AU2019100869A4 - Repository group module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus that is suitable for the picking of grocery products or some other temperature-controlled products and can be used as a locker system, or as a part of a locker system. Another aim is to implement the apparatus in such manner that the temperature of the repositories included in the apparatus can be flexibly controlled, independent from each other. 103 105 107 102 104 110 I I gI I109 120, 120,7 00 16 12 125 125 GURE1 :302 111 FIGURE2110,116 121 0

Description

Area of technology: an invention relates to locker systems and packet automatons and picking carts to be used in picking of temperature-controlled products.

Background of the technology

A cart is considered to be logistically efficient when it has following features: the all repositories has mouths which are directed outwards from the ground and which are open to receive products, and each bag included in a repository can be easily placed products from at least one side of the cart. Manually moveable picking carts are an inexpensive investment compared to an automated dark store. The automated dark store, however, enhances the productivity of picking work when, for example, roller conveyors are usable and the roller conveyors propel products to picking employees. That kind of picking method is termed ‘goods-to-person’. One characteristic in picking grocery products is that bags are placed into repositories and typically several products are placed into each bag. A number of products per customer order may be high and, in addition, different storing temperatures are needed. Depending on the temperature requirements of the products to be stored in a repository, the repository should maintain a refrigerator temperature or a freezer temperature, or an ambient temperature.

Summary of the invention

An aim of an invention is to implement an apparatus that suits for picking of grocery products or some other temperature-controlled products and can be used as a locker system, or as a part of a locker system. Another aim is to implement the apparatus in such manner that the temperature of the repositories included in the apparatus can be flexibly controlled, independent from each other.

The invention concerns a repository group module comprising at least two repository groups.

In a first repository group a first repository has a first mouth and a second repository has a second mouth for receiving products, the first mouth and the second mouth are directed outwards from a first repository group bottom and a first repository group side comprises openable hatches including a first hatch to a first repository and a second hatch to a second repository.

In a second repository group a third repository has a third mouth and a fourth repository has a fourth mouth for receiving products, the third mouth and the fourth mouth are directed outwards from a second repository group bottom and a second repository group side comprises openable hatches including a third hatch to a third repository and a fourth hatch to a fourth repository.

The repository group module comprises load-bearing pillars for holding the first repository group above the second repository group. In the second repository group at least the third repository is thermally isolated at its bottom and side and the third mouth can be thermally isolated by one of the following parts: the first repository group bottom, a thermally isolated lid. The repository group module further has mobility equipment for propelling the repository group module, and the mobility equipment comprises some of the following parts: wheels, skids, legs.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of examples and embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a first embodiment of a repository group module,

FIGURE 2 shows a third repository group to be added into the module,

FIGURE 3 shows a dividing wall to divide a repository into compartments,

FIGURE 4A shows a second embodiment of the repository group module,

FIGURE 4B shows the repository group module after a picking stage,

FIGURE 4C shows the module and a pulley tackle to be used in it,

FIGURE 4D shows the repository group module from a bird’s perspective,

FIGURE 5A shows use of cylinders as load-bearing pillars of the module,

FIGURE 5B shows the repository group module from its short side,

FIGURE 6 shows a repository hatch and systems hatch,

FIGURE 7 shows a system comprising repository group modules.

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Detailed description of the invention

It is appreciated that the following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “one” embodiment, the reference is not necessarily made to the same embodiments), or the feature in question may apply to multiple embodiments.

FIGURE 1 shows the first embodiment of a repository group module 100 and the module is viewed from its long side. Repository group module 100 comprises at least two repository groups which both have at least two repositories for products.

In a first repository group 101a first repository 102 has a first mouth 103 and a second repository 104 has a second mouth 105. A repository, such as first repository 102, 10 comprises a bottom, a mouth, and four sides such that the mouth opens outwards from ground and at least one hatch operates as a side of the repository. Products can be placed through the mouth into a bag in the repository and via the hatch the bag can be taken out of the repository. First mouth 103 and second mouth 105 are directed outwards from a first repository group bottom 106 and a first repository group side 107 is attached first repository group bottom 106 and comprises a first hatch 108 and an access to first repository 102. First hatch 108 and other hatches are hinged at their inner side and they open towards a viewer. A second hatch 109 provides an access to a second repository 104.

In a second repository group 110 a third repository 111 has a third mouth 112 and a fourth repository 113 has a fourth mouth 114. Third mouth 112 and fourth mouth 114 are 20 directed outwards from a second repository group bottom 115 and a second repository group side 116 attached to it includes openable hatches such as a third hatch 117 for third repository 111 and a fourth hatch 118 for fourth repository 113.

Repository group module 100 comprises load-bearing pillars 119 for holding first repository group 101 above second repository group 110 such that an empty space is formed between first repository group bottom 106 and the mouths of second repository group 110 . The empty space is intended for an access to the repositories in second repository group 110, such as an access to third repository 111. A bag, grocery products, or other items can be placed via the empty space into third repository 111. Mobility equipment 120 is intended for propelling repository group module 100. A first implementation manner comprises, for example, four wheels of which the front wheels are fixed, i.e. non-rotating, wheels and the rear wheels are rotating wheels.

In second repository group 110, at least third repository 111 is thermally isolated at its bottom and at its all sides, i.e. at its hatch or hatches. Third mouth 112 of third repository 111 can be covered by a thermally isolated part that is one of the following parts: first repository group bottom 106, a thermally isolated lid 121.

First repository group 101 in figure 1 is already covered with a lid but second repository group 110 is not yet covered with thermally isolated lid 121 whose surface area is so large that the all mouths of second repository group 110 can be covered with it.

In one embodiment the bottom of thermally isolated lid 121, which is intended to be placed against second repository group 110, operates as an attachment surface of cooling elements. When the bottom of thermally isolated lid 121 is made of (thin) steel plate a gel ice pack can attached to it with pieces of magnetic tape. A gel ice pack can maintain either a refrigerator temperature of a freezer temperature.

In one embodiment the cooling elements of repository group module 100 functions with electric power provided by one or more accumulator.

In one embodiment repository group module 100 is intended to be propelled by pushing and/or pulling from handle 122. Figure 1 further shows two alternative implementation manners for mobility equipment 120, wherein wheels 123 are replaced with skids 124 or legs 125. When mobility equipment 120 comprises skids 124 or legs 125, handle 122 can be omitted from repository group module.

In one embodiment there are altogether two skids 124 and they are similar as in a pallet at which time repository group module 100 can be propelled, for example, with a pallet jack, a forklift, or a roller conveyor.

In one embodiment there are altogether four legs 125 and they are located at the comers of repository group module 100 lifting the module bottom up such that an AGV (automated guided vehicle) has thereat enough space and can detach repository group module 100 from the floor to propel it, for example, in an automated dark store.

Repository group 100 shown in figure 1 suits well for a bag whose measures are: height 25 cm, width 20 cm, and length 35 cm. Repository group module 100 is, for example, 115 cm long and 80 cm broad at which time two bags can be placed into it the short sides (width 20 cm) of the bags against each other.

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FIGURE 2 shows a third repository group 201 of repository group module 100 viewed from second repository group side 116. Third repository group 201 utilizes the space between first repository group bottom 106 and the second repository group. Thermally isolated lid 121 is placed on second repository group 110 after which third repository group 201 is placed (on its short legs) on thermally isolated lid 121.

Third repository group 201 comprises at least two repositories separated from each other. This example concerns three repositories such that two bags fit into the middlemost repository 202 and one bag fits into the both outermost repositories 203, 204 when the bag measures are 25 x 20 x 35 cm. Another, corresponding repository group as 10 third repository group 201 can be placed on the opposite side of the module.

FIGURE 3 shows a dividing wall 301 for dividing a repository. The repository to be divided, i.e. third repository 111, in second repository group 110, is viewed therein from a bird’s perspective. Dividing wall 301 divides third repository 111 into a first compartment 302 and a second compartment 303 such that third hatch 117 provides an 15 access to first compartment 302 and an opposite hatch 304, at the opposite side of second repository group 110, provides an access to second compartment 303.

When the repository is divided by dividing wall 301 into two smaller compartments, i.e. repositories, the number of repositories grows. In one embodiment a bag with size of 25 x 20 x 35 cm fits into first compartment 302 and second compartment 20 303. Dividing wall 301 is detachable by lifting it after which two bags having the abovementioned size fit into third repository 111 the short sides (20 cm) placed against.

FIGURE 4A the second embodiment of repository group module 100.

Conversely as in figure 1, in this embodiment first repository group bottom 106 can be placed on second repository group 110 such that load-bearing pillars 119 hold first repository group 101 when first repository group 101 is approaching second repository group 110. When first repository group bottom 106 rests on second repository group 110 it operates as the part that thermally isolates second repository group 110 from the top.

First repository group 101 is lifted by using a pulley, a string 401 rounding the pulley, and a pulley tackle 402 outwards from ground to its upper position in order to form 30 the empty space between first repository group bottom 106 and the mouths of second repository group 110. String 401 is, for example, 2 mm wire rope.

First repository group bottom 106 comprises holders for cooling elements. A first holder 403 and a second holder 404 are intended for cooling elements to cool third repository 111, in second repository group 110. First repository group bottom have seven other holders for cooling elements. A holder is left empty, if the ambient temperature may prevail in the repository locating under the holder.

FIGURE 4B shows repository module 100 when a picking stage of products has ended. An employee has released a rope included in pulley tackle 402 from a rope lock after which he/she has put first repository group 101 down on second repository group 110 by holding on the rope.

In this embodiment string 401 is attached to an upper corner of second repository group 110. A second string 411 passes over another pulley and is attached to the opposite side of second repository group 110. String 401 and second string 411 are attached to pulley tackle 402 and pulley tackle 402 is attached to handle 122.

Mobility equipment 120 comprises rotating rear wheels 412, rotating front wheels, and fixed wheels in the middle of repository group module 100.

Repository group module 100 comprises a lid 413 by which at least first mouth 103 in first repository group 101 can be covered. In this example lid 413 covers the all mouths in first repository group 101 and lid 413 comprises grips 414 by which the employee can move lid 413.

FIGURE 4C shows repository group module 100 when the module is viewed from its short side and rotating rear wheels 412 are visible. Pulley tackle 402 comprises four pulleys of which two form a first pulley pair 421, and the other two pulleys form a second pulley pair 422. Pulley tackle 402 further comprises a rope 423.

Second pulley pair 422 is attached via a (triangle) string coupler 424 to string 401 and second string 411. Rope 423 is attached from its one end to the bottom of repository group module 100 and rope 423 runs via the pulleys of pulley tackle 402. The opposite end of rope 423 is attachable to a rope lock 425 and it detachable from it. Rope lock 425 is attached to a plate 426 and plate 426 is attached to handle 122. When rope 423 is detached from rope lock 425, first repository group 101 will detach from second repository group 110 by pulling rope 423.

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Pulling rope 423 causes that first pulley pair 421 and second pulley pair 422 will converge. This converging of the pulley pairs results in that string coupler 424 gets closer ground and simultaneously string 401 and second string 411 lift first repository group 101 upwards from ground. String 401 passes over a pulley 427 and second string 411 passes over a second pulley 428 and over a third pulley 429.

FIGURE 4D shows repository group module 100 from a bird’s perspective.

There are altogether four load-bearing pillars 119, one in each comer of repository group module 100. Load-bearing pillars 119 are made of L profile steel and they are coupled to each other with four L profile pieces 431-434. Pulley 427 and other pulley 428 are located 10 under L profile steel piece 431. Third pulley 429 is located under L profile steel piece 432 opposite to L profile steel piece 432.

Walls of first repository group 101 are, for example, 3-6 cm thick such that the inner surface and outer surface of each wall is made of 0.5 mm plate and each wall includes a thermal insulation plate. First hatch 108, second hatch 109, and the last hatch 15 436 comprise 30 mm polyurethane plate to which 0.5 mm plate pieces are glued.

FIGURE 5A shows in two views 500 and 510 use of cylinders 501 as loadbearing pillars 119.

In first view 500, first repository group 101 is detached from second repository group 110 and lifted up by using cylinders 501. Cylinders 501 are nested pipes whose stroke is, for example, 40 cm and those nested pipes can be pneumatically or hydraulically pressurized. By pressurizing cylinders 501 about 40 cm high empty space is created between first repository group 101 and second repository group 110, and after that second repository group 110 is fillable with products via said empty space.

In one embodiment, second repository group 110 comprises three repositories such that two bags fit into third repository 111, three bags fit into fourth repository 113, and four bags fit into the last repository 506 when the bag size is: height 42 cm, width 13 cm, and length 32 cm.

In second view 510, first repository group 101 is taken down on second repository group 110 by lowering the pressure in cylinders 501. Then first repository group bottom

106 thermally isolates the mouth of third repository 111, i.e. third mouth 112, and the other mouths in second repository group 110.

The hatches of repository group module 100 are locked by electric locks of which everyone is openable with a valid access code. In one embodiment, repository group module 100 comprises electric locks 502-505 such that third repository 111 is equipped with electric lock 504 and fourth repository 113 is equipped with a second electric lock 505. Then repository group module 100 is usable as a moveable locker system. Repository group module 100 can be utilized in a ‘click & collect’ service, for example, such that the goods ordered by customers are picked in a grocery into it, after which the customers can travel to the grocery to collect their orders from repository group module 100.

FIGURE 5B shows repository group module 100 viewed from its short side. In this example, the female connector of an air compressor is connectable to a male connector 511 for pressurizing cylinders 501. Male connector 511 is attached to plate 426 included in repository group module 100. Pressurized air can be fed via male connector 511 into four air hoses 512 each of which is coupled to one of cylinders 501. Due to the pressurized air, first repository group 101 lifts upwards. A valve and a valve handle 513 is placed between male connector 511 and four air hoses 512. The valve opens by turning valve handle 513, at which time air escapes from cylinders 501 via male connector 511.

FIGURE 6 shows from a bird’s perspective third hatch 117 of second repository group 110 and a trailer hatch 601. Trailer hatch 601 is attached with a hinge 602 to a trailer pillar 603 and trailer hatch 601 is attachable from its opposite side to a second trailer pillar 604, in more detail, to an electric lock mounted inside second trailer pillar 604. Third hatch 117 is attached with a hinge 605 to third repository 111 such that the outer surface of third hatch 117 and the inner surface of trailer hatch 601 are located on the same plane when trailer hatch 601 as well as third hatch 117 are in open position. Third hatch 117 includes a recessed pull (not shown in the figure).

FIGURE 7 shows a system 700 for storing grocery goods or some other temperature-controlled products. System 700 is usable as a moveable locker system and it comprises a trailer 701, repository group module 100, and at least one corresponsive repository group module. In this embodiment, two repository group modules shown in figure 1 fit into trailer 701 and trailer 701 comprises trailer hatch 601. Trailer 701 further comprises an attachment point 702 for a road vehicle, a body 703 with wheels 704, and a wall 705 including openings to the trunk of trailer 701.

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Wall 705 comprises openings to the trunk of trailer 701 and hatches equipped with electric locks cover the openings. Trailer hatch 601 is one of those hatched. System 700 is configured to receive repository group module 100 into the trunk of trailer 701 when a loading door 706 is opened.

Repository module 100 is placed into the trunk such that third hatch 117 in second repository group 110 is located at trailer hatch 601 (under it). A customer has an access to third hatch 117 by opening the electric lock of trailer hatch 601 by a valid access code.

In one embodiment, trailer 701 is equipped with a cover 707 to protect the hatches from moisture and dirt during road transportation. In this example, cover 707 is a plate type hinged structure and it is lifted up to its upper position. Then the hatches have become visible and customers can collect their shopping from repository group module 100.

While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments and implementations the invention further covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A repository group module comprising at least two repository groups such that in a first repository group a first repository has a first mouth and a second repository has a second mouth for receiving products, the first mouth and the second mouth are directed outwards from a first repository group bottom and a first repository group side comprises openable hatches including a first hatch to a first repository and a second hatch to a second repository, in a second repository group third repository has a third mouth and a fourth repository has a fourth mouth for receiving products, the third mouth and the fourth mouth are directed outwards from a second repository group bottom and a second repository group side comprises openable hatches including a third hatch to a third repository and a fourth hatch to a fourth repository, and the repository group module comprises load-bearing pillars for holding the first repository group above the second repository group, and in the second repository group at least the third repository is thermally isolated at its bottom and side and the third mouth can be thermally isolated by one of the following parts: the first repository group bottom, a thermally isolated lid; and the repository group module has mobility equipment for propelling the repository group module, and the mobility equipment comprises some of the following parts: wheels, skids, legs.

2. The repository group module as claimed in claim 1, where the repository group module further comprises a third repository group that is a distinct part to be placed between the first repository group and the second repository group, the third repository group including at least two repositories.

3. The repository group module as claimed in claim 1, where the repository group module further comprises a dividing wall to divide the third repository into a first compartment and a second compartment, and the dividing wall is detachable from the third repository.

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4. The repository group module as claimed in claim 1, where first repository group bottom can be placed on the second repository group such that the load-bearing pillars hold the first repository group when the first repository group is approaching the second repository group.

5 5. The repository group module as claimed in claim 1, where the repository group module further comprises an electric lock for locking the third hatch and another electric lock of locking the fourth hatch.