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    • 专利摘要:
    There is provided a buffer storage and charge sequencing system, receiving non-sequenced loads and providing sequenced charges. It comprises: a buffer storage unit (US) comprising N input levels (VE1 to VEN) each comprising a FIFO type conveyor, with N≥2; alternating input (EAE) and output (EAS) risers respectively positioned at the input and output of the N input levels; and a control unit (UP) configured to organize, under a delivery constraint on at least one outbound conveyor (CAS) of at least one sequence of loads, different load movements (from at least one forward conveyor). input (ACE) to the AC input elevator, from the AC input elevator to the N input levels, from the N input levels to the AC output elevator, and from the AC riser output to the at least one outbound conveyor).
    公开号:FR3051948A1
    申请号:FR1654863
    申请日:2016-05-30
    公开日:2017-12-01
    发明作者:Stephane Pietrowicz；Jean-Michel Collin
    申请人:Savoye SA；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Buffer storage and load sequencing system comprising elevated dens.
    1. TECHNICAL FIELD
    The field of the invention is that of logistics.
    More specifically, the present invention relates to a buffer storage and charge sequencing system configured to receive non-sequenced charges from at least one external unit (e.g., an automated storage / retrieval warehouse) and to provide sequenced charges to least one preparation post. By "supply of sequenced charges" is meant the supply, under a delivery constraint, of at least one sequence comprising charges in a desired order.
    The present invention can be applied to any type of preparation station, including but not limited to: - picking stations (also called "picking stations"), by taking samples from storage containers (also called "source loads"): an operator (or a robot) receives a list of samples (on paper, on the screen of a terminal, in voice form, in the form of a computer mission (in the case of the robot), etc. .) indicating to him, for each parcel to be shipped (also called "shipping container" or "target load"), the quantity of each type of product that he must collect in storage containers and group in the parcel to be despatched ; and - palletizing stations of storage containers (also called "source loads") themselves containing products: an operator (or a robot) receives a list of samples (on paper, on the screen of a terminal, in the form of in the form of a computer mission (in the case of the robot), etc.), indicating for each pallet to be shipped (also called "shipping container" or "target load"), the quantity of each type of container of storage (eg cartons) that it must collect and unload on the pallet to be shipped.
    2. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
    An example of a known configuration for an automated order preparation system comprising: an automated storage / retrieval warehouse 7 comprising several (two in this example) sets is now presented in connection with FIG. each formed an aisle 7a, 7a 'serving on both sides a storage shelf 7b, 7c, 7b', 7c 'with several levels of stacked storage; A set of conveyors bringing the source charges from the automated warehouse 7 to preparation stations, and vice versa. In the example of Figure 1, there are: O for the go (ie automated warehouse 7 to the preparation stations), conveyors referenced 9a and 9a '(one per aisle) and only 6 and 8; and O for return (i.e., preparation stations to automated warehouse 7), conveyors referenced 8 ', 6' and 9b and 9b '(one per aisle); in this example, the conveyors 6 'and 8' are superimposed on the conveyors 6 and 8; A plurality of order picking stations 10a to 10f, each occupied by an operator 1a to If and extending perpendicularly to the conveyors referenced 8 and 8 '; and a control system (also called "control unit"), which is a central management computer system responsible for controlling the entire system (automated storage / retrieval warehouse 7, set of conveyors 6, 6 ', 8, 8', 9a, 9a ', 9b and 9b', and preparation stations 10a to 10f). The control system also manages the list of commands associated with each shipping container (target load) and therefore the order of the order lines forming this list, depending on the location of the storage containers (source loads) in the container. automated warehouse 7, the availability of the carts and elevators of the automated warehouse 7, as well as the product needs of the various shipping containers to be prepared which succeed one another at the preparation station. This is to optimize all travel and preparation times of shipping containers and ensure synchronization between the arrival, at the preparation station, of a shipping container and the corresponding storage containers ( ie containing the products indicated in the order list associated with this storage container).
    In the example of FIG. 1, each preparation station comprises two conveyor circuits: a first conveyor circuit for the storage containers, formed of two horizontal columns of conveyors: one (forward column 3) for moving the conveyors; storage containers from the third subset of conveyors 8 to the operator la, and the other (return column 2) for the reverse movement; and a second conveyor circuit for the shipping containers, consisting of two horizontal conveyor columns: one (forward column 4) for moving the shipping containers from the third conveyor subassembly 8 to the next operator la, and the other (return column 5) for the reverse movement.
    A buffer storage function (also called "accumulation function") of a predetermined quantity of containers upstream of the operator (or the automaton) is carried out, in each of the first and second circuits, by the first column 3 and 4 (consisting of horizontal conventional conveyors). A storage container thus carries out the following route: it is taken by a truck in the automated warehouse 7, then conveyed successively by one of the conveyors 9a and 9a '(as it arrives from the aisle 7a or 7a') , then by the conveyors 6 and 8, and finally by the conveyors of the column to go 3, to be presented to the operator. In the other direction (after presentation to the operator), the storage container performs the reverse course: it is conveyed by the conveyors of the return column 2, then by the conveyors 8 'and 6', and finally by the one of the conveyors 9b and 9b '(as it returns to the aisle 7a or 7a'), before being returned to the automated warehouse 7 by a carriage.
    As mentioned above, the containers (source charges and target charges) must be presented to the operator in a desired order forming at least one specified sequence. Typically, this order of arrival is predetermined by the control system (that is to say, determined for each container, before the container reaches the preparation station) and, if necessary, recalculated during routing containers from the output of the automated warehouse 7 to the preparation station (for example to account for a failure of a system element).
    In a first known implementation (standard), a first level of sequencing is performed by depositing on each of the conveyors 9a and 9a 'pre-sequenced loads (there are therefore constraints on the automated warehouse 7). In other words, the charges deposited on the conveyor 9a are in an order consistent with the desired final order, and the charges deposited on the conveyor 9a 'are also in an order consistent with the desired final order. Then, a second level of sequencing is performed by depositing in the desired final order, on the conveyor 6, the charges coming from the conveyors 9a and 9a '. For example, for a sequence of seven loads, if the rank charges 1, 2, 4 and 5 are stored in the aisle 7a they are deposited in this order on the conveyor 9a and if the rank charges 3 and 6 are stored. in the aisle 7a 'they are deposited in this order on the conveyor 9a'; then the seven charges are deposited on the conveyor 6 in ascending order (from 1 to 7) of their ranks.
    In a second known implementation, in order to relax the constraints on the automated warehouse 7, it is assumed that the containers do not leave the automated warehouse 7 in the desired order (that is to say the order in which they must be presented to the operator). It is therefore necessary to perform a sequencing operation of the containers, between the automated warehouse 7 and the preparation station where the operator is located. The removal of sequencing constraints usually weighing on the automated warehouse 7 allows a significant increase in the performance thereof (and more generally the different upstream equipment), and therefore a reduction in its size and complexity, and therefore its cost. In the example of FIG. 1, this sequencing operation is carried out as follows: the storage containers circulate on the conveyors 6, 8, 8 'and 6', and when the storage container expected on the conveyors of the column goes 3 is presented in front of the latter (in order to complete the sequence of storage containers expected at the preparation station), it is transferred to the conveyors of the forward column 3, This process is carried out for each of the storage containers expected in the sequence (that is, in the desired order of arrival at the preparation station).
    The two aforementioned known implementations (based on conventional horizontal conveyors), to perform the functions of buffer storage (accumulation) and sequencing, have several disadvantages.
    First, they have too much consumption of m ^ low ride height (750 mm typically). As an example of this too large footprint, the area required for six picking stations (as in the example of Figure 1) is of the order of 100 m ^.
    Another disadvantage is that the horizontal density of the horizontal conventional conveyors (included in the preparation stations) is such that it makes it difficult to maintain access to these conveyors (too dense conveyor web).
    Another disadvantage is that, except to further increase the footprint of the preparation station (by increasing the length of the first column of each of the first and second circuits), it is not possible to increase the number of containers can be accumulated (buffer storage) upstream of the operator (or the PLC). The invention, in at least one embodiment, is intended in particular to provide a buffer storage system and load sequencing to overcome the disadvantages of the known technique of Figure 1. 3. SUMMARY
    In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a buffer storage and load sequencing system, configured to receive non-sequenced loads from at least one external unit, via at least one input forward conveyor and providing sequenced loads to at least one pickup station via at least one outbound conveyor, said system comprising: a buffer storage unit comprising N input levels, each including a first-in-first-out conveyor In a first sense, with N> 2; an alternating input elevator and an alternating output elevator positioned respectively at the input and at the output of the N input levels; and a control unit configured to organize, under a delivery constraint on said at least one outbound conveyor of at least one sequence comprising charges in a desired order: first movements of charges from said at least one forward conveyor; input to the AC input elevator, second load movements from the input AC elevator to the N input levels of the buffer storage unit, third load movements from the N load levels buffer storage unit input to the output AC elevator, and fourth load movements from the AC output elevator to said at least one output one-way conveyor.
    The general principle of the proposed system is to perform buffering and load sequencing functions using, according to a completely new and inventive approach, two alternative elevators (input and output respectively) in combination with one unit. buffer storage, under the control of a control unit configured to organize various load movements between these entities.
    Said at least one external unit (which provides the non-sequenced loads) belongs for example to the following non-exhaustive list: • an automatic system (for example an automated storage / retrieval warehouse); • a semi-automatic system; • a manual system; • another buffer storage and load sequencing system; A combination of at least two of the preceding systems.
    The sequencing capability (scheduling) of the proposed system is related to the amount of loads that can be stored temporarily in the buffer storage unit.
    The proposed solution has many advantages, in particular but not exclusively: • minimization (or in some cases total suppression) of the sequencing constraints at the output of the external unit (s) by a sequencing of the downstream loads of the one (s), and as close as possible to the post (s) of preparation; this minimization (or removal) of constraints making it possible to reduce the size and the complexity, and therefore the cost, of the external unit (s); • reduction of the footprint; • optimization of overall system performance (including external unit (s), buffer and sequencing storage system, and preparation position (s)); • optimizing the responsiveness of the overall system; • manipulation of multi-format loads if motorized rollers are used; • cost optimization if the overall system includes several preparation stations (pooling of the buffer storage and sequencing system); • etc.
    At the output of the buffer storage and sequencing system, several types of charge sequences are feasible, and in particular but not exclusively: a sequence comprising only source charges, each source charge being a product storage container (s); or a sequence comprising only target charges, each target charge being a product shipping container (s); or a sequence comprising a target charge, which is a product shipping container (s), followed by at least one source charge, which is a product storage container (s).
    Several buffer storage and sequencing systems (each made according to the proposed solution) can be used in parallel. For example, upstream of at least one preparation station, a first buffer storage and sequencing system is used only for source loads, and in parallel a second buffer storage and sequencing system is used only for target loads .
    Various implementations and features of the proposed system are specified in the set of claims. They are also detailed (with their associated advantages) and illustrated by examples in the following description.
    In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for generating at least one sequence comprising charges in a desired order, said method being implemented by the aforementioned system (according to any one of the implementations possible) and comprises the following steps: the input AC elevator performs a pre-sequencing by placing the loads of the at least one input sequence of the N input levels of the buffer storage unit, in accordance with a first the rule that: on each of the N input levels, a given load having a given rank within said at least one sequence must not be preceded by any load of rank higher than the given rank; and the alternate output elevator performs a final sequencing by taking the charges from the at least one output sequence of the N input levels of the buffer storage unit in the desired order.
    4. LIST OF FIGURES Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of indicative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1, already described in relationship with the prior art, is a top view of an automated order preparation system; FIG. 2 is a side view of a first example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; Figure 2bis illustrates a variant of the first example of Figure 2; Figure 2ter illustrates another variant of the first example of Figure 2; FIG. 3 is a side view of a second example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of a third example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; Figs. 5A and 5B are side and top views, respectively, of a fourth exemplary buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and top views, respectively, of a fifth example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a side view of a sixth exemplary buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention; Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts illustrating two algorithms of a method according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 shows an exemplary structure of a control unit according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary configuration requiring the execution of the recirculation process.
    5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    In all the figures of this document, the elements and identical steps are designated by the same numerical reference.
    Fig. 2 illustrates a first example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It is configured to receive non-sequenced loads from an external unit (not shown), via a CAE inbound forward conveyor, and to provide sequenced loads to a PP preparation station (occupied by an operator or robot), via a CAS exit conveyor. The external unit is for example an automated storage / retrieval warehouse.
    In a variant, the external unit is another buffer storage and load sequencing system. In another variant, the buffer storage and load sequencing system receives non-sequenced loads from a plurality of external units (either via a plurality of CAE-specific input forward conveyors each to one of the external units or via a forward conveyor of CAE input used jointly by several external units).
    The buffer storage and load sequencing system includes an ACE input AC elevator, an EAS output AC elevator, a US buffer storage unit, and a UP control unit.
    The EAE input and EAS output alternating elevators are discontinuous vertical elevators, each comprising a single nacelle 21, 22 performing vertical reciprocating movements (the nacelle goes up and down alternately). In contrast, a "continuous elevator" (also called "patemoster") is a vertical elevator comprising a plurality of nacelles circulating in a closed loop, without reciprocating movement The single nacelle 21, 22 is single-load (it comprises a single level comprising a single location configured to receive a load). So the EAE, EAS risers are simple and low cost. The sole nacelle location is for example equipped with a motorized conveyor section (or any other transfer device) for transferring a load on or off the nacelle. In a variant, the nacelle location is equipped with free rollers, whose setting in motion is for example provided by a retractable mechanical means positioned at the end of another equipment (conveyor or buffer location). Other means of setting in motion can be envisaged.
    In another variant, the single nacelle of each elevator EAE, EAS is multicharge (it has several levels and / or more load locations per level).
    In another variant, the elevators EAE, EAS are vertical risers of discontinuous type, each comprising several nacelles each performing vertical reciprocating movements (the nacelle up and down alternately). Each nacelle includes one or more levels and / or multiple load locations per level. The US buffer storage unit comprises: • N input levels VEi to VEn, each comprising a "first in first out" (FIFO) conveyor in a first direction (indicated on Figure 2 with black arrows oriented from left to right, in particular that referenced 23), with N> 2 (for example, N = 9 in a particular implementation); and a recirculation level VR comprising a "first-in first-out" type conveyor in a second direction (indicated in FIG. 2 by a black arrow oriented from right to left and referenced 24) opposite to the first direction. The recirculation level VR is positionable on any floor. In a variant, the US buffer storage unit comprises several levels of recirculation. The ACE input alternate elevator and the EAS output AC elevator are respectively positioned at the input and output of the N input levels of the US buffer storage unit. The nacelle 21 of the ACE input alternate elevator may come opposite the input of each of the N input levels of the US buffer storage unit to insert a load. It can also come next to the output of the recirculation level VR to remove a load.
    The nacelle 22 of the alternative output elevator EAS may come opposite the output of each of the N input levels of the US buffer storage unit to remove a load. It can also come next to the input of the recirculation level VR to insert a load.
    The CAE Inbound Conveyor occupies a position for direct load exchange with the EAE AC Alternating Elevator. In other words, a load can go directly from one to the other. In the example of Fig. 2, the AC input AC elevator is positioned between the CAE input forward conveyor and the US buffer storage unit, and the CAE input forward conveyor is aligned vertically with the level VEi referenced input of the US buffer storage unit. In variants, the CAE input forward conveyor can occupy other vertical positions, and in particular be aligned vertically with any one of the N input levels VEi to VEn of the US buffer storage unit, or with the recirculation level VR. In other variants (especially that illustrated in FIG. 2bis). the CAE Inbound Feed Conveyor and the US Buffer Storage Unit are positioned on the same side of the ACE input AC elevator (in this case, the CAE Inbound Feed Conveyor is positioned above or below of the US buffer storage unit).
    The CAS exit-exit conveyor occupies a position allowing a direct exchange of loads with the alternative output elevator EAS. In other words, a load can go directly from one to the other. In the example of FIG. 2, the AC output elevator EAS is positioned between the US buffer storage unit and the CAS output forward conveyor, and the CAS output forward conveyor is aligned vertically with the input level. referenced VEi of the US buffer storage unit. In variants, the CAS output forward conveyor can occupy other vertical positions, and in particular be aligned vertically with any one of the N input levels VEi to VEn of the US buffer storage unit, or with the VR recirculation level. In other variants (notably that illustrated in FIG. 2terL, the CAS outbound conveyor and the US buffer storage unit are positioned on the same side of the LOW output alternator (in this case, the outbound conveyor). CAS is positioned above or below the US buffer storage unit.) The UP control unit optimally organizes the movements of the loads in the system, including the alternative input elevators. EAE and BAS output and the US buffer storage unit, in order to make available on the conveyor CAS output source loads according to at least one predetermined sequence (with loads in a desired order). the control unit UP receives information (in particular a load identifier) read, on the loads passing at different places of the system, by reading devices (not shown), of the bar code reader type, RFID tag reader, etc. These places are for example located at the ends of different conveyors.
    More precisely, the control unit UP organizes, under the aforementioned constraint of delivering at least one determined sequence: • first movements of charges from the CAE input forward conveyor to the AC input alternative elevator; Second load movements from the ACE input AC elevator to the N input levels of the US buffer storage unit; Third load movements from the N input levels of the US buffer storage unit to the EAS output alternate elevator; • Fourth load movements from the EAS output alternator to the CAS output forward conveyor; • Fifth load movements from the AC output elevator to the recirculation level VR; and • sixth load movements from the VR recirculation level to the ACE input alternate elevator. The ACE input alternate elevator and the EAS output AC elevator operate simultaneously, which increases the rate of buffer storage and sequencing.
    Now, in relation to FIGS. 8A and 8B (each illustrating a different algorithm), a method according to a particular embodiment of the invention, implemented by the system of FIG. 2 to generate (at least) a sequence comprising charges in a desired order. More precisely, the UP control unit is configured for the system to execute these two algorithms. The algorithm illustrated in FIG. 8A includes steps referenced 81 and 82. In step 81, the ACE input alternate elevator performs pre-sequencing by placing the input sequence loads of the N input levels. VEi to VEn of the US buffer storage unit, according to a first set of rules comprising, in a particular implementation, the following rules: • first rule (RI): on each of the N input levels, a given load having a given rank within the sequence must not be preceded by any rank load strictly greater than the given rank (several charges may have the same rank within the sequence). • second rule (R2): if for a load several input levels make it possible to respect the first rule (that is to say several possible answers), the load is placed on the one whose difference between the rank of the load to store and the highest rank of loads present on input level is the lowest. • third rule (R3): in the case where the second rule returns several possible answers, the choice among these is done according to an additional criterion or several successive additional criteria (the following criterion being applied in case of plurality of possible answers to the current criterion). Examples of additional criteria are the entry level on which there are the least loads present, the entry level with the lowest distance to travel, any of the possible levels, and so on. • fourth rule (R4): if no answer is possible for rules one to three, we choose an empty entry level (rules one to three apply for non-empty entry levels, it's ie with at least one load present). • fifth rule (R5): in the case where the fourth rule returns several possible answers, the choice among these is made according to an additional criterion or several successive additional criteria (the following criterion being applied in case of plurality of possible answers to the current criterion). Examples of additional criteria: the entry level with the lowest distance to travel, any of the possible levels, and so on. • sixth rule (R6): if no answer is possible for rules one to three, apply the recirculation process detailed below (in connection with figure 8B). In summary, this recirculation process will still allow the load to be placed on one of the N input levels VEi to VEn, but one or more already present will have to be recirculated. For each charge to recirculate that emerges from the recirculation level VR, step 81 is started.
    In step 82, the alternate output elevator EAS performs a final sequencing by taking the loads from the output sequence of the N input levels VEi to VEn of the buffer storage unit US in the desired order.
    In other words, the sequencing function (scheduling) is split between the input ACE elevator (which performs the pre-sequencing) and the EAS output AC elevator (which performs the final sequencing). This allows the buffer storage and load sequencing system to operate at a high rate (directly related to the work rate of the input and output AC elevators).
    Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it is considered that the sequence to be reconstituted on the CAS output forward conveyor comprises in the following order the following charges: C11, C12, C13, C14, C21 and C22. The alternative input elevator EAE receives the loads in the disorder (C11, C14, C13, C22, C12 and C21). It performs a pre-sequencing by performing the following successive actions: • placing the load Cil on the input level VEi; Placing the load C14 on the input level VEi; • placement of the charge C13 on the entry level VE2 (it is not possible to place it on the entry level VEi because the charge C14 is already there); Placing the load C22 on the input level VEi; • placement of the C12 load on the VE3 input level (it is not possible to place it on the VEi input level because the C14 and C22 loads are already there, nor on the VE2 input level because the C13 load it is already there) 5 • placement of the load C21 on the input level VE2 (it is not possible to place it on the input level VEi because the load C22 is already there). The algorithm illustrated on FIG. 8B describes the recirculation process mentioned above, which comprises steps referenced 83 and 84. It is executed if for a given load there are none of the N input levels allowing the elevator alternative input to comply with the first rule (see step 81 of Figure 8A).
    Figure 10 illustrates an example configuration requiring the execution of the recirculation process. The ACE input alternate elevator receives the charges in the disorder (C11, C14, C13, C22, C12, C21 and C10). Charges C11, C14, C13, C22, C12 and C21 have been placed (according to the first set of rules) as shown in FIG. 10. In contrast, the CIO load requires the execution of the recirculation process.
    In step 83, the alternating input elevator nevertheless places the given load (CIO) at the input of a given input level among the N input levels. The given charge (CIO) is thus preceded on the given input level of (at least) a charge of rank higher than the given rank, called (at least one) charge to recirculate.
    The choice of the input level on which the given load (CIO) will be placed responds, for example, to a second set of rules comprising, in a particular implementation, the following rules: • first rule (RL): search for (or entry level (s) with the highest score. The score of a given entry level is for example the sum (other functions may be considered) of the scores given to the charges present on the given entry level. The note of a given load is for example of the type RxK (other formulas combining R and K can be envisaged), with R the rank of the load and K a coefficient depending on the physical situation of the given load with respect to other loads of the same input level and with respect to the AC output alternator BAS. Second rule (R2 '): in the case where the first rule returns several possible answers, the choice among these is made according to an additional criterion or several successive additional criteria (the following criterion being applied in case of plurality of possible answers to the current criterion). Examples of additional criteria: the input level on which the load is located with the highest rank number the input level on which there are the least loads present, the input level whose distance to travel up to the level of recirculation is the lowest, any level among the possible levels, etc.
    In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, for the application of the first rule (RB), three values of K are considered: K = 1000, K = 100 and K = 10, corresponding to three positions, of the nearest at the furthest point from the alternative LOW output elevator. To know which entry level to charge the CIO load, we calculate the note of each of the input levels. Ba note of the input level VEi (on which the charges Cil, C14 and C22 are present) is: 22 * 10 + 14 * 100 + 11 * 1000 = 12620. Ba note of the input level VE2 (on which are present the charges C13 and C21) is: 21 * 100 + 13 * 1000 = 15100. Ba note of the input level VE3 (on which the load C12 is present) is: 12 * 1000 = 12000. This is therefore the level of VE2 entry which has the highest rating and which is chosen to place the CIO load therein.
    In step 84, the output AC elevator transfers the charge to be recirculated from an output of the given input level to an input of the recirculation level VR.
    By allowing a recirculation (i.e., a return to the ACE input AC elevator, and thus potentially to the input of the US buffer storage unit) of certain loads that exit the control unit. buffer storage, the VR recirculation level makes it possible to avoid a blocking situation of the buffer storage unit (without increasing the number N of input levels).
    In Figure 2 (and also in the other figures described below), some loads are referenced with alphanumeric characters ("Cil", "C12", "C13", etc.) to illustrate the operation of the system. In order to show successive positions of the same load in the same figure, the following notation is used: for a first position, the load is referenced only with its associated alphanumeric characters (for example "Cil"), for a second position , the reference of the charge is completed with the premium symbol (for example "Cl 1 '"), for a third position, the reference of the load is referenced with the double premium symbol (for example "CH" "), etc.
    FIG. 3 illustrates a second example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It differs from the first example illustrated in Figure 2 in that it further comprises; a first USCl complementary buffer storage unit comprising a plurality of buffer locations 31, distributed over a plurality of levels and each configured to temporarily receive at least one load from the ACE input alternate elevator; and a second USC2 complementary buffer storage unit comprising a plurality of buffer locations 32, distributed over a plurality of levels and each configured to temporarily receive at least one load from the EAS output AC elevator. The control unit UP also manages the complementary buffer storage units USCl, USC2. It is configured to organize, under the aforementioned constraint of delivery of at least one determined sequence: • seventh load movements between the ACE input AC elevator and the first USCl complementary buffer storage unit; and eighth load movements between the AC output boost elevator and the second USC2 complementary buffer storage unit.
    The first USCl complementary buffer storage unit increases the buffer storage capacity of the system upstream of the US buffer storage unit. The ACE input alternate elevator can place on the N input levels of the buffer storage unit loads of various origins: the CAE input forward conveyor, the first USCl complementary buffer storage unit and the level VR recirculation.
    The second USC2 complementary buffer storage unit increases the buffer storage capacity of the system downstream of the US buffer storage unit. The alternative output elevator EAS can place on the CAS output forward conveyor loads of various origins: the N input levels of the buffer storage unit and the second complementary buffer storage unit.
    In one variant, one of the complementary buffer storage units USCl and USC2 is not present.
    FIG. 4 illustrates a third example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It differs from the first example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that: • it receives non-sequenced loads also via another CAE 'input forward conveyor. The two CAE, CAE 'front entry conveyors are located on two different levels; and • it also provides sequenced loads to another PP 'preparation station, via another CAS' output forward conveyor. The two conveyors go CAS, CAS 'exit are located on two different levels.
    In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it is considered that a first sequence (comprising, in order, the charges C11, Cl2, C13 and Cl4) is to be reconstituted on the output forward conveyor referenced CAS, and a second sequence ( comprising in the order the charges C21 and C22) is to be reconstituted on the forward conveyor output referenced CAS '.
    In a particular implementation, the processing of each sequence is assigned a dedicated logical zone (that is to say, its own) within the US buffer storage unit. Thus, the charges of two sequences intended for two preparation stations can not be mixed, which makes it possible not to block a station if the other is stopped. Each dedicated logical zone has several input levels. In the example of FIG. 4, the logic zone dedicated to the processing of the first sequence is referenced Z and comprises the first four input levels starting from the bottom, and that dedicated to the processing of the second sequence is referenced Z 'and includes the other seven entry levels. In order to optimize the use of the N input levels VEi to VEn of the US buffer storage unit, the composition of each logic zone is dynamically modified. For example, an empty input level is assigned to the processing of a sequence (and therefore does not belong to the logical zone dedicated to this processing) unless a load of this sequence is actually placed on this input level. (by applying one of the first and second sets of rules presented above). Similarly, as soon as an input level becomes empty again, it is no longer assigned to any sequence processing, and is therefore no longer part of any logical zone. Other cases are conceivable, knowing that the system can include one or more conveyors go input and one or more conveyors go out. In a variant, the number of inbound conveyors is greater than two. In another variant, the number of preparation stations (and outgoing conveyors) is greater than two. In another variant, the same CAS outbound conveyor is used in combination with an appropriate referral system, to serve several preparation stations.
    Fibers 5A and 5B illustrate a fourth example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It differs from the first example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that it furthermore comprises: • a return conveyor CR, extending parallel to and on the same horizontal plane as the CAE first-entry conveyor, the first input level VEi of the US buffer storage unit and the CAS output forward conveyor; First transfer means MT1 (transfer table for example), configured to pass a load (after it has been processed by the preparation station PP) from the CAS exit conveyor to the return conveyor CR; and second transfer means MT2 (transfer table for example), configured to pass a load from the return conveyor CR to the incoming conveyor CAE (so that this load can be presented again at the preparation station, occupying a new desired rank within the sequence).
    Fibers 6A and 6B illustrate a fifth example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It differs from the first example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that it furthermore comprises: a CRE input return conveyor configured to transport, from the preparation station PP to the AC input AC elevator, charges having been processed by the preparation station. Thus, load returns are possible, making it possible to minimize the use of the external unit and to further improve the responsiveness of the overall system (returns to the US buffer storage unit and, possibly, returns to the first unit of complementary buffer storage); and a CRS output return conveyor configured to transport loads to at least one of the entities belonging to the group comprising: the aforementioned external unit (not shown), at least one other preparation station (not shown) and at least one other external unit (not shown). Thus, other types of returns are possible. In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CRE input return conveyor is positioned under the CAS output forward conveyor, the EAS output alternate elevator and the US buffer storage unit. In a variant, it is positioned above these three elements.
    In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the output return conveyor CRS is positioned under the CAE inward conveyor. Alternatively, the output return conveyor CRS is positioned above the CAE inward conveyor.
    In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the output return conveyor CRS is aligned horizontally with the input return conveyor CRE, to limit the movements of the input ACE elevator. In a variant, there is no such horizontal alignment. The UP control unit also manages the CRE input return conveyor and the CRS output return conveyor. It is configured to organize, under the aforementioned constraint of delivery of at least one determined sequence: • ninth load movements from the input return conveyor CRE to the input ACE elevator; and • tenth load movements from the ACE input alternative elevator to at least one of the three aforementioned entities (external unit, other preparation station or other external unit).
    Fig. 7 illustrates a sixth example of a buffer storage and charge sequencing system according to the invention. It differs from the first example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that: • the CAE input forward conveyor and the CAS output forward conveyor each occupy a position allowing a direct exchange of charges with the ACE input alternative elevator; and the US buffer storage unit comprises (at least) an output level VS comprising a first-in-first-out type conveyor according to the aforesaid second direction (indicated in FIG. 7 by a black arrow oriented from right to left and referenced 71).
    In the example of FIG. 7, the CAS output forward conveyor is positioned under the CAE inward conveyor and is aligned vertically with the output level VS of the US buffer storage unit. In variants, the CAE inward conveyor and the CAS exit conveyor can occupy other vertical positions.
    Load movements from the AC output elevator to the CAS output forward conveyor include: load movements from the EAS output AC elevator to the VS output level (of the US buffer storage unit), load movements from the VS output level to the ACE input AC elevator, and load movements from the ACE input AC elevator to the CAS output forward conveyor.
    FIG. 9 shows an exemplary structure of the above-mentioned driving unit UP, according to one particular embodiment of the invention. The control unit UP comprises a random access memory 93 (for example a RAM memory), a processing unit 91, equipped for example with a processor, and controlled by a computer program stored in a read-only memory 92 (for example a ROM or a hard disk). At initialization, the code instructions of the computer program are for example loaded into the random access memory 93 before being executed by the processor of the processing unit 91. The processing unit 91 receives signals from input 94, processes them and generates output signals 95.
    The input signals 94 comprise various information relating to the operation of the overall system (including, in particular, the external unit (s), the buffer storage and sequencing system and the station (s) of preparation), including the load identifiers read (by bar code readers, RFID tag readers, etc.) on the loads as they pass through different parts of the overall system (for example at the ends of different conveyors).
    The output signals 95 comprise various control information for the control (control) of the equipment of the overall system (notably within the buffer storage and sequencing system), in order to manage the movements of the loads in the overall system.
    This figure 9 illustrates only one particular implementation among several possible. Indeed, the control unit UP is carried out indifferently on a reprogrammable calculation machine (a PC computer, a DSP processor or a microcontroller) executing a program comprising a sequence of instructions, and / or on a dedicated computing machine ( for example a set of logic gates such as an FPGA or an ASIC, or any other hardware module). In the case where the control unit is located at least partly on a reprogrammable calculation machine, the corresponding program (that is to say the instruction sequence) can be stored in a removable storage medium (such as as for example a floppy disk, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM) or not, this storage medium being readable partially or totally by a computer or a processor.
    Many other embodiments can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it is possible to use at least one of the complementary buffer storage units USCl, USC2 in any one of the systems of FIGS. 4, 5A / 5B, 6A / 6B and 7; and / or using a plurality of CAE inbound conveyors and / or a plurality of CAS exit conveyors in any one of the systems of FIGS. 3, 5A / 5B, 6A / 6B and 7.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    A buffer storage and load sequencing system configured to receive unsequenced loads from at least one external unit via at least one input forward conveyor (CAE, CAE '), and provide sequenced loads to at least one preparation station (PP, PP '), via at least one outbound conveyor (CAS, CAS'), said system being characterized in that it comprises: a buffer storage unit (US) comprising N levels input signal (VEi to VEn), each comprising a first-in, first-out type conveyor in a first direction, with N> 2; an alternating input elevator (EAE) and an alternating output elevator (EAS) positioned respectively at the input and at the output of the N input levels; and a control unit (UP) configured to organize, under a delivery constraint on said at least one outbound conveyor of at least one sequence comprising charges in a desired order: first charge movements from said at least one forward conveyor to the input AC elevator, second load movements from the AC input elevator to the N input levels of the buffer storage unit, third load movements from the N input levels of the buffer storage unit to the output AC elevator, and fourth load movements from the AC output elevator to the at least one output one-way conveyor.
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is configured so that: the AC input elevator performs a pre-sequencing by placing the charges of said at least one input sequence of N levels of input of the buffer storage unit, according to a first rule that: on each of the N input levels, a given load having a given rank within said at least one sequence must not be preceded by any load rank higher than the given rank; and the alternate output elevator performs a final sequencing by taking the charges from the at least one output sequence of the N input levels of the buffer storage unit in the desired order.
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit is configured so that: if for a load to store several input levels to meet the first rule, the load to be stored is placed on a level of entry having the smallest difference between a rank of the load to be stored and a highest rank among the ranks of the charges present on the entry level.
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the buffer storage unit comprises at least one recirculation level (VR) comprising a "first-in first-out" type conveyor in a second opposite direction in the first sense, and in that the control unit is configured to organize, under said constraint: fifth load movements from the output AC elevator to said at least one recirculation level, and sixth load movements from said at least one recirculation level to the input AC elevator.
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5. System according to claim 2 or 3 and claim 4, characterized in that the control unit is configured so that, for a given load there is none of the N input levels allowing the alternator to respect the first rule: the input AC elevator places the given input load of a given input level among the N input levels, the given load being preceded on said given input level at least one load of rank higher than the given rank, said at least one charge to recirculate; and the AC output elevator transfers said at least one load to recirculate from an output of the given input level to an input of said at least one recirculation level.
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that said given entry level is chosen because having the highest score among notes each associated with one of the N entry levels, the note associated with an entry level being a function of notes associated with the loads present on said input level, the note associated with a load being a function of the rank R of the load and a coefficient K itself, which is a function of a physical situation of the load with respect to other loads of the same input level and / or with respect to the AC output elevator.
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one forward one-way conveyor occupies a position allowing a direct exchange of charges with the input AC elevator, and in that and said at least one outbound conveyor occupies a position permitting a direct exchange of loads with the alternating output elevator.
    [8" id="c-fr-0008]
    8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one forward feed conveyor and said at least one outward feed conveyor each occupy a position allowing a direct exchange of loads with the elevator input alternative, in that the buffer storage unit comprises at least one output level (VS) comprising a "first-in first-out" type conveyor in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and in that the fourth load movements from the output AC elevator to said at least one outbound conveyor comprise: load movements from the AC output elevator to said at least one output level, load movements from said at least one output output level to the AC input elevator, and load movements from the input AC elevator to the at least one output one-way conveyor.
    [9" id="c-fr-0009]
    9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one complementary buffer storage unit belonging to the group comprising: at least one first complementary buffer storage unit (USCl) comprising a plurality of buffer locations, distributed over a plurality of levels and each configured to temporarily receive at least one load from the input AC elevator; and at least one second complementary buffer storage unit (USC2) comprising a plurality of buffer locations, distributed over a plurality of levels and each configured to temporarily receive at least one load from the AC output elevator. and in that the control unit is configured to organize, under said constraint: seventh load movements between the input AC elevator and said at least one complementary buffer storage unit, and / or the eighth movement charges between the alternate output elevator and said at least one second complementary buffer storage unit.
    [10" id="c-fr-0010]
    10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit is configured to organize, under said constraint, ninth movements of loads from an input return conveyor (CRE) to the reciprocating input elevator, said input return conveyor being configured to carry, from said at least one preparation station to the input AC elevator, loads that have been processed by said at least one preparation station.
    [11" id="c-fr-0011]
    11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit is configured to organize, under said constraint, tenth load movements from the AC input elevator to an output return conveyor (CRS), said output return conveyor being configured to transport loads to at least one of the entities belonging to the group comprising: said at least one external unit, at least one other preparation station, and at least one other external unit.
    [12" id="c-fr-0012]
    12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the alternating input elevator and the alternating output elevator each comprise a single single-load nacelle (21, 22).
    [13" id="c-fr-0013]
    13. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, configured to provide at least two load sequences, each at a specific preparation station and via a specific output one-way conveyor, characterized in that the control unit is configured to assign to the processing of each sequence a dedicated logical area within the buffer storage unit, each dedicated logical area comprising a plurality of input levels.
    [14" id="c-fr-0014]
    14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit is configured to dynamically modify the composition of each logic zone.
    [15" id="c-fr-0015]
    A method of generating at least one sequence comprising charges in a desired order, said method being characterized in that it is implemented by a system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and in that it comprises the following steps: the input AC elevator performs a pre-sequencing (81) by placing the charges of the at least one input sequence of the N input levels of the buffer storage unit, in accordance with a first rule according to which: on each of the N input levels, a given load having a given rank within said at least one sequence must not be preceded by any load of rank higher than the given rank; and the alternate output elevator performs a final sequencing (82) by taking the charges from the at least one output sequence of the N input levels of the buffer storage unit in the desired order.
    [16" id="c-fr-0016]
    16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that it is implemented by a system according to any one of claims 5 to 14 and in that it comprises the following steps, if for a given load it does not there are none of the N input levels allowing the input AC riser to comply with the first rule: the AC input elevator (83) places the input load of a given input level among the N input levels, the given load being preceded on said given input level by at least one load of rank higher than the given rank, said at least one load to be recirculated; and the AC output elevator transfers (84) said at least one load to be recirculated from an output of the given input level to an input of said at least one recirculation level.
    [17" id="c-fr-0017]
    17. The method of claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it is implemented by a system according to any one of claims 13 and 14 and in that it comprises a step of assigning, processing each of at least two load sequences, a dedicated logic area within the buffer storage unit, each dedicated logical area comprising a plurality of input levels.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    ES2886466T3|2021-12-20|
    US20210009348A1|2021-01-14|
    EP3465561A1|2019-04-10|
    CN109313731A|2019-02-05|
    WO2017207152A1|2017-12-07|
    PL3465561T3|2022-01-17|
    DK3465561T3|2021-09-06|
    EP3465561B1|2021-06-23|
    FR3051948B1|2021-01-01|
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    EP3693901A1|2019-02-08|2020-08-12|Savoye|Method for sequencing loads in an automated timing system, with reduction of a disturbance during a load collection on a manifold|
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    法律状态:
    2017-05-29| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2017-12-01| EXTE| Extension to a french territory|Extension state: PF |
    2017-12-01| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20171201 |
    2018-05-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2019-05-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2020-05-26| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2021-05-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1654863A|FR3051948B1|2016-05-30|2016-05-30|BUFFER STORAGE AND LOAD SEQUENCING SYSTEM INCLUDING TWO ELEVATORS.|FR1654863A| FR3051948B1|2016-05-30|2016-05-30|BUFFER STORAGE AND LOAD SEQUENCING SYSTEM INCLUDING TWO ELEVATORS.|
    PCT/EP2017/058563| WO2017207152A1|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|A system for buffer storage and sequencing of items comprising two elevators|
    CN201780032212.XA| CN109313731B|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|System for buffer storage and article sequencing comprising two elevators|
    ES17717140T| ES2886466T3|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|Intermediate storage and load sequencing system comprising two elevators|
    US16/305,640| US20210009348A1|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|System of buffer storage and sequencing of items comprising two elevators|
    DK17717140.2T| DK3465561T3|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|BUFFER STORAGE SYSTEM AND SEQUENCE SEQUENCE INCLUDING TWO ELEVATORS|
    EP17717140.2A| EP3465561B1|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|A system for buffer storage and sequencing of items comprising two elevators|
    PL17717140T| PL3465561T3|2016-05-30|2017-04-10|A system for buffer storage and sequencing of items comprising two elevators|
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