Method and apparatus for container storage and container retrieval

• US 20080025833A1
• Filed: 06/19/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bakvertisi Limited
• Original Assignee: Bakvertisi Limited
• Inventors: Baker, John, Tulisi, Sandra, Calvert, Alan
• Granted Patent: US 8,092,140 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/791.6
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 1/1373 for fulfilling orders in warehouses
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2209/08 Orders with a high and a low volume
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2209/10 Partial order forming
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 47/5104 for articles

Abstract

Apparatus for use in a storage and retrieval system for product held in containers is provided. The apparatus includes multiple, parallel spaced-apart support members (41) defining a plurality of rows (20), each adapted to support a base of a plurality of containers thereby forming a container store. One or more conveying means (44) is engageable with containers in a row (20) to transport the containers longitudinally within that row, the conveying means (44) movable transverse and below the rows. One or more loading means (45) is movable transverse to the rows (20) along an end of the rows to enable loading of one or more containers into a selected row. A computer control system automatically controls operation of the loading means and conveying means. The loading means (45) may include a transfer conveyor (49) extending beneath at least a portion of said rows and moveable transverse to said rows below said rows. Product may be stored in a bulk storage zone (27) in which containers of product are stored in frames (50), an intermediate storage zone (40) and a low storage zone (65). A first automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the intermediate storage zone (40), and a second automated retrieval system retrieves individual containers, partial stacks or stacks of containers from the low storage zone (65). Product orders are collated at a collation zone (34) and a conveying means (19) is in communication with each zone for delivering product between zones. Methods of storage and retrieval are also claimed.

Claims

1. A container storage and retrieval system including:

a first storage zone for storing containers of product in frames, each frame including a plurality of stacks of containers;

a second storage zone for storing containers of product in rows of stacks, including an automated retrieval system for retrieving selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone and replenishing the second zone with containers by receiving kames;

a third storage zone including a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected individual containers, partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone;

wherein

containers retrieved from the storage zones are collated into orders.

2. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 1 wherein the orders are collated info a required combination of frames, stacks and partial stacks.

3. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 1 wherein the second storage zone includes:

multiple parallel spaced-apart support members defining a plurality of rows and adapted to support a base of a plurality of containers; and

one or more index conveyors parallel to the rows, movable beneath the rows in a direction transverse to the rows, and including engagement means enabling engagement of the or each index conveyor with one or more stacks and/or partial stacks of containers in a row to transport it or them longitudinally within that row.

4. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 1, wherein the first storage zone is arranged to allow manual retrieval of frames of containers stored therein.

5. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 2 including a fourth storage zone arranged to allow manual retrieval of individual items of product from the containers and integration of the items into an order.

6. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 1 including a manager computer including an inventory system for recording the flow and location of product within a controlled area defined by at least the second and third storage zones.

7. The container storage and retrieval system of claim 6, wherein the manager computer is operable to cause the container storage and retrieval system to replenish the third storage zone with one or more stacks of containers sourced from the second storage zone.

8. A method of container storage and retrieval including:

in a first storage zone storing containers of product in frames, each frame including a plurality of stacks of containers;

in a second storage zone storing containers of product in rows of stacks, retrieving selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone using an automated retrieval system and replenishing containers by receiving frames;

in a third storage zone retrieving selected individual containers, partial stacks or stacks of containers using a second automated retrieval system and replenishing containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone; and

collating containers retrieved from the storage zones into orders.