Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a magazine as per the preamble of
Claim 1 and to a use as per the preamble of
Claim 10.
Background Art
[0002] In distribution, logistics, and supply chain management, by automated storage and
retrieval system (AS/RS) is meant any computer-controlled system for automatically
placing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. Such storage and picking
systems are commonly employed where storage density is important because of space
constraints.
[0003] A crucial component of a storage and picking system is its so-called storage and
retrieval machine. In that context, a fixed-aisle machine is generally referred to
as a "stacker crane". The mast or masts of such crane support a carriage on which
unit loads are carried. In a conventional system, one or more shuttles or telescopic
extraction devices are attached to the carriage to retrieve items.
[0004] Traditional storage machines of this type are described, for instance, in
MANLEY, Charles E., et al. Materials Handling Handbook. 2nd edition. Edited by KULWIEC,
Raymond A.. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1985. ISBN 0471097829. p.589-652. A recently emerging technology based on wire- or cable-driven manipulators is evaluated
in
SALAH, Bashir, et al. Design and simulation based validation of the control architecture
of a stacker crane based on an innovative wire-driven robot. Robotics and Computer-Integrated
Manufacturing. 2017, vol.44, p.117-128.
Summary of invention
[0005] The invention as claimed is hereinafter disclosed in such a way that the technical
problem with which it deals can be appreciated and the solution can be understood.
Technical Problem
[0006] The problem to be solved is to provide a storage and picking system particularly
suitable for the delivery of dry goods and packaged grocery store items.
Solution to Problem
[0007] To elucidate the nature of the solution, reference is made to the characterizing
portion of the independent claims.
Advantageous effect of invention
[0008] Use of the proposed storage and picking system permits vendors to drastically reduce
their customers' waiting time between placement of a purchase order and pickup or
delivery of the ordered items.
[0009] Due to its improved storage density, a system as per the invention may be advantageously
implemented as a fully automated interactive vending kiosk or mobile will-call store.
The latter embodiment allows for round-the-clock pickup, thus lifting the store's
restriction to traditional opening hours.
[0010] For instance, a will-call in the form of a parked and unmanned cargo van may offer
an assortment of between 300 and 1,000 commodities grouped in up to four cooling zones.
Located in a public parking lot or on private or factory premises, such will-call
store would be able to place goods at a caller's disposal within 30 seconds. To this
end, its fleet operator may take orders by smartphone, whereupon the buyer is directed
to the nearest van, which dispenses the ordered items automatically upon call.
[0011] In the alternative form of a subsidiary distribution center, the storage and picking
system permits vendors to narrow down the predicted time frame for individual deliveries.
Designed for both pickup and delivery, an exemplary store of this type could keep
in stock between 2,000 and 10,000 items arranged in three cooling sections across
between 250 and 1,500 square meters of floor space. Suitable sites may be found in
urban areas, railroad stations, etc., allowing for a 30-minute delivery in addition
to automated goods issue within some 60 seconds. Such stores may easily integrate
additional facilities such as a coffee bar or even deli counter for perishable items.
Brief description of drawings
[0012]
Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a mobile magazine.
Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the magazine.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a first storage and picking system.
Figure 4 is a plan view of a second storage and picking system.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third storage and picking system.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mobile will-call store.
Figures 7 to 10 are perspective views illustrating a process of goods issue.
Description of embodiments
[0013] Figure 1 shows a mobile magazine 11 comprising a slide rail 12 slidably guided along the magazine,
a pusher slide 13 mounted on the slide rail, and a restraint 14 affixed to a front
end thereof, the slide and the restraint being biased toward each other.
EP 1541064 B (POS TUNING UDO VOSSHENRICH GMBH AND CO KG) 15.06.2005 discloses an article display
apparatus whose feed mechanism shares the same functional principle.
[0014] Further to the prior-art apparatus, the present embodiment comprises a catch 15 affixed
to the restraint, an identification tag 16 for identifying packaged goods 17 contained
in the magazine, and a notch 18 for retaining the magazine within a shelving unit.
In this context, the term "identification tag" is used in a broad meaning, encompassing
various means such as a barcode, quick response (QR) code, or radio-frequency identification
(RFID) tag.
[0015] In a corresponding perspective,
Figure 2 shows how an item 29 among the packaged goods 27 is extracted from the magazine 21.
In this process, the rail 22 projects beyond and the item protrudes correspondingly
from the front end of the magazine, the slide 23 moving forward by an equal distance.
The item may thus be raised above the restraint 24 for extraction. During this process,
the magazine's housing is secured in place by a bar (not depicted) engaged with the
notch 28.
[0016] It is well understood that the magazine, while depicted as a shaft in the figures
at hand, may as well take the form of a shelf, tube, carton, or similar container
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0017] Figure 3 shows a first storage and picking system 31 comprising a stacker crane 32 moving
back and forth between eight shelving units 33 containing mobile magazines 34, the
units being grouped in three coherent temperature zones 35 across the storage and
picking system. A pickup terminal 36 is accessible from outside the storage and picking
system, wherein a path 37 runs alongside the shelving units up to a goods issuing
mechanism 38 arranged next to the terminal.
[0018] Figure 4 shows a more expansive second storage and picking system 41. This system, in addition
to its stacker cranes 42, temperature zones 43, multi-branched path 44, ten shelving
units 45 populated with mobile magazines, and goods issuing mechanism 46, features
a second goods issuing mechanism 47. While the first mechanism is arranged next to
the customer pickup terminal 48, the second mechanism borders on a dispatch zone 49
for deliverymen and sales clerks. In such arrangement, the stacker cranes 42 may communicate
via sliding contacts or wirelessly, especially if battery-powered. Suitable algorithms
may be gathered from the emerging field of swarm robotics, allowing for individual
cranes to be added to or removed from the scenario as needed.
[0019] Figure 5 shows a third storage and picking system 51 for use in a mobile will-call store.
Here, the stacker crane 52 comprises a carriage 53 slidably guided along a mast bound
to a track 54 that defines the crane's path. Also, the four shelving units 55, each
containing seven layers of magazines 56, are equipped with rolling frames, allowing
the units to be moved outside their store for replenishing. The system is partitioned
by two divider walls 57 betwixt the temperature zones, wherein the track proceeds
through a sliding gate 58 in each wall unto a chute 59 leading to the pickup terminal.
[0020] The exterior view of
Figure 6 shows a mobile will-call store 61 in the form of a cargo van carrying the storage
and picking system 62, its pickup terminal 63 accessible from outside the vehicle
through a graphical user interface. A computation and communications unit 64 near
the van's tailboard electronically connects the interface to the crane, while a heating
and air conditioning unit 65 serves to maintain an adequate storage temperature inside
the cargo bay. These and other systems are supplied with electricity by a photovoltaic
system 66 atop the vehicle. Further roof structures may be conceived, such as a docking
platform for unmanned aerial shuttles that deliver shopping baskets to customers as
an alternative to personal pickup. Additional variants of the will-call may take the
form of a trailer, freight container, or similar.
[0021] Figures
7 through
10 give an account of the stacker crane's interaction with a mobile magazine 71. As
may be gathered from the drawings, the crane's mast 72 supports a carriage 73 that,
for receiving the goods, in turn comprises a tray 74 to which an adjacent raising
mechanism 75 is sloped. Once the mast has moved along its track to the shelving unit
housing that magazine, the carriage slides along the mast to match its height. Next,
the carriage's hook 76 extends and engages the catch of the respective magazine, then
retracts by the depth of an item among the packaged goods 77, allowing the item 78
to be extracted as has been described above referencing
Figure 2. To this end, the slide, which is recessed complementarily to the catch of the magazine,
raises the item above the restraint such that it slides down the slide onto the tray.
Now, the hook presses the rail back into the magazine, whereupon the crane delivers
the item to the goods issuing mechanism.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the magazine and its slide rail are
aligned vertically such that the latter's front end is indeed located at the bottom
of the apparatus, the goods being stacked upon the restraint affixed at its lowest
point. In such embodiment, the slide is biased toward the restraint simply by gravity.
To dispense an item, a mobile mechanism beneath allows the restraint - for instance,
by releasing a snap joint - to drop or glide downward by the item's depth or height,
respectively, instead of actively pulling the item out via the catch as in the horizontal
embodiment described above. Now, a feeder, functionally corresponding to the raising
mechanism 75 of Fig. 7, would push the item horizontally off the restraint before
the restraint - and hence the packaged goods stacked thereupon - are pushed back into
the magazine, allowing the snap joint to reengage.
[0023] In a vertical arrangement of this kind, the magazines may thus be used quite similarly
to their horizontal equivalents. Depending on the envisaged application, the basic
horizontal layout depicted in the figures however avoids any friction or compression
issues associated with upright orientation of the device.
Industrial applicability
[0024] The invention may be applied,
interalia, throughout the retail industry.
Reference signs list
[0025]
- 11
- Mobile magazine
- 12
- Slide rail
- 13
- Pusher slide
- 14
- Restraint
- 15
- Catch
- 16
- Identification tag
- 17
- Packaged goods
- 18
- Notch
- 21
- Mobile magazine
- 22
- Slide rail
- 23
- Pusher slide
- 24
- Restraint
- 25
- Catch
- 26
- Identification tag
- 27
- Packaged goods
- 28
- Notch
- 29
- Item (to be extracted)
- 31
- Storage and picking system
- 32
- Stacker crane
- 33
- Shelving unit
- 34
- Mobile magazine
- 35
- Temperature zones
- 36
- Pickup terminal
- 37
- Path
- 38
- (First) goods issuing mechanism
- 41
- Storage and picking system
- 42
- Stacker crane
- 43
- Temperature zone
- 44
- Path
- 45
- Shelving unit
- 46
- First goods issuing mechanism
- 47
- Second goods issuing mechanism
- 48
- Pickup terminal
- 49
- Dispatch zone
- 51
- Storage and picking system
- 52
- Stacker crane
- 53
- Carriage
- 54
- Track
- 55
- Shelving unit
- 56
- Mobile magazine
- 57
- Divider wall
- 58
- Sliding gates
- 59
- Chute
- 61
- Mobile will-call store
- 62
- Storage and picking system
- 63
- Pickup terminal
- 64
- Computation and communications unit
- 65
- Air conditioning unit
- 66
- Photovoltaic system
- 71
- Mobile magazine
- 72
- Mast
- 73
- Carriage
- 74
- Tray
- 75
- Raising mechanism
- 76
- Hook
- 77
- Packaged goods
- 78
- Item (to be extracted)
Citation list
[0026] Reference is made to the following publications.
Patent literature
[0027] EP 1541064 B (POS TUNING UDO VOSSHENRICH GMBH AND CO KG) 15.06.2005
Non-patent literature
1. Mobile magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71)
comprising
a slide rail (12, 22) slidably guided along the magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71), a pusher
slide (13, 23) mounted on the slide rail (12, 22), and
a restraint (14, 24) affixed to a front end of the slide rail (12, 22), the slide
(13, 23) and the restraint (14, 24) biased toward each other,
characterized in
a catch (15, 25) affixed to the restraint (14, 24),
an identification tag (16, 26) for identifying packaged goods (17, 27, 77) contained
in the magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71), and
a notch (18, 28) for retaining the magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71) within a shelving
unit (33, 45, 55).
2. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62)
comprising
at least one stacker crane (32, 42, 52) mobile within the storage and picking system
(31, 41, 51, 62),
shelving units (33, 45, 55) containing magazines (11, 21, 34, 56, 71) as in Claim 1, the units grouped in coherent temperature zones (35) across the storage and picking
system (31, 41, 51, 62) and accessible by the crane (32, 42, 52),
a pickup terminal (36, 48, 63) accessible from outside the storage and picking system
(31, 41, 51, 62),
a path (37, 44) running alongside the shelving units (33, 45, 55), and
a first goods issuing mechanism (46) arranged between the path (37, 44) and the terminal
(36, 48, 63).
3. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in Claim 2
wherein
the shelving units (33, 45, 55) are mobile.
4. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in Claim 2 or Claim 3
comprising
a second goods issuing mechanism (47) arranged between the path (37, 44) and a dispatch
zone (49).
5. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in Claim 4
wherein
the first goods issuing mechanism (46) or second goods issuing mechanism (47) comprises
a chute (59).
6. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in any of Claims 2 to 5,
comprising
divider walls (57) betwixt the temperature zones (35) and
sliding gates (58) in the divider walls (57), the path (37, 44) running through the
gates (58).
7. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in any of Claims 2 to 6,
comprising
a track (54) defining the path (37, 44), the crane (32, 42, 52) comprising a mast
(72) bound to the track (54) and a carriage slidably guided along the mast (72).
8. Storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in Claim 7
wherein the carriage comprises
a tray (74) for receiving the goods (17, 27, 77),
a raising mechanism (75) recessed complementarily to the catch (15, 25) and sloping
toward the tray (74), and
an extendible hook (76) for engaging the catch (15, 25).
9. Mobile will-call store (61)
comprising
a vehicle carrying a storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in any of Claims
2 to 8, the terminal (36, 48, 63) accessible from outside the vehicle, a computation and
communications unit (64) electronically connected to the crane (32, 42, 52),
a heating and air conditioning unit (65) for maintaining a storage temperature of
the goods (17, 27, 77), and
a photovoltaic system (66) atop the vehicle.
10. Use of a storage and picking system (31, 41, 51, 62) as in Claim 8
characterized in that
the mast (72) moves along the track (54) to one of the shelving units (33, 45, 55),
the carriage slides along the mast (72) to one of the magazines (11, 21, 34, 56, 71),
the hook (76) extends and engages the catch (15, 25) of the respective magazine (11,
21, 34, 56, 71),
the hook (76) retracts by the depth of an item (29, 78) contained in the magazine
(11, 21, 34, 56, 71) such that the rail (12, 22) projects beyond and the item (29,
78) protrudes from the magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71),
the raising mechanism (75) raises the item (29, 78) above the restraint (14, 24) such
that the item (29, 78) slides down the raising mechanism (75) onto the tray (74),
the hook (76) presses the rail (12, 22) back into the magazine (11, 21, 34, 56, 71),
and
the crane (32, 42, 52) delivers the item (29, 78) to the first goods issuing mechanism
(46).