particular 100%.

[0078] The wood used can be virgin wood from softwood trees.

[0079] The wood may be in the form of particles, particularly those with a particle size less than 50 mm. These particles are typically obtained after sieving through a screen with openings of 3 mm by 30 mm, or more specifically 5 mm by 25 mm. The particles may contain wood dust.

[0080] In one embodiment, the binder can be a thermosetting resin, particularly urea-formaldehyde, or polyurethane. Using such a water-insoluble binder makes the molded wood inherently waterproof.

[0081] The molded wood component can be obtained through a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: / A / Supply of dry wood particles, / B / Mixture of wood particles with a thermosetting binder, / C / Depositing the mixture into a mold, comprising at least a first mold section and a second mold section, / D / Compression molding of the mixture between the first mold part and the second mold part, and heating of said mold until the thermosetting binder hardens of the mixture, ZEZ Demolding of said molded wood component.

[0082] Particles or chips, which may come from sawmill offcuts and are preferably bark-free, typically constitute the starting material for manufacturing the molded wood component. These particles are typically dried in a drum dryer to obtain dry wood particles, as shown in / A / . The particles or chips may then undergo a grinding and / or sieving step to reduce their size.

[0083] ZD / heating is used to reach a temperature necessary for the crosslinking (or polymerization) of the thermosetting binder, a temperature often above 200°C.

[0084] Molded wood has the following advantages, among others: it offers dimensional precision in manufacturing, is 100% recyclable class B wood (or BR1-BR2 according to the EN ISO 17225-1 standard).

[0085] The molding of the component also makes it possible to produce the lower receptacle 2 as a single-piece component, and not by an assembly of separate wooden elements, fixed to each other by the use of screws or nails, or even assembled by gluing.

[0086] The molded wood component can also be treated with a fire retardant.

[0087] Molded wood can still offer the advantage of mechanical resistance at a density of 900 kg / m³ 3 (plus or minus 20%), which is comparable to that of plastic, in particular polypropylene, and therefore much lower than the density of metals.

[0088] The present disclosure does not increase the mass of the container, and compared to a container made entirely of plastic according to the state of the art.

[0089] At the end of their life, the materials (cardboard from the upper receptacle, and the molded wood from the lower receptacle) can be recycled separately.

[0090] This disclosure also relates to a container recycling process, as detailed in this disclosure, which includes: / a / a separation between the upper receptacle 3 and the lower receptacle 2 of said container 1, Zb / recycling of the lower receptacle 2, made of molded wood, in a wood processing sector, in particular with grinding of the molded wood component to obtain wood chips used for the manufacture of a wood-based product, Here, the upper cardboard receptacle is recycled in a cardboard recycling stream, specifically with the cardboard being shredded to obtain pieces of cardboard used for the manufacture of a cardboard-based product.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the lower receptacle 2 can be a tray comprising a base 20 and raised edges 21, a cavity being defined between the raised edges and the base.

[0092] The upper receptacle 3 forms a box having a bottom 30 and side walls 31 delimiting the receiving volume, with a top opening for loading / unloading.

[0093] A B3 base of the case is received by fitting into said cavity of the tray, either removably or as a unit with the bottom, said case extending vertically, projecting from the tray.

[0094] As can be seen in particular in the figures, and in particular in figure 2a, the height of the HC cabinet can be at least twice the height of the platter, and in particular up to ten times the height of the HP platter.

[0095] According to one embodiment: - the height of the HP tray is less than 5 cm, in particular less than or equal to 2 cm, - the height of the hc box is greater than 10 cm, in particular greater than or equal to 20 cm.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the side walls 31 of the box may have water drainage openings OV, distributed around a periphery of the box, preferably arranged near the bottom 30. In case of fire, when the sprinklers of fire-fighting devices project water, the water filling the receiving volume of the upper receptacle 3 can be evacuated through said openings, and in order to limit the degradation of the side walls of the carton, above the openings OV.

[0097] Furthermore, since the platform is low in height, the potential accumulation of water in the lower cavity is limited, which limits the overload in the storage racks due to this water accumulation.

[0098] In one embodiment, the base 20 of the tray may include ER stiffening embossments, such as stiffening ribs. The ER stiffening embossments are distributed across the base 20 of the tray. They may extend across the width of the base. The embossments are formed during molding and create upward-facing protrusions or bumps on an internal surface of the tray, within the cavity, such that the protrusions are oriented in the same direction as the raised edges 21. These ER stiffening embossments create recessed reliefs on the lower, external surface of the base 20.

[0099] The height hER of the stiffening embossments ER is typically less than the height h2i of the raised edges 21 (Fig. 5b). When the upper receptacle 3 is fitted into the cavity of the lower receptacle 2, the upper receptacle 3 can rest on the peaks of the stiffening embossments, while the raised edges 21 form lateral stops ensuring the centering of the upper receptacle 3 relative to the lower receptacle 2. It should also be noted that the peaks of the stiffening embossments may include flat surfaces, substantially parallel to a mean plane of the tray. These flat surfaces provide a bearing surface between the lateral walls of the stiffening embossment, of sufficient width, typically greater than 5 mm, or even more, to prevent marking the bottom of the cardboard receptacle.

[0100] According to one embodiment, notably illustrated in the detail view of figure 5b, the raised edges may include, in whole or in part: - a first section of length 210 extending from the bottom, projecting in a vertical or inclined direction, - a second section of length 211, extending from the first section 210, extends laterally outwards, and substantially parallel to the average plane of the bottom 20 of the platform, - a third section of length 212, extending the second section of length, projecting, at a right angle to the second section, with the function of lateral stops for the upper receptacle 3.

[0101] The second section, 211 in length, can form a support or seat for receiving the edges of the bottom of the upper receptacle 3. The height of the seat h2i 1 relative to the bottom of the lower receptacle can be identical to the height IIER of the stiffening embossments ER, namely the distance between the typically flat top and the bottom. When the base B3 of the upper receptacle 3 is received by interlocking into the cavity of the lower receptacle 2, the bottom of the box can rest, as shown in Figure 5, simultaneously on: - the seat formed by the second section of length 211 of the raised edges 21, near the edges of the bottom, - all or part of the peaks of the ER stiffening embossments, which are preferably flat.

[0102] The seat formed by the raised edges can extend continuously (or not) over a periphery of the tray.

[0103] The third section, 212 in length, then forms the lateral stops of the lower receptacle 2, ensuring the lateral support of the upper receptacle 3. The base B3 of the upper receptacle 3 can be dimensioned in relation to the lateral stops of the lower receptacle with a fit gap Jbt less than or equal to 4mm, preferably less than or equal to 3mm.

[0104] In general, the base 20 of the lower receptacle 2, in particular of the tray, may have one or more recessed reliefs on an external, lower surface of the tray. This relief or these reliefs allow at least one protruding finger, in particular protruding fingers D1, D2, D3, D4, to penetrate the recessed reliefs to grip the lower receptacle 2, and thus grip the container, in particular during a loading or unloading operation of a slot in a storage rack (Figures 7a and 7b).

[0105] This or these gripping reliefs of the lower receptacle 2 can be formed during molding, by one or more gripping embossments EA, each gripping embossment EA forming a bump or protrusion on the internal surface of the lower receptacle 2.

[0106] Generally, the wall thickness of the molded wood tray is between 4 mm and 12 mm, with approximately 9 mm being the most common. As can be seen in Figure 5, the wall thickness of the tray's base may be locally less at the level of the ER and EA embossings, due to the molding process and in comparison to other (non-embossed) parts of the base, particularly those intended to rest on a horizontal support.

[0107] In general, the geometry of the raised edges 21 can offer two pairs of lateral, external surfaces with: - a first pair of lower lateral surfaces S1a, S1b, spaced according to a first spacing, the lateral surfaces of the first pair configured to cooperate with lateral stops B1, of a first support such as a motorized carriage, and according to a first spacing between the side stops, to wedge the container between the stops, - a second pair of lateral surfaces S2a, S2b, upper, spaced according to a second spacing, greater than the first spacing, the lateral surfaces of the first pair configured to cooperate with lateral stops B2, of a second support such as a motorized trolley, and according to a second spacing between the lateral stops greater than the first spacing, to wedge the container between the stops.

[0108] In general, and as illustrated in particular in figure 5: - the two opposite lateral surfaces S1 a, S1 b of the first pair can be materialized by the external surfaces of the first sections of length 210 of two raised edges 21, opposite, namely on two opposite sides of the plate, and for example the two sides forming the longitudinal edges of the plate, - the two lateral surfaces S2b, S2b opposite of the second pair can be materialized by the external surfaces of the second sections of length 211 and / or the third sections of length 212, of the two raised, opposite edges, and for example the two sides forming the longitudinal edges of the plate.

[0109] The two pairs of surfaces S1 a, S1 b or S2b, S2b, are compatible with use of the container following at least two support configurations, in particular trolleys, and as seen in figure 10a. and figure 10b.

[0110] In Figure 10a, the lower receptacle 2, and thus the container, is held in place relative to the carriage in a transverse direction by first stops B1 engaging with surfaces S1a and S1b of the first pair. In Figure 10b, the lower receptacle 2, and thus the container, is held in place relative to the carriage in a transverse direction by second stops B2 engaging with second surfaces S2a and S2b, with the spacing of the second stops B2 greater than the spacing of the first stops B1. The movement of the lower receptacle 2, and thus the container 1, on its support is limited.

[0111] In one embodiment, the raised edges 21 of the tray are flared outwards, configured so that several identical trays can be stacked one inside the other to form a stack. A base of one of the upper trays then enters the cavity of a lower tray in the stack. The view in Figure 6 illustrates a stack of two trays, namely an upper tray 2s inside the cavity of the lower tray 2i.

[0112] . In figure 5, and in general, we note that a junction part, internal between the first section of length 210, and the second section of length 211, can include an obvious 213.

[0113] This obviously 213, peripheral of the lower plate 2i can be configured, during stacking to receive in fitting a base of the upper plate 2s, and in particular an external peripheral edge, at the level of the junction between the bottom and the raised edges 21.

[0114] During stacking, an entanglement of the ER stiffening embossments of the upper 2s tray with the ER stiffening embossments of the tray can still occur. lower 2i. Thus we notice that the top of an ER embossing of the lower plate 2i penetrates the hollow of the ER embossing of the upper plate, as illustrated as an example in figure 6.

[0115] For this purpose, the side walls of the stiffening embossment can be inclined at a CIER angle that can typically be greater than 15°, or even greater than 20°, as illustrated in Figure 5a, to allow for such an interlocking. These side walls meet a flat wall of the embossment at its apex.

[0116] The EA gripping embossments are of a height FIEA, typically less than the height of the EB stiffening embossments, to allow stacking of the 2s, 2i trays without interlocking between the EA gripping embossments. This advantageously allows the side walls of the gripping embossments to be inclined relative to the vertical at an angle CIEA that is strictly less than the angle CIER. The CIEA angle can be strictly less than 15°, or even less than or equal to 10°, in order to form a firm stop for the finger(s), a reliable stop that limits the risk of the finger slipping out during the deployment or retraction of a gripping device for the motorized trolley described later. Having a small CIEA angle, i.e., a side wall close to the vertical, ensures reliable contact between the receptacle and the finger when it comes against the side wall.In other words, the larger this angle, the greater the risk of the finger slipping out of place during movement along a horizontal direction.

[0117] Generally, the upper receptacle 3 can be made from a pre-cut cardboard blank F, featuring fold lines and capable of lying flat. The upper receptacle can be a one-piece box with a joint or a one-piece envelope without a joint, which may contain locking or snap-fastening elements. For example, the upper receptacle could be a hinged box or a half-box with an opening at the top.

[0118] In particular, and as illustrated in Figure 3, this pre-cut flan may include: - a central PC section forming the bottom of the case, - a first flap V1, transverse, and a second flap V2, transverse, folded at right angles from the central part by two transverse fold lines PLT, - a third longitudinal flap V3, and a fourth longitudinal flap V4, folded at right angles from the central part by two longitudinal fold lines PLL, said longitudinal and transverse flaps forming an upper belt forming the side walls 31 of the crate, once folded.

[0119] Once folded, the flaps V1 to V4 form a band around the upper receptacle 2 and can be joined in pairs via side flaps VL. Two of the flaps may have openings that function as handles, particularly near the upper edges of the side walls 31. The cardboard blank, once folded, forms the upper receptacle 3, which comprises a bottom wall 30 and four side walls 31 defining the upper opening. The receptacle then lacks a flap to close the upper opening.

[0120] In another design, the longitudinal and / or transverse flaps can be folded back on themselves to form double-layered cardboard side panels. The receptacle The upper layer is thus more rigid. In addition, the fold(s) thus formed provide non-cutting edges for the operator and reduce or prevent the penetration of dust and moisture into the cardboard.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, the cardboard blank can be a cardboard blank, which can be folded to obtain a base, side walls, but also closing flaps, and as seen in figure 9.

[0122] This disclosure is further related to an ASRS storage and retrieval system, featuring at least one storage rack and one or more containers 1 as detailed in this disclosure.

[0123] Said at least one storage rack Rac1, Rac2 comprising a set of vertical uprights M1, M2, M3, M4 and several pairs of mechanical interfaces defining several storage bays for said container(s) 1.

[0124] Each pair of mechanical interfaces typically includes a first interface It1 fixed to at least two uprights M1, M2 of the vertical structure and a second interface It2 fixed to at least two other uprights M3, M4 of the vertical structure.

[0125] Support portions of the two interfaces being oriented towards each other in cantilever of the uprights, configured to ensure the support of container 1 in the two support portions of the mechanical interfaces, distant from each other, resting on the lower receptacle.

[0126] The molded material component, particularly molded wood, is preferably configured to ensure flexural resistance when the container is supported between two support sections separated by a distance greater than 350 mm (i.e., the bottom of the container is unsupported between these two sections) and when a 30 kg load is applied to the container at a midpoint between the two support sections. Under these conditions, the maximum deflection at the midpoint may be less than 5 mm.

[0127] The storage system may typically include a motorized trolley CM comprising a gripping and depositing device for said receptacle equipped with a movable support SM, relative to a chassis CHA of said trolley between a deployed position, in which said support extends at least partially over a lateral edge of said trolley out of alignment with said chassis, and a retracted position, in which said support is housed opposite said chassis.

[0128] Said support includes a structural element, and at least one finger D1, D2, D3, D4 projecting fixed relative to said structural element and oriented upwards, and for example four fingers.

[0129] According to this disclosure, the molded material component includes said at least one gripping embossment EA forming a recessed relief on a lower, external surface of the lower receptacle 2, the recessed relief configured to receive said at least one finger D1, D2, D3, D4.

[0130] The motorized trolley may typically include means of horizontal movement such as motorized wheels for moving the trolley on the ground and / or means of climbing, such as that gears, particularly at the four corners of the chassis, configured to engage with climbing elements, such as vertical racks or roller chains, allowing the motorized raising or lowering of the trolley according to the height of the uprights. This could notably be a motorized trolley as shown in Figure 1, which is coupled by four motorized gears at the four corners of the CHA chassis to a first storage rack Rac1 and a second storage rack, arranged in an aisle between the racks Rad and Rac2.

[0131] The container described in this disclosure may therefore offer all or some of the following advantages: - an environmentally friendly design, allowing for manufacturing that generates less CO2, compared to a plastic or metal container, - a container design that avoids / limits the risk of the container falling, in humid conditions, when stored and loaded in a high bay of a rack. - a controlled container weight, particularly compared to a metal container, limiting energy consumption for its transport, - a design allowing for the recycling of the container, in particular in its entirety, - a design that allows for the creation of complex functional shapes and surfaces in a single manufacturing step, and therefore at a lower cost, - the possibility of storing the two components (namely the lower and upper receptacles), before assembly, in a more compact position, in order to optimize storage or transport, - compatibility of the container with roller conveyors, typically metallic, in particular in that the contact between metal and molded material (especially molded wood) generates controlled noise, and with a coefficient of friction between the metal of the rollers and the external surface of the molded material sufficient to move the container when the rollers are rotated, - a universal edge design offering compatibility with different supports, and in particular different trolleys.

[0132] Yet another advantage is that the materials used for the container, particularly for the upper and lower receptacles, are free of metals that could interfere with electromagnetic signals, typically from the WIFI network, carrying guidance instructions for the motorized trolleys of the storage and retrieval system. List of reference signs

[0133] - 1: Container, - 2. Lower receptacle, - 20. Background, -21. Upturned edges, - 210, 211, 212, respectively first length section, second length section (with seat function) and third length section with lateral stop function, - 213 Obviously (for stacking) - 2s, 2i. Plateau, respectively upper and lower, - 3. Upper receptacle, - 30. Background, - 31. Side walls, - 32. Closing flaps, - ASRS. Storage and retrieval system, - B1, B2. Lateral stops - B3. Base - CM. Motorized trolley, - CHA. Chassis, - D1, D2, D3, D4. Fingers respectively first, second, third and fourth. -ER. Stiffening embossings, - EA. Gripping embossments, - It1, It2. Mechanical interfaces, first and second - Jbt. Interlocking game, - M1, M2, M3, M4. Amounts, respectively, first, second, third and fourth, - Rac1. First storage rack, - Rac2. Second storage rack, - OV. Openings - PC. Central section - PLL. Longitudinal fold lines - PLT. Transverse fold lines - S1 a, S1 b. First pair of lateral surfaces - S2a, S2b. Second pair of lateral surfaces - SM Support (mobile gripping device), - V1, V2, V3, V4. First, second, third and fourth flaps, respectively - VL. Side flaps.

Claims

Demands

1. Container (1) for storage and retrieval system (ASRS) comprising an assembly including components joined together in a rigid or removable manner by geometric cooperation: - a lower receptacle (2), - an upper receptacle (3) defining a receiving volume for a load, such as articles having a top opening configured to allow the depositing or retrieval of articles, - said lower receptacle (2) includes a component made of molded material based on cellulose fibres, impermeable to water and in which said upper opening of the upper receptacle is in the open state, when said upper receptacle is assembled with the lower receptacle.

2. Container according to claim 1 in which the upper receptacle (3) comprises a cardboard component, in particular a sheet cardboard component.

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molded material is molded wood.

4. Container according to claim 3, in which the molded wood comprises: - 90 to 98% wood by weight, - 2% to 10% by weight of a binder, the sum of the components making up 100%.

5. Container according to claim 4, wherein the wood is in the form of softwood particles, in particular of a particle size less than 50 mm.

6. Container according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the binder is a thermosetting resin, in particular urea-formaldehyde, or polyurethane.

7. Container according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the molded wood component is obtained by a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: / A / Supply of dry wood particles, / B / Mixture of wood particles with a thermosetting binder, / C / Depositing the mixture into a mold, comprising at least a first mold section and a second mold section, / D / Compression molding of the mixture between the first mold part and the second mold part, and heating of said mold until the thermosetting binder of the mixture hardens. / E / Demolding of said molded wood component.

8. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the lower receptacle (2) is a tray comprising a base (20) and raised edges (21), a cavity being defined between the raised edges and the base, - the upper receptacle (3) forms a box having a base (30) and side walls (31) delimiting the receiving volume and in which a base of the case is received by fitting into said cavity of the tray, either removably or in a manner fixed to the bottom, said case extending vertically, projecting from the tray.

9. Container according to claim 8, wherein the height of the case (hc) is at least twice the height of the tray, in particular up to ten times the height of the tray (hp).

10. Container according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the side walls (31) of the crate have water drainage openings (OV), distributed around a periphery of the crate, preferably arranged near the bottom (30) of the crate.

11. Container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the bottom (20) of the tray comprises stiffening embossments (ER), such as stiffening ribs, the stiffening embossments (ER) distributed over the bottom (20) of the tray.

12. Container according to any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the raised edges (21) of the tray are flared outwards configured so that several identical trays are stackable one inside the other forming a stack, a base of one of the upper trays penetrating said cavity of a lower tray of the stack, with optionally an interlocking of the stiffening embossments (ER) of the upper tray (2s) with the stiffening embossments (ER) of the lower tray (2i), when the container is according to claim 11.

13. Container according to any one of claims 8 to 12 in which the wall thickness of the tray is between 4 mm and 12 mm.

14. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in which the upper receptacle (3) is obtained from a pre-cut cardboard blank (F), capable of lying flat and comprising: - a central part (PC) forming the bottom of the box, - a first flap (V1), transverse, and a second flap (V2), transverse, folded at right angles from the central part by two transverse fold lines (PLT), - a third longitudinal flap (V3), and a fourth longitudinal flap (V4), folded at right angles from the central part by two longitudinal fold lines (PLL), said longitudinal and transverse flaps forming an upper belt forming the side walls (31) of the box, once folded.

15. Storage and retrieval system (ASRS), comprising at least one storage rack and one or more containers (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said at least one storage rack (Rac1, Rac2) comprising a set of vertical uprights (M1, M2, M3, M4) and several pairs of mechanical interfaces defining several storage bays for said container(s), each pair of mechanical interfaces comprising a first interface (It1) fixed to at least two uprights (M1, M2) of the vertical structure and a second interface (It2) fixed to at least two other uprights of the vertical structure, support portions of both interfaces being oriented towards each other in cantilever of the uprights, configured to ensure the support of the container (1) in the two support portions of the mechanical interfaces, distant from each other, resting on the lower receptacle.

16. A storage and retrieval system according to claim 15, comprising a motorized trolley (CM) including a gripping and depositing device for said container equipped with a support mounted movable relative to a chassis (CHA) of said trolley between a deployed position, in which said support extends at least partially over a lateral edge of said trolley out of alignment with said chassis; and a retracted position, in which said support is housed opposite said chassis; said support comprising a structural element, and at least one finger (D1, D2, D3, D4) fixed projecting relative to said structural element and oriented upwards, and in which the molded material component comprises at least one gripping embossment (EA) forming a recessed relief on an external surface of the lower receptacle (2), the recessed relief configured to receive said at least one finger (D1, D2, D3, D4).

Images