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EP-4737356-A1 - STORAGE SYSTEM WITH A MULTI-LEVEL STORAGE RACK AND METHOD OF OPERATION FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORT UNITS FROM A STORAGE FACILITY

EP4737356A1EP 4737356 A1EP4737356 A1EP 4737356A1EP-4737356-A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage system for transport units (T), with two different kinds of storage and removal apparatus, one of the single level service type and one of the multi level service type. Wherein a control is operable to control the storage and retrieval of transport units (T) by controlling movement of the first storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type and of the removal-from-storage lift (8A) and of the supply-to-storage lift (8B) and of the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type and is operable to - use the first area of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of fast mover transport units (FT), which is serviced by storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type present on each such level and each such level is directly connected to the at least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) and the at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B), both removal-from-storage lift (8A) and supply-to-storage lift (8B) having interfacing rack conveyors (9) arranged within the footprint of the racking; and is operable to - use the second area of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of slow mover transport units (ST), which is serviced by the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type.

Inventors

  • YAMASHITA, SHIN
  • CHEUNG MEI SAI, Steve

Assignees

  • Dematic Pte. Ltd.

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20241030

Claims (18)

  1. Storage system for transport units (T), with - a plurality of storage racks (R) with multiple storage rack levels (7) with an aisle (2) in between two storage racks (R) for storage of the transport units (T); - at least one storage-entry feeding line (4); - at least one removal-from storage feeding line (6); - at least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) is used to transfer the transport units (T) to the removal-from-storage feeding line (6); - at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B) is used to transfer the transport units (T) from the at least one storage-entry feeding line (4); - several first storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type that travel along the aisle (2), in a first area (I) of the storage racks (R), and having a central load carrying area for carrying transport units (T) with adjacent telescopic load handling means, extendable to both sides of the apparatus for storage and retrieval of the transport units (T) into storage and from storage and for discharging to and supplying from the at least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) and the at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B); - several second storage and removal apparatus (ASRS,) of the multi level service type, that travel along the aisle (2), in a second area (II) of the storage racks (R), and run on at least one rail travel located in the aisle, wherein the ASRS comprises a vertical mast with a bifacial load handling means travelling vertically along the mast for loading and unloading items to sides of the aisle for storage and retrieval of the transport units (T) into storage and from storage, a trolley located at the mast for engaging the at least one travel rail, - at least one control (100) for the control of the system and its components; characterized in that the control is operable to control the storage and retrieval of transport units (T) by controlling movement of the first storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type and of the removal-from-storage lift (8A) and of the supply-to-storage lift (8B) and of the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type (50) and is operable to - use the first area (I) of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of fast mover transport units (FT), which is serviced by storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type present on each such level and each such level is directly connected to the at least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) and the at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B), both removal-from-storage lift (8A) and supply-to-storage lift (8B) having interfacing rack conveyors (9) arranged within the footprint of the racking; and is operable to - use the second area (II) of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of slow mover transport units (ST), which is serviced by the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type.
  2. Storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first area (I) of the storage racks (R) and the second area (II) of the storage racks (R) are arranged vertically above each other and/or in adjacent aisles.
  3. Storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first area of the storage racks (R) and the second area of the storage racks (R) are arranged vertically above each other and share the same rack structure.
  4. Storage system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the first and second area are arranged vertically above each other, the storage racks (R) having an exchange storage rack level(s) (3A) that has shared access to the removal-from-storage lift (8A) and to the supply-to-storage lift (8B) as well as by the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type.
  5. Storage system according to a preceding claim, characterized in that both removal-from-storage lift (8A) and supply-to-storage lift (8B) are configured such that transport units can be either routed from the second area (II) of the storage racks to the first area (I) of the storage racks, or vice versa, or the transport units can be directly stored and retrieved directly from each area.
  6. Storage system according to a preceding claim, characterized in that the removal-from-storage lifts (8A) and the supply-to-storage lifts (8B) are arranged within the racks (R) along the aisles (3) such that the first storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type and/or the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type (50) can pass the lifts (8A, B)..
  7. Storage system according to a preceding claim, characterized in that the storage racks of the first area not arranged on the outside are each arranged in pairs adjoining one another and having a racking storage aisle (2) on one side and exchange of transport units (T) takes place between the center storage racking aisle (2) and an adjacent wing storage racking aisle (2') via transverse conveyance locations (Q) in the storage racks themselves, wherein the storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type moves the transport units (T) in the transverse conveyance locations (Q).
  8. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized by AMR travelling on a floor level or mezzanine level, below the racks, and exchanging transport units with the first and/or second area for order consolidation purpose by receiving or discharging transport units form the lowest rack storage level of the respective area.
  9. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the control is operable to use the AMR travelling on a floor level or mezzanine level below the racks of the second area for exchanging slow mover transport units (ST) between aisles.
  10. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the at least one storage-entry feeding line (4) and at least one removal-from storage feeding line (6) are arranged on the floor level when the first area is arranged below the second area, or are arranged on a mezzanine level when the first area is arranged above the second area.
  11. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the exchange systems are arranged at the end of the racks opposite the least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) and the at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B).
  12. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that interfacing rack conveyors (9) are located adjacent the lift in the racking footprint such that they source and/or discharge the neighboring lifts (8A, 8B) to decouple their operation from that of the storage and removal apparatus (5).
  13. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the control is operable to use the dedicated levels and/or aisles for consolidating fast mover transport units (FT).
  14. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the control is operable to use the rack space opposite side of the removal-from-storage lift (8A) and of the supply-to-storage lift (8B) for temporarily buffering and/or consolidating slow mover transport units (ST).
  15. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the control is operable to use a third area of the storage racks (R) as a hybrid storage area for slow mover transport units (ST) and fast mover transport units (FT), which is serviced by storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type.
  16. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that a first storage area and a second storage area are arranged in the same aisle with the first storage area being below the second storage area.
  17. Storage system according to any preceding claim characterized in that the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type runs on and is guided by at least two travel rails that run longitudinally in parallel to scaffolding of one of the storage racks and facing the aisle at differing levels to service the length and height of both storage racks, in a second area of the storage racks (R), one travel rail located at the top of the rack, and one travel rail located on the upper half of the rack, wherein the ASRS comprises a vertical ladder-type mast with cross beams, a bifacial load handling means travelling vertically along the mast for loading and unloading items to sides of the aisle, a top trolley located in the top area of the mast for engaging the upper travel rail of the at least two travel rails and an intermediate trolley located in the upper half of the mast for engaging the intermediate travel rail of the at least two travel rails, at least one of the trolleys is driven and at least one travel rail contains a bus bar for power supply to the ASRS using the corresponding trolley.
  18. Method for control of a storage system for transport units (T), especially according to a previous claim, with the storage system having a plurality of storage racks (R) with multiple storage rack levels (7) with an aisle (2) in between two storage racks (R) for storage of the transport units (T), the transport unit being either fast mover transport units (FT) or slow mover transport units (ST), wherein fast mover transport units (FT) are stored in a first area of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of fast mover transport units (FT), which is serviced by storage and removal apparatus (5) of the single level service type present on each such level and each such level is directly connected to the at least one removal-from-storage lift (8A) and the at least one supply-to-storage lift (8B), both removal-from-storage lift (8A) and supply-to-storage lift (8B) having interfacing rack conveyors (9) arranged within the footprint of the racking; and slow mover transport units (ST) are stored in a second area of the storage racks (R) for dedicated storage of slow mover transport units (ST), which is serviced by the second storage and removal apparatus of the multi level service type.

Description

The invention relates to a storage system for transport units of claim 1 and a corresponding method of claim 18. Automated storage and retrieval machines (ASRS), also referred to as stacker cranes, handle the automatic storage and retrieval of conveyance goods in automatic mini-load or unit-load warehouses and automatic pallet high-bay warehouses, regardless of whether storage is single, double or multi-deep. These devices have a mast extending the height of the racks that travels along a travel rail(s) attached on the single side of rack and depending on a variant on the floor in the aisle between two racks and depending on height is usually also guided and supported at the top of one or both side of the racks. They have a load handling means that travels vertically along the mast for placing loads into storage bays or retrieving such. Usually, these load handling means can operate to both sides of the aisle, i.e. interface with both racks of an aisle. In some embodiments, the mast is a dual mast (ladder-type frame), which supports the load handling means or carriage at both sides of the frame. The mast connects to the trolley for running on the rail and to the head crossbeam for guidance. Depending on the application, single or double mast versions are possible. The lifting carriage is guided along the mast. However, the mast may also contain other components such as the hoist with the rope or chain drive, the main control cabinet, platforms and access ladders with the personal protective equipment (PPE), power supply lines to the main control cabinet and to the lifting carriage via conductor lines or cable chains. Usually, an ASRS is installed for each rack aisle. Changing the rack aisle would require a considerably more complex design and significantly increase the access times to a storage bay. Nevertheless, they are however manufactured known, as so called 'curve-going' ASRS. Pairs of ASRS are also useful for each aisle, one dedicated to each rack. It is not only the desired operating time that determines the choice of solutions, but also payloads, building heights, storage strategies, etc. The head crossbeam contains the upper trolley and connects the two masts if necessary. The upper trolley consists of guide rollers that are guided in a rail on the rack yoke (upper connecting structure of the rack rows). In the case of single mast units that cannot negotiate curves, the top cross beam can sometimes even be omitted. To simplify the mast and reduce the weight of the ASRS it is known to provide a rack-guided ASRS, in which the ASRS is lightweight and is guided and runs on rails that are arranged on the face of the rack itself. Such ASRS with guides on the rack top and bottom areas are for example known from Libiao Robotic (see EP 4 286 065 A1 Figure 2; https://www.libiaorobot.com/en/solution#item1) or Blue Sword (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh59rFxtDiw ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dc Ut2KDYA). These systems include a lightweight double mast on which a shuttle-type load handling carriage travels, wherein the mast runs on a bottom rail and a top rail and is also guided and supported by an intermediate rail that are all supported by and connected to the rack itself. This construction allows the rack to carry part of the loads so that the ASRS itself can be made light weight. When picking or compiling orders from ready-picked transport units, such as articles or containers, it is necessary to provide the transport units, which are associated with a common order, in a sequenced or sorted manner. For this purpose, it is typical to temporarily store (buffer) the transport units of one order until all of the transport units required for the order are present. They are then passed collectively onto a collecting line, which guides them to the palletization area, picking station, goods issuing department, dispatch, or the like. A high rack storage facility includes a feeding or storage-entry area, via which the goods are delivered and from which the racking serving units collect the goods for entry into storage, the so-called pre-zone. Similarly, a removal-from-storage area is required, at which after removal from storage the racking serving units place down the goods also assigned to the pre-zone. In the case of automatic picking warehouses, picking points are typically arranged in the pre-zone. The pre-zone is also where the goods are identified for the inventory management system or the material flow computer. EP 1 964 792 B1 discloses a method for providing transport units from a storage facility in a desired sequence on at least one collecting line. Racking serving units in each storage-racking aisle, removal lifts and removal-feeding lines are controlled so as to be coordinated with one another and are loaded with goods such that they ultimately end up sorted on the collecting line or are delivered thereby. The control and coordination are therefore relatively complex and require technical ou