WO2009010512A1 - Systeme de stockage de produits consommables, espace de vente comprenant ledit systeme et boutique comprenant ledit espace - Google Patents

Systeme de stockage de produits consommables, espace de vente comprenant ledit systeme et boutique comprenant ledit espace Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009010512A1
WO2009010512A1 PCT/EP2008/059243 EP2008059243W WO2009010512A1 WO 2009010512 A1 WO2009010512 A1 WO 2009010512A1 EP 2008059243 W EP2008059243 W EP 2008059243W WO 2009010512 A1 WO2009010512 A1 WO 2009010512A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
products
selling space
shelving system
display structure
shelving
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2008/059243
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marco Cumerlato Melter
Original Assignee
Trentin, Paolo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trentin, Paolo filed Critical Trentin, Paolo
Priority to EP08786152.2A priority Critical patent/EP2173221B1/fr
Publication of WO2009010512A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009010512A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F10/00—Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for
    • A47F10/02—Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a shop of consumable products, for example a pharmacy, a video shop, an ironmonger's and the like, as well as a sales point for parapharmacy products or other products, of the type located in a shopping centre or in a supermarket.
  • the invention also concerns a modular system for containing consumable products in the above mentioned shops and points of sale, as well as the modules of which said system is composed.
  • the shops of consumable products generally comprise a selling position, for example a sales counter, and display structures provided with shelves and/or display stands for the products, arranged behind the counter and along the walls of the shop.
  • This arrangement obliges the personnel to move frequently inside the shop, in order to take from the shelves the products requested by the customers and then return to the counter to hand them out.
  • the refilling of the shelves/display stands with new packages of the sold products is carried out by the pharmacist or by an assistant, who take them from the depot adjacent to the selling space.
  • This refilling operation poses the drawback that it involves an increase in the shop management costs, since it takes up much time to the pharmacist or requires the constant presence of an assistant. Furthermore, this involves the drawback that the depot requires an apposite additional room, which also in this case entails considerable management costs.
  • pharmacies which externally have the appearance of close cabinets and comprise, in their inside space, a set of shelves that normally cannot be accessed from the outside and are used for storing the products.
  • the storage system is also provided with an automatic collection system that takes the products required by the pharmacist from the shelves via a computerized interface, and deposits them on a delivery point that can be accessed from the outside.
  • the storage systems of the type described above offer the advantage that they reduce the time necessary for collecting the products.
  • a further drawback is represented by the fact that the automated storage systems of known type can be used only by the pharmacist, consequently causing long waiting times for the customers.
  • pharmacies of known type even if provided with an apposite room used as a depot, offer a total space that is not sufficient to contain all the pharmaceutical products and, therefore, some products must be ordered from wholesalers.
  • the drawback arises that it is necessary to postpone the delivery of the product for some days and, therefore, let the customer wait, thus leading him/her to buy the product from other, better stocked pharmacies.
  • non-availability of a pharmaceutical product may lead the customer to go to another supermarket, which involves missed sales of other products, too.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome all the above mentioned drawbacks that are typical of the known art.
  • the greatest storage volume obtained by the invention makes it possible to ensure a greater availability of products in the selling space compared to the known art, and this certainly ensures greater customer satisfaction.
  • the adaptability of the storage system of the invention to any shop or sales point in any case guarantees the maximum possible exploitation of the available space, Furthermore, to advantage, since no apposite room to be used as a depot is required, the corresponding management costs are avoided.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a shop carried out according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an axonometric view of the storage system that is the subject of the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows an axonometric view of a storage module carried out according to the invention
  • FIG. 4a and 4b show an axonometric view of a construction variant of the module of the invention, respectively in different operating configurations;
  • FIG. 5 shows an axonometric view of a further construction variant of the module that is the subject of the invention
  • FIGS. 6a and 6b show an axonometric view of a further construction variant of the module of the invention, in different operating configurations.
  • the selling space that is the subject of the invention, illustrated in Figure 1 and indicated as a whole by 1 is delimited more or less partially by a display structure 2 provided with shelves and/or display stands 3, visible in Figure 2, on which the most requested products are preferably displayed.
  • Said shelves/display stands 3 can be accessed from the inside of the selling space 1 by the seller and/or the customers, who can thus collect the above mentioned displayed products.
  • the display structure 2 is as high as possible, compatibly with the need to allow the users to reach even its top shelves 3.
  • the selling space 1 comprises a shelving system 4 for storing further products, arranged at the back of the display structure 2 and substantially having the same configuration, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the handling unit 6 is connected to a logic control unit that receives the requests for products via control terminals that are accessible to the seller and not represented herein.
  • the seller can order the handling unit 6 to deliver a certain product and can also check its availability in real time.
  • connections between the handling unit 6, the logic control unit and the control terminals are preferably of the wireless type, which advantageously allows an extremely flexible choice in the arrangement of the above mentioned components in the selling space.
  • handling unit 6 can also be used to transfer the products positioned in the delivery points 5a, 5b to the shelving system 4, in order to allow the stock to be replenished.
  • This transfer can be carried out automatically, via a product identification system based on the bar codes or on radio-frequency identification technologies, commonly known as "RFID”, or on other known techniques.
  • RFID radio-frequency identification
  • the identification of the products as described above will allow the handling unit to collect the products positioned by the seller on the delivery points 5a, 5b and transfer them automatically to the most suitable cell 15 in the shelving system 4.
  • the shelving system 4 arranged as described above makes it possible to obtain a large vertical surface that potentially can develop along the entire perimeter of the selling space 1. Therefore, it can be understood that the resulting stocking volume is greater than that ensured by a storage system of known type and furthermore occupies less space, as it is distributed on the perimeter of the room.
  • the larger stocking volume ensures the availability of a higher number of products, thus increasing customer satisfaction.
  • the storage system that is the subject of the invention is arranged along the perimeter of the selling space 1 , it does not require a specifically dedicated room and thus achieves another object of the invention.
  • the selling space 1 described above is particularly suited to be carried out in a large facility, like for example a supermarket.
  • the selling space 1 can also be created inside a shop 9 like, for example, a pharmacy.
  • the display structure 2 is arranged along the perimeter walls 10 of the shop 9, spaced from them in order to define an interspace 11 in which the shelving system 4 and the handling unit 6 are arranged.
  • the selling space 1 also comprises sales counters B1 , B2 and delivery points 5a arranged behind the counters B1 , B2 themselves. Since the delivery points 5a are arranged as described, the seller can collect the required products more quickly and comfortably than usually allowed by the storage systems of known type, and this achieves the object of reducing the product collection time and the stress to which the seller is subjected for the whole working day. Furthermore, the delivery points 5a are preferably aligned with the display structure 2 so that, to advantage, they are easily accessible and do not occupy further space in the room.
  • delivery points 5a can be arranged in positions different from those described and illustrated herein, provided that they can be accessed both by the handling unit and by a user.
  • the shelving system 4 is spaced from the display structure 2 in order to identify a separation interspace 7 for the movement of a collection unit 18 belonging to the above mentioned handling unit 6.
  • the shelving system here respectively indicated by 4a, 4b and 4c, comprises shelves 24 equipped with partitioning elements 14 that delimit storage cells 15 for the products, said cells being in communication with the above mentioned separation interspace 7.
  • the partitioning elements 14 slide on the shelving system 4 to allow the size of the cells 15 to be modified according to the dimensions of the containers stored on the shelves 24 and they are moved automatically by means of the same collection unit 18.
  • the shelving system comprises drawers 25 that can be pulled out in the separation interspace 7, preferably via drive means associated with the shelving system and not represented herein.
  • the above mentioned drawers 25 have the shape of withdrawable trays 26, schematically illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, on which the products are arranged.
  • the shelving system 4d comprises more than one withdrawable tray 26 at different heights, in order to advantageously allow the storage of packages with different sizes.
  • the shelving system 4 may include a combination of trays 24 and drawers 25, according to the desire of the seller and the type of product stocked.
  • this preferably comprises a carriage 19, slidingly associated with guide means 13 that develop along the whole shelving system 4 and preferably comprise a raised horizontal rail 16.
  • the carriage 19 supports a vertical mast 20 slidingly associated with a shuttle 21 provided with means 21a for collecting the stocked products. Obviously, the movements of the carriage 19 along the guide means 13 and of the shuttle 21 along the vertical mast 20 make it possible to arrange the collection means 21a in any point of the shelving system 4, according to the position of the product to be collected.
  • the collection means 21a preferably comprise an arm 21 b that can be extended towards the inside of the shelving system 4, provided with suckers 21c facing downwards in order to grab the product from above.
  • grabbing the products from above means also being able to collect even products arranged behind other products and, therefore, ensures a more flexible arrangement of the products on each cell 15 or drawer 25.
  • two shelving systems are provided, opposite each other and spaced by a separation interspace inside which said handling unit 6 moves.
  • further embodiments of the invention may comprise more than two parallel shelving systems 4, provided that they are all served by at least one handling unit 6.
  • the handling unit 6 also comprises conveyor belts 22, 23 that convey the products collected by the collection unit 18 towards the delivery points 5a, 5b.
  • the conveyor belts are two, so that several products can be transported at the same time.
  • a first belt 22 is arranged on top of the shelving system 4, in order to advantageously allow the passage of the operators in the separation interspace 7 in case of need, while a second belt 23 is positioned at the base of the display structure 2.
  • the third conveyor belt makes it possible both to increase the overall transportation capacity of the system and to retrieve any products that may have fallen from the collection unit 18 during the collection operation.
  • the shelving system 4 and the display structure 2 are integrated in storage modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d that can be positioned side by side and connected in succession in such a way as to form a single modular system 17.
  • Each module comprises a display structure 2, which is provided with shelves/display stands 3 accessible from one side of the display structure 2 itself, and a corresponding shelving system 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, associated with the display structure 2 on the opposite side with respect to the shelves/display stands 3.
  • the module also comprises means for connection to the adjacent modules, not represented herein, that ensure the reciprocal alignment of the display structures 2 and the shelving systems 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, indicated as a whole by 4, as well as means for supporting the guide means 13 of the collection unit 18, not represented, either.
  • a rectilinear module a rectilinear module, several variants 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d of which are illustrated by way of example in Figures from 3 to 6b, and a curvilinear module.
  • the module 12a illustrated in Figure 3 comprises also a delivery point 5a.
  • curvilinear modules are schematically illustrated in Figure 1 , where they are all indicated by 12e for the sake of simplicity.
  • curvilinear modules 12e advantageously allow the continuity of the storage system to be maintained at the corners of the room, but also to obtain special configurations of the selling space 1 , for example by means of recessed sections R that may delimit different areas of the space itself.
  • the modules and the modular system 17 described above make it possible to create a storage system suitable for a selling space 1 having any shape, and thus to achieve one of the objects of the invention.
  • the adaptability of the modular system 17 of the invention allows it to be applied also in places with limited space, like, for example, the points of sale present in supermarkets.
  • the continuity of the above mentioned modular system 17 can be maintained also in proximity of doors and windows, by providing suitable modules with through openings that ensure that they can be accessed and opened.
  • connection means are preferably hinge elements that allow the display structure 2 to be opened like the door of a wardrobe, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, which show the same module, indicated by 12b, with part of the display structure 2 respectively open and closed.
  • connection means are sliding guide elements that allow the display structure 2 to travel towards the outside.
  • the display structure 2 can be opened through connection means of any other known type, in addition to those described above.
  • the above mentioned possibility of access allows the seller to collect the stocked products also in case of malfunction of the handling unit 6 resulting, for example, from a power failure.
  • the selling space 1 of the invention is also provided with consultation/data entry terminals 5, accessible to a user from the inside of the selling space 1 , operatively connected to the handling unit 6.
  • the consultation/data entry terminals 5 allow the customer to request, for example via a graphic interface, a product stored in the shelving system 4, which is automatically collected by the handling unit 6 and deposited on a delivery point 5b specifically provided for use by customers.
  • the above mentioned consultation/data entry terminals 5 achieve the object to allow the customers to collect a product directly, with no need to request it to the seller and therefore with no need to wait their turn.
  • consultation/data entry terminals 5 can also be arranged so as to allow the customers to carry out other operations like, for example, pay for the products and/or book them and thus advantageously avoid waiting at the cash desk.
  • dispenser units 8 communicating with the outside of the selling space 1 and fed by the handling unit 6, through which the customers can order products and receive them even after the shop 9 or the sales point has closed.
  • the above mentioned distributor units 8 preferably comprise an enquiry terminal connected to an electronic data base containing information on the products available at the selling space 1 in order to advantageously help the customers in their choice.
  • Said data base may be located inside the selling space 1 and also in a remote place, in which case its connection with the enquiry terminal can be obtained through the Internet, or through a private network or any other known method. Obviously, even the consultation/data entry terminals 5 can be connected to the data base like the enquiry terminals, obtaining analogous advantages.
  • the enquiry terminal may preferably be operatively connected to remote control means at the disposal of a seller who may also not be present in the shop 9.
  • the remote control mentioned above is particularly advantageous for pharmacies, considering that for some pharmaceutical products a doctor's prescription is required.
  • the enquiry terminal described above allows the customer to transmit a medical prescription or analogous documentation via a data transmission system to a remote pharmacist, who examines it and if it is in order authorizes the dispensing of the product via the control means.
  • the IT connection allows the remote seller to manage more than one selling space at the same time. Still advantageously, the IT connection allows an authorized operator to remotely monitor the availability of products in the selling space and, if necessary, replenish the stocks.
  • the invention achieves all the set objects.
  • the arrangement of the shelving system along the perimeter of the selling space makes it possible to exploit the available space more effectively compared to the storage systems of known type, obtaining a larger stocking volume.
  • the arrangement described above also eliminates the need to create an apposite space to be used as a depot in the selling space.
  • the modular system of the invention can be adapted to selling spaces having any shape and configuration.
  • the delivery points arranged behind the counter make it possible to avoid excessive stress for the operator and to reduce the time required for collecting the stored products.

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  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
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  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un espace de vente (1) de produits consommables partiellement délimité par une structure de présentation (2) s'étendant principalement verticalement, pourvue d'une pluralité de tablettes et/ou de présentoirs (3) servant à présenter les produits auxquels l'utilisateur peut accéder depuis l'intérieur de l'espace de vente (1). L'espace de vente (1) selon l'invention comprend : un système de rayonnage (4) permettant de stocker d'autres produits, disposé derrière la structure de présentation (2) ; un point de livraison (5a, 5b) des produits stockés auquel l'utilisateur peut accéder depuis l'intérieur de l'espace de vente (1) ; et une unité de manipulation (6) des produits stockés, destinée à transférer lesdits produits du système de rayonnage (4) au point de livraison (5a, 5b).
PCT/EP2008/059243 2007-07-17 2008-07-15 Systeme de stockage de produits consommables, espace de vente comprenant ledit systeme et boutique comprenant ledit espace WO2009010512A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08786152.2A EP2173221B1 (fr) 2007-07-17 2008-07-15 Module de stockage de produits consommables, système de stockage modulaire comprenant ledit module de stockage et espace de vente comprenant ledit système de stockage modulaire

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVI20070203 ITVI20070203A1 (it) 2007-07-17 2007-07-17 Magazzino per farmacie e punti vendita di parafarmaci
ITVI2007A000203 2007-07-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009010512A1 true WO2009010512A1 (fr) 2009-01-22

Family

ID=40056162

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2008/059243 WO2009010512A1 (fr) 2007-07-17 2008-07-15 Systeme de stockage de produits consommables, espace de vente comprenant ledit systeme et boutique comprenant ledit espace

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2173221B1 (fr)
IT (1) ITVI20070203A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009010512A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1611744A1 (de) * 1967-01-09 1970-07-30 Dr Alfred Metsch Bauart und Einrichtung von Geschaeftslaeden
DE7211017U (de) * 1972-11-16 Gores N Einkaufseinrichtung für einen Selbstbedienungsladen
JPH10248688A (ja) * 1997-03-14 1998-09-22 Daifuku Co Ltd 商品販売設備
US6302279B1 (en) * 1998-08-20 2001-10-16 Rhc/Spacemaster In-store rear loadable display array
US6474484B1 (en) * 2001-03-21 2002-11-05 Paul Flum Ideas, Inc. Inventory control system for walk-in display coolers and the like

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH140378A (de) * 1929-06-01 1930-06-15 Glasmanufaktur A G Schaffhause Ladenkorpus.
DE2202139A1 (de) * 1972-01-18 1973-07-26 Hellmut Scheffler Lagersystem fuer auftragsweise artikelentnahme mit konzentrierter doppelter vorratsreserve
FR2557545A1 (fr) * 1984-01-04 1985-07-05 Belloche Alain Dispositif pour optimiser la mise en place des marchandises dans les rayonnages d'une surface de vente
US20030160547A1 (en) * 2002-02-26 2003-08-28 Cda Industries, Inc. Cold vault shelving system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7211017U (de) * 1972-11-16 Gores N Einkaufseinrichtung für einen Selbstbedienungsladen
DE1611744A1 (de) * 1967-01-09 1970-07-30 Dr Alfred Metsch Bauart und Einrichtung von Geschaeftslaeden
JPH10248688A (ja) * 1997-03-14 1998-09-22 Daifuku Co Ltd 商品販売設備
US6302279B1 (en) * 1998-08-20 2001-10-16 Rhc/Spacemaster In-store rear loadable display array
US6474484B1 (en) * 2001-03-21 2002-11-05 Paul Flum Ideas, Inc. Inventory control system for walk-in display coolers and the like

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITVI20070203A1 (it) 2009-01-18
EP2173221A1 (fr) 2010-04-14
EP2173221B1 (fr) 2014-03-26

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