Facility for storing and dispensing merchandise items, logistics centre and method for preparing orders

Abstract

The invention relates to a facility for storing and dispensing merchandise items, including a plurality of storage columns (4) arranged substantially vertically and configured to receive and deliver the items (3), each column being provided with stacked compartments (11) each having an entry opening at the top and a release hatch at the bottom, which release hatch is configured to assume a closed storage position and an open dispensing position, at least one conveyor (6) arranged under the columns, which conveyor includes receiving zones (12) delimited from one another and is configured to transport selected items coming from the columns generally horizontally, and a control and command unit configured to receive control instructions each comprising at least one reference of one of the items, and to control and command at least one release hatch of a compartment of one of the respective columns and the conveyor so as to dispense a selected item corresponding to the reference from the compartment onto a specific receiving zone of the conveyor.

Description

[0001] Title: Merchandise storage and distribution facility, logistics center and order preparation process

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to the general field of logistics and in particular to the storage and distribution of merchandise.

[0004]

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a storage and distribution installation for merchandise items.

[0005]

[0003] The invention also relates to a logistics distribution center comprising at least one such installation for the storage and distribution of merchandise items.

[0006]

[0004] The invention also relates to a method for preparing merchandise orders using such a merchandise storage and distribution installation

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008]

[0005] Distribution logistics centers allow goods to be received, stored, and then shipped according to orders that are placed and sent to distribution logistics centers.

[0009]

[0006] We know of logistics distribution centers equipped with numerous storage devices, such as shelves or racks extending both horizontally and vertically, to store a large quantity of merchandise items classified according to a determined organization.

[0010]

[0007] Traditionally, users, known as warehouse workers, received orders and went to retrieve the merchandise items from the storage devices, for example using lifting equipment.

[0011]

[0008] Then, systems for automating logistics warehouses emerged, including autonomous mobile robots intended to replace warehouse workers in receiving orders and retrieving merchandise items from storage devices.

[0012]

[0009] These systems are often only partially autonomous, are large consumers of energy and may also require significant maintenance by highly qualified personnel.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a storage and distribution installation for merchandise items that is particularly simple and convenient to use and maintain.

[0011] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to a storage and distribution installation for merchandise items, comprising a plurality of storage columns, in particular arranged substantially vertically, and configured to receive and deliver merchandise items, each storage column being provided with superimposed compartments, each having an infeed opening on the top and a release hatch on the bottom, said release hatch being configured to admit a closed position for storing at least one merchandise item and an open position for dispensing said at least one merchandise item;at least one conveyor arranged under the plurality of storage columns, comprising a plurality of receiving zones delimited from one another, and configured to transport, including globally horizontally, selected merchandise items from the plurality of storage columns; and a control and command unit configured to receive a plurality of command instructions, each comprising at least one reference of one of the merchandise items, and to control and command at least one release hatch of a bin in one of the respective storage columns and at least one conveyor, so as to distribute from the bin at least one selected merchandise item corresponding to at least one reference onto a determined receiving zone of the conveyor.

[0015]

[0012] In the installation according to the invention, the plurality of storage columns and at least one conveyor arranged directly under these storage columns are controlled and commanded by the control and command unit which will allow, for example, the distribution of an item selected and stored in a dedicated storage column, onto a selected area of ​​the conveyor among the receiving areas delimited from one another.

[0016]

[0013] To do this, the control and command unit actuates the release hatch of the storage column bin containing the selected item, at the moment when the selected receiving area of ​​the conveyor is directly opposite under the bin in question.

[0017]

[0014] In other words, the installation according to the invention makes it possible to prepare one or more orders simultaneously, each supplied with one or more identical or different items, in a particularly simple and quick manner, and in a particularly small footprint.

[0018]

[0015] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the storage and distribution installation for merchandise items according to the invention are presented below.

[0019]

[0016] The release hatch can be hinged to at least one wall of the locker.

[0020]

[0017] The release hatch may include one or more rotating or sliding flaps.

[0021]

[0018] Each compartment may include a hatch actuation mechanism.

[0019] The actuation mechanism may be provided with an electric motor configured to actuate the release hatch from its closed storage position to its open distribution position, and vice versa.

[0022]

[0020] The actuation mechanism may be provided with a magnetic element, in particular an electromagnetic element, configured to maintain the release hatch in its closed storage position when the magnetic or electromagnetic element is activated, and an elastic return element configured to return the release hatch from its closed storage position to its open dispensing position.

[0023]

[0021] The lockers can be individual and / or removable and / or stackable.

[0024]

[0022] Each storage column may have an upper end forming a floor for loading the bins with merchandise items.

[0025]

[0023] The installation may include a loading device for the plurality of storage columns, configured to convey the merchandise items to the respective loading floors.

[0026]

[0024] At least one conveyor may include a plurality of fixed or removable walls arranged so as to delimit receiving areas which are distinct from each other.

[0027]

[0025] In particular, each receiving area may have a width equal to that of a locker.

[0028]

[0026] The installation may include a collection and / or conditioning station disposed at one end and / or along at least one conveyor and configured to receive at least one item on the determined receiving area.

[0029]

[0027] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a logistics distribution center comprising at least one storage and distribution facility for merchandise items, as described above.

[0030]

[0028] It should be noted that such a center may be without aisles, or have narrow aisles, between the different installations and in particular between the different conveyors, since it is not necessary to allow access to a robot or to a warehouseman on an elevator.

[0031]

[0029] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a method of preparing merchandise orders using such a storage and distribution installation for merchandise items, comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of order instructions each comprising at least one reference of one of the merchandise items, and controlling and controlling at least one release hatch of a bin of one of the respective storage columns and at least one conveyor so as to distribute from the bin at least one selected merchandise item corresponding to at least one reference onto a determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor.

[0030] The method may further include the step of successively controlling and controlling all the release hatches, from the bin closest to the conveyor to the bin furthest from the conveyor in a respective storage column, so that the bin closest to the conveyor is always supplied with at least one item of goods, provided that one or more items remain in the storage column.

[0032]

[0031] The process may further include the step of conveying at least one reference on the determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor to an assembly and / or packaging station and packaging at least one corresponding merchandise item.

[0033]

[0032] The method may further include the step of loading the plurality of storage columns with the merchandise items dedicated respectively to the storage columns.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035]

[0033] The invention, according to an example of embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, given by way of example and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036]

[0034] Figure 1 schematically and partially represents, in top view, a logistics distribution center comprising several storage and distribution facilities for merchandise items according to the invention.

[0037]

[0035] Figure 2 schematically and partially represents, in front view, one of the storage and distribution facilities for merchandise items visible in Figure 1.

[0038]

[0036] Figure 3 schematically and partially represents, in cross-section, a locker of a storage column of the storage and distribution installation for merchandise items visible in Figure 2, in a first configuration.

[0039]

[0037] Figure 4 schematically and partially represents, in top view, the locker visible in Figure 3, in the first configuration.

[0040]

[0038] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the locker in a second configuration.

[0041]

[0039] Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 4, showing the locker in the second configuration.

[0042]

[0040] Figure 7 and Figure 8 are views similar to Figures 3 and 5, showing a variant embodiment of the locker.

[0043]

[0041] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are views similar to Figures 3 and 5, showing another embodiment of the locker.

[0042] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating steps in a process for preparing merchandise orders using the merchandise storage and distribution system shown in Figure 2.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045]

[0043] Figure 1 schematically and partially represents, in top view, a logistics distribution center 1 comprising several storage and distribution facilities 2 for merchandise items 3.

[0046]

[0044] Each storage and distribution facility 2 for merchandise items 3 here comprises a plurality of storage columns 4 which are configured to receive and deliver the merchandise items 3.

[0047]

[0045] To this end, each storage and distribution facility 2 for merchandise items 3 further includes a loading device 5 configured to load the merchandise items 3 into the plurality of storage columns 4.

[0048]

[0046] Each storage and distribution installation 2 for merchandise articles 3 further comprises here a conveyor 6 which is arranged directly under the plurality of storage columns 4 and which runs here beyond the storage columns 4.

[0049]

[0047] Each conveyor 6 is configured to receive one or more merchandise items 3 from one or more storage columns 4

[0050]

[0048] Each storage and distribution facility 2 for merchandise items 3 further comprises herein assembly and / or packaging stations 7 arranged at one end of the respective conveyors 6.

[0051]

[0049] The assembly and / or packaging stations 7 are configured to receive the merchandise items 3 which are conveyed by the conveyors 6.

[0052]

[0050] This allows for the processing of orders, each containing at least one reference of one of the merchandise items 3, which are placed and received by the distribution logistics center 1.

[0053]

[0051] Each storage and distribution facility 2 for merchandise items 3 further comprises herein a control and command unit 8 configured to receive a plurality of instructions from orders which are placed and received and which each include at least one reference to one of the merchandise items 3.

[0054]

[0052] The control and command unit 8 is configured to control and command the distribution of the references of the order instructions from the storage columns 4 to the conveyors 6 and to the assembly and / or packaging stations 7.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the control and command unit 8 is interconnected with modules (not shown) which comprise all the storage and distribution installations 2 of merchandise items 3.

[0055]

[0054] The distribution logistics center 1 here includes a shipping station 9 configured to receive, from the assembly and / or packaging stations 7, the merchandise items 3 of orders ready for shipment.

[0056]

[0055] It should be noted that the logistics distribution center 1 here has particularly narrow aisles between the different storage and distribution facilities 2 and in particular between the different conveyors 6.

[0057]

[0056] Figure 2 shows in isolation and in front view one of the storage and distribution facilities 2 for merchandise items 3.

[0058]

[0057] The storage columns 4 are arranged substantially vertically between the conveyor 6 and an upper end forming a loading floor 10 at the level of which is the loading device (not visible in figure 2) for the conveyance of the merchandise items 3.

[0059]

[0058] Each storage column 4 is provided with a plurality of bins 11 which are superimposed and which are provided with one or more merchandise items 3.

[0060]

[0059] The lockers 11 can be individual and / or removable and / or stackable.

[0061]

[0060] The conveyor 6 comprises a plurality of receiving zones 12 which are delimited from one another by walls 13, which may be removable or fixed.

[0061] The receiving zones 12 are therefore distinct from one another.

[0062]

[0062] Each receiving area 12 is configured to receive one or more selected merchandise items 3 from one or more storage columns 4.

[0063]

[0063] The conveyor 6 is thus configured to transport the merchandise items 3 arranged in the receiving areas 12 horizontally to the assembly and / or packaging station 7.

[0064]

[0064] Alternatively, the merchandise items 3 can be directed by conveyor 6 to another installation and / or to another conveyor.

[0065]

[0065] Figures 3 and 4 show an example of the realization of a locker 11, in a first configuration called closed, while figures 5 and 6 show the same locker 11 in a second configuration called open.

[0066]

[0066] The locker 11 is provided with side walls 14 defining an internal space 15, an introduction opening 16 on the top of the internal space 15, and a release hatch 17 which is here formed of two rotating flaps articulated to the side walls 14.

[0067] The introduction opening 16 is provided to allow one or more merchandise items (not shown in figures 3 to 6) to be placed in the internal space 15 of the compartment 1 1.

[0067]

[0068] The release hatch 17 is configured to allow a closed position for storing the item(s) of merchandise in the internal space 15, corresponding to the first so-called closed configuration of the locker 11 (figures 3 and 4), and an open position for distributing the item(s) of merchandise, corresponding to the second so-called open configuration of the locker 11 (figures 5 and 6).

[0068]

[0069] To do this, locker 11 includes an actuation mechanism 18 for the flaps of hatch 17.

[0069]

[0070] The actuation mechanism 18 is here provided with an electromagnetic element 19 configured to maintain the release gate 17 in its closed storage position when the electromagnetic element is activated, and an elastic return element 20 configured to return the release gate 17 from its closed storage position to its open distribution position.

[0070]

[0071] When the electromagnetic device 19 is deactivated, the weight of the item(s) of merchandise rotates the flaps of the release hatch 17 to remove these items from the internal space 15 of the locker 11.

[0071]

[0072] When the item(s) of goods are removed from the locker 11, the elastic return device 20 returns the release hatch 17 to its closed storage position.

[0072]

[0073] In particular, it is the actuation mechanism 18 which is controlled and commanded by the control and command unit (not shown in Figures 3 to 6) and which is therefore configured to control and command the passage of the release hatch 17 of the bin 11 closest to the conveyor (not shown in Figures 3 to 6), from its closed storage position to its open distribution position, so as to distribute from bin 11 at least one selected merchandise item corresponding to at least one reference to a determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor, according to the order instruction received.

[0073]

[0074] It should be noted that locker 11 is designed to have an internal space 15 which has a volume allowing both to house the item(s) of merchandise and to articulate the flaps of the release hatch 17.

[0074]

[0075] Figures 7 and 8 show a variant embodiment of the locker 11, which differs from that seen in Figures 3 to 6 in that the actuation mechanism is provided here with an electric motor 21, or an electromagnet, controlled and commanded by the control and command unit and configured to actuate the flaps of the release hatch 17 from its closed storage position to its open distribution position, and vice versa, by means of a connecting rod 22 which is mechanically attached to the electric motor 21 and to each of the flaps of the release hatch 17.

[0075]

[0076] Figures 9 and 10 show another variant embodiment of locker 11, which differs from that seen in Figures 7 and 8 in that the release hatch 17 is formed by a single roller shutter which is hinged and mounted to slide along one of the side walls 14 of locker 11, by means of an actuation mechanism provided with an electric motor 21 which is controlled and commanded by the control and command unit.

[0076]

[0077] A method for preparing one or more orders of goods using the storage and distribution facility 2 for goods items 3 is described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0077]

[0078] The goods order preparation process includes the step of receiving 100 a plurality of order instructions each containing at least one reference of one of the goods 3, the step of selecting 101 a storage column 4 containing the reference in question, the step of controlling and controlling 102 the release hatch 17 of the bin 1 1 of the selected storage column 4 and simultaneously the conveyor 6 so as to distribute from bin 1 1 the reference in question onto a determined receiving area 12 of the conveyor 6.

[0078]

[0079] These steps may be repeated depending on the number of references and merchandise items in the order instruction received by the control and command unit 8.

[0079]

[0080] The process includes the step of conveying 103 the determined receiving area 12 from the conveyor 6 to the assembly and / or packaging station 7 and the step of packaging 104 the distributed merchandise item(s) 3.

[0080]

[0081] The process includes the step of controlling and commanding 105 successively all the release hatches 17, from the bin 11 closest to the conveyor 6 to the bin 11 furthest from the conveyor 11 of the selected storage column 4.

[0081]

[0082] Thus, the bin 11 closest to conveyor 5 is always equipped with at least one item of merchandise 3.

[0082]

[0083] The process further includes the step of loading or reloading 106 the plurality of storage columns 4 with the merchandise items 3 dedicated respectively to the storage columns 4, using the loading device 5 and at the level of the loading floor 10.

[0083]

[0084] In the installation 2 described above, the plurality of storage columns 4 and the conveyor 6 arranged directly under these storage columns 4 are controlled and commanded by the control and command unit 8 which will allow, for example, the distribution of an item selected and stored in a dedicated storage column 4, onto a selected area among the receiving areas 12 delimited from each other.

[0085] To do this, the control and command unit 8 actuates the release hatch 17 of the locker 11 of the storage column 4 containing the selected item, at the moment when the selected receiving area 12 is directly opposite under the locker 11 in question.

[0084]

[0086] In other words, installation 2 allows one or more orders to be prepared simultaneously, each with one or more identical or different items, in a particularly simple and convenient way, while possibly increasing both the order processing rate and the number of item references stored in the installation.

[0085]

[0087] It should be noted that the speed of order preparation and the number of orders that can be processed simultaneously and / or successively may depend on the unit cycle to distribute a merchandise item, i.e. to activate the release hatch and deposit the item on the determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor.

[0086]

[0088] Variants not shown are described below.

[0087]

[0089] The assembly and / or packaging stations can be located at least partially along the conveyors.

[0088]

[0090] Each storage and distribution facility can have its own control and command unit and be operated independently of other facilities.

[0089]

[0091] Packaging and shipping can be done at the same station.

[0090]

[0092] The distribution logistics center may lack aisles between the different storage and distribution facilities.

[0091]

[0093] The lockers can be inseparable from one another.

[0092]

[0094] Drop hatches may have more than one or two hinged flaps.

[0093]

[0095] More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

Demands 1. A storage and distribution installation for merchandise items (3), comprising a plurality of storage columns (4) configured to receive and deliver merchandise items, each storage column being provided with superimposed bins (11), each having an infeed opening (16) on the top and a discharge hatch (17) on the bottom, said discharge hatch being configured to admit a closed storage position for at least one merchandise item and an open distribution position for said at least one merchandise item; at least one conveyor (6) arranged under the plurality of storage columns, comprising a plurality of receiving zones (11) delimited from one another, and configured to transport selected merchandise items from the plurality of storage columns;and a control and command unit (8) configured to receive a plurality of command instructions, each comprising at least one reference to one of the merchandise items, and to control and command at least one release hatch of a bin in one of the respective storage columns and at least one conveyor, so as to distribute from the bin at least one selected merchandise item corresponding to at least one reference to a determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor.

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the release hatch (17) is hinged to at least one wall (14) of the locker (11).

3. Installation according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the release hatch (17) comprises one or more rotating or sliding flaps.

4. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each locker (11) includes an actuation mechanism (18) for the release hatch (17).

5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation mechanism (18) is provided with an electric motor (21) configured to actuate the release gate (17) from its closed storage position to its open distribution position, and vice versa.

6. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation mechanism (8) is provided with an electromagnetic element (19) configured to maintain the release hatch (17) in its closed storage position when the electromagnetic element magnetic is activated, and an elastic return device (20) is configured to return the release hatch from its closed storage position to its open distribution position.

7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lockers (11) are individual and / or removable and / or stackable.

8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each storage column (4) has an upper end forming a loading floor (10) for the bins (11) of goods (3).

9. Installation according to claim 8, comprising a loading device (5) for the plurality of storage columns (4) configured to convey the merchandise items (3) to the respective loading floor.

10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one conveyor (6) comprises a plurality of fixed or removable walls (13) arranged so as to delimit receiving areas (12) which are distinct from each other.

11. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a collection and / or conditioning station (7) disposed at one end and / or along at least one conveyor (6) and configured to receive at least one reference on the determined receiving area (12).

12. Distribution logistics centre comprising at least one storage and distribution facility (2) for articles of merchandise (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Method of preparing merchandise orders using a storage and distribution installation (2) for merchandise items (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of receiving (100) a plurality of order instructions each comprising at least one reference of one of the merchandise items (3), and controlling and operating (102) at least one release hatch (17) of a bin (11) of one of the respective storage columns (4) and at least one conveyor (6) so as to distribute from the bin at least one selected merchandise item corresponding to at least one reference onto a determined receiving area of ​​the conveyor.

14. A method according to claim 13, comprising the step of conveying (103) at least one reference on the determined receiving zone (12) of the conveyor (6) to a station of gathering and / or packaging (7) and packaging (104) at least one corresponding article of goods (3).

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 and 14, comprising the step of loading (106) the plurality of storage columns (4) with the merchandise items (3) dedicated respectively to the storage columns.

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