IT202200020298A1 - METHOD FOR PICK UP ITEMS IN A WAREHOUSE AND WAREHOUSE - Google Patents

Description

METHOD FOR PICK UP ITEMS IN A WAREHOUSE AND WAREHOUSE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is part of the technical sector of logistics, in particular in the management of items in warehouses; the term warehouses includes a variety of realities such as, for example, warehouses serving industrial plants, warehouses serving points of sale and warehouses serving logistics centers. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for picking items in a warehouse and a warehouse that can satisfy multiple functional needs, for example those connected to processes known as, according to a terminology in English widespread in the sector, Inbound Logistic, Dynamic Storage Solution, Automated Feeding, Downstream Logistics and Sortering.

? It is known, for example from EP 1920396 A2, the use of self-propelled or transportable racks to temporarily store different items, for example in logistics centers where the stored items are picked, packed and shipped. According to a common approach, the items from different suppliers are identified and catalogued, for example by reading the barcodes, temporarily stored in the racks with the assignment of a position to the item that is stored by the warehouse management system, picked on the basis of the stored position, placed in a receptacle and then prepared for shipping. The positions of the items are often defined with identification codes, for example with barcodes carried by the racks. The receptacle can be used according to several logics, for example to collect the items of the same order or to collect items of different orders. Numerous methods and systems for storing items and managing the items within the warehouse are known, many of which are also disclosed in patent applications. Generally, at the entrance, the items are separated and catalogued by assigning an identification code, often associated with other information such as their mass and dimensions.

Although warehouses that provide for automatic picking of items are widespread, in the case of self-propelled or transportable shelving, picking is done manually or with limited levels of automation or requires expensive types of automation, such as anthropomorphic robots.

The current self-propelled or transportable shelving can reach several stations but at each collection or unloading of the articles a new identification of the articles is foreseen. More identifications are also carried out when the transport of the articles between the different stations occurs with conveyors, such as conveyor belts; furthermore the presence of conveyor belts limits the spaces available for logistics.

In other words, the stored position is no longer of any use once the item has been removed from the rack; tracking ceases and the need arises to assign and store a new position for each movement of the item, following identification.

EP 3256290 B1, with particular reference to figures 3B and 3C, discloses a self-propelled or transportable article storage unit comprising a frame, article containers arranged to form a first and second column and a system for moving the containers between a first inclined position so as to prevent the articles from falling and a second position inclined towards the ground which facilitates collection by a collection system. The solution of EP 3256290 B1 facilitates collection but does not facilitate loading and unloading of the articles as a whole. Furthermore, it is bulky compared to the volume of the stored articles. The present invention intends to overcome one or more drawbacks of the prior art solutions.

A first goal is to simplify the management of items temporarily stored in warehouses.

A second purpose is to limit or avoid item recognition operations after each item move.

One purpose of some embodiments is to simplify automatic withdrawal.

These and other purposes which will become clear to the person skilled in the art from reading the following text are achieved by means of a method for picking articles from a warehouse and a warehouse in accordance with the claims.

According to the teachings of this text, the method includes the phases of:

- provide at least one item storage unit comprising a frame, item containers, an identifier for each container that is carried by the respective container, and a container support system that supports the containers so that they are movable relative to the frame in a closed loop that has at least one item pick-up point or zone;

- provide handling means to move the support system so as to move the containers relative to the frame;

- provide means of movement to move the at least one storage unit of items;

- provide articles;

- recognize articles;

- place the recognized items in the containers, placing at most one item in each container;

- associate the container identifier with the stored item;

- receive a request for a reposted item;

- retrieve the identifier associated with the requested item;

- operate the handling equipment so as to bring the container bearing the recovered identifier to a collection point or area for the items.

According to the teachings of this text, the warehouse comprises at least one item storage unit, comprising a frame, item containers and an identifier for each container that is carried by the respective container, loading means for loading items into the containers, moving means for moving the at least one item storage unit and a warehouse management system comprising recognition means for recognising the items and reading means for reading the identifiers.

The warehouse management system is configured to associate each item with the identifier of the container that contains it.

Advantageously:

- the at least one item storage unit includes a container support system that supports the containers so that they are movable relative to the frame in a closed loop path;

- the warehouse includes handling equipment to move the support system so as to move the containers relative to the frame;

- the warehouse management system controls the loading means and/or the handling means and is configured so that each container contains at most one item.

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following of this document, in accordance with what is reported in the claims and with the aid of the attached figures, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of an article storage unit according to the invention;

- figure 2 shows a detail of the embodiment of figure 1;

- Figures 3 to 5 show an automatic loading sequence of the embodiment of Figure 1;

- Figures 6 to 8 show an automatic picking sequence of the embodiment of Figure 1;

- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of two units or modules of another embodiment of an article storage unit according to the invention;

- figure 10 shows a perspective view of a unit of the embodiment of figure 9;

- figures 11 and 12 show details of the embodiment of figure 9 with some elements not shown to facilitate understanding of the functional and structural characteristics;

- figure 13 shows a section (not filled) of a container of the embodiment of figure 9 according to a vertical plane that cuts all the containers;

- figure 14 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 9 in a first station;

- figure 15 shows a detail from another point of view of figure 14; - figure 16 shows a first station of an embodiment of a warehouse according to the invention;

- figure 17 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the warehouse according to the invention;

- figure 18 shows a side perspective view of the embodiment of figure 17;

- figure 19 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the warehouse according to the invention;

- Figures 20 and 21 show schematic side views of some embodiments of the article storage unit according to the invention.

With reference to the attached figures, a warehouse has been indicated with the reference 100.

The references are given to facilitate the understanding of the invention but are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

An embodiment of a method for picking articles (A) in a warehouse (100) according to the invention comprises the steps of:

- provide at least one item storage unit (1) comprising a frame (2), containers (3) for items (A), an identifier (4) for each container (3) that is carried by the respective container (3) and a container support system (5) (3) that supports the containers (3) so that they are movable relative to the frame (2) in a closed loop path that has at least one item pick-up point or zone (50c);

- provide means of movement (6) to move the support system (5) so as to move the containers (3) relative to the frame (2);

- provide means of movement to move the at least one storage unit of articles (1);

- provide articles (A);

- recognize articles (A);

- place the recognized items (A) in the containers (3), placing at most one item (A) in each container (3);

- associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored item (A);

- receive a request for a reposted item (A);

- retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A);

- operate the handling means (6) so as to bring the container (3) bearing the recovered identifier (4) to a collection point or area for the articles (50c).

The association of an identifier (4) of a container (3) to the article (A) facilitates the management of the warehouse (100), thanks to a unique tracking of the article (A), limiting or avoiding the need for further recognitions of the article (A).

Furthermore, the automatic removal of articles (A) from the at least one article storage unit (1) is facilitated by maintaining the tracking of the removed article (A). The identifier (4) may be, for example, a bar code, including two-dimensional or data matrix bar codes, or a radio frequency label or a character sequence. Preferably the identifier (4) is a bar code. The embodiment of Figure 9 includes a radio frequency tag (not shown in the figure) but could have a bar code such as that of Figure 1. Typically the closed loop path allows for a smaller footprint and includes an upper section (50a), a lower section (50b), a first section (50d) extending in a vertical direction, and a second section (50e) extending in a vertical direction, with the upper section (50a) and the lower section (50b) both interspersed between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e). The item storage unit (1) facilitates the automation of warehouse operations (100) and may be advantageously used in multiple process phases and/or areas of the warehouse (100).

The items (A) are stored in height, reducing the amount of floor space occupied, and with a structure that allows for great flexibility in both loading and retrieval, as better explained below.

The at least one article storage unit (1) can be self-propelled or, more preferably, be transported by means of movement external to it; in both cases with the use of known devices. Preferably the means of movement comprise at least one automatic or autonomously guided vehicle (71). As known to those skilled in the art, a group of automatic or autonomously guided vehicles (71) can move several article storage units (1) interchangeably and/or with the possibility of having an article storage unit (1) not associated with any automatic or autonomously guided vehicle (71) for a period of time.

Typically the phases of recognizing the articles (A) and placing the recognized articles (A) are at least partly simultaneous, as exemplified in Figures 3 to 5.

Once the item (A) is in an item collection point or area (50c), the item (A) collection phase is planned: the item (A) can fall due to gravity or be collected, for example by an anthropomorphic robot. By gravity, it means that the movement towards the ground (G) occurs thanks to the gravitational force acting on the item (A).

Preferably the method comprises the step of providing a warehouse management system (1000) that is configured to associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored item (A), receive a request for a stored item (A), retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A) and control the operation of the handling means (6).

The warehouse management system (1000) is of a known type and can be physical, virtual or mixed, for example in the cloud. For example, the warehouse management system (1000) can include an application server and a data store. The server typically includes one or more processing units or processors and at least one memory and is configured to execute instructions. It typically also includes a communication channel, a network interface, a graphical controller and input/output interfaces.

Preferably the method comprises the step of providing reading means for reading the identifiers (4) and the step of reading the identifier (4), both before the step of associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored article (A).

The reading means can read the identifier (4) before, during or after the article (A) has been placed in the container (3), for example taking into account the movements of the containers (3) that will be or have been carried out.

Preferably the method comprises the steps of:

- provide receptacles (104, 105), each for receiving articles (A) from the at least one article storage unit (1);

- receive an instruction to place an article (A) stored in a second receptacle (105);

- retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the item (A) requested in the second receptacle (105);

- move the at least one item storage unit (1) with the associated identifier (4) from a first receptacle (104) to the second receptacle (105);

- operate the handling means (6) so as to bring the container (3) bearing the recovered identifier (4) to a collection point or area for the articles (50c).

The method according to the invention finds advantageous application in the case of multiple receptacles (104, 105) as, for example, in the case of sorting.

Once the item (A) is close to the second receptacle (105), the phase of collecting it is foreseen: the item (A) can fall by gravity into the second receptacle (105) or be placed there, for example by an anthropomorphic robot.

Preferably the method comprises the phase of:

- provide loading means for loading articles (A) into the containers (3), the loading means having an unloading area for the articles (90).

In the phase of placing the recognized articles (A) in the containers (3), the handling means (6) are activated so as to bring an empty container (3) into the article unloading area (90).

The at least one item storage unit (1) allows for easier and faster loading of items (A).

Several approaches are possible. For example, according to a first approach, loading occurs when the container (3) is at a point or area of the first section (50d) with the handling means (6) moving the containers so that the loaded containers (3) head towards the second section (50e) and are then unloaded at a point or area of the lower section (50b) below the second section (50e).

According to a first variant, after loading the containers (3), the handling means (6) move the containers (3) in the opposite direction so as to unload at a point or area of the lower section (50b) under the first section (50d). The two variants can be combined so as to have two points or areas for picking up the articles (50c).

Often after the phase of placing the articles in the containers (3) there follows the phase of: - bringing the article storage unit (1) to a storage area (103) of the at least one article storage unit (1).

Depending on the application, the at least one article storage unit (1) can remain waiting in the storage area (103) for minutes or days.

In the typical case of multiple article storage units (1) the method may include the following phases:

- identify an item storage unit (1) that stores the requested item (A); - move the identified item storage unit (1).

Preferably in the step of moving the identified article storage unit (1), it is moved from a storage area (103) of the at least one article storage unit (1).

The method is preferably carried out with the devices better illustrated below. The invention also relates to a warehouse (100) of articles (A).

An embodiment of such a warehouse (100) comprises:

- at least one article storage unit (1) comprising a frame (2), containers (3) for articles (A) and an identifier (4) for each container (3) which is carried by the respective container (3);

- loading means for loading articles (A) into containers (3);

- means of movement for moving the at least one storage unit of articles (1);

- a warehouse management system (1000) comprising recognition means for recognising the articles (A) and reading means for reading the identifiers (4).

The warehouse management system (1000) is configured to associate each item (A) with the identifier (4) of the container (3) that contains it and is of the known type as already illustrated above.

Advantageously, the at least one article storage unit (1) comprises a support system (5) for the containers (3) which supports the containers (3) so that they are movable relative to the frame (2) according to a closed loop path. The warehouse (100) comprises movement means (6) for moving the support system (5) so as to move the containers (3) relative to the frame (2). The warehouse management system (1000) controls the loading means and/or the movement means (6) and is configured so that each container (3) contains at most one article (A).

In the warehouse (100) according to the invention, the management of the articles (A) is made easier thanks to the direct relationship between the container (3) and the article (A) it contains, with the advantages already illustrated above.

The positioning of the articles (A) in the containers (3) can be achieved according to several logics. The warehouse management system (1000) can manage the movement of the articles (A) towards the containers (3) and/or the movement of the containers (3). In figures 3 to 5 the loading means are at a fixed speed, for example because an operator loads the spaced articles (A), and the warehouse management system (1000) controls the movement of the containers (3). In other versions, the loading means could also be controlled based on the availability of one or more free containers (3).

The moving means move the at least one article storage unit (1) at least between a first station (101) and a second station (102) or a storage area (103) of the at least one article storage unit (1).

There are numerous known devices that can perform the function of the recognition means. For example, the recognition means can comprise a data entry device or input device, a first barcode reader (92), a recognition system with camera and/or video camera, etc. Often the recognition means comprise several devices integrated into a portal or station (101, 102). Preferably the recognition means comprise a first optical barcode reader (92). More preferably the recognition means comprise mass detectors and/or item size detectors (A).

Typically the closed loop path allows to reduce the footprint and includes an upper section (50a), a lower section (50b), a first section (50d) that extends in a vertical direction and a second section (50e) that extends in a vertical direction, with the upper section (50a) and the lower section (50b) both placed between the first section (50d) and the second section (50e). Preferably the containers (3) have an opening (33) for the entry and exit of the articles (A) and the support system (5) of the containers (3) carries the containers (3) so that the opening (33) faces towards the ground (G) in at least one point or area for the collection of the articles (50c) so that the articles (A) exit the container (3) by gravity. More preferably the at least one point or area for the collection of the articles (50c) is in the lower section (50b).

? This makes it possible to easily and automatically retrieve items stored in at least one item storage unit (1).

Preferably, at least one point or area for picking up the articles (50c) is lower than the point or area of the route where the loading vehicles load the articles (A) into the containers (3).

This further facilitates automatic picking and simplifies the warehouse. Preferably the warehouse comprises a door (10) for the passage of the articles (A) which is in the at least one point or area for picking the articles (50c) and which is movable between a closed position, in which it prevents passage, and an open position, in which it allows passage. The warehouse management system (1000) controls the mobility of the door (10).

The presence of a door (10), for example on board the at least one article storage unit (1), allows to determine which container or containers (3) will be unloaded with application advantages, for example in sorting.

Preferably the warehouse (100) comprises a first station (101) of the at least one article storage unit (1). Furthermore:

- the means of movement (6) include motion transmission means installed at the first station (101) and configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when an article storage unit (1) is in the first station (101) and/or

- the reading means comprise a barcode reader (81), including two-dimensional barcodes, or a radio frequency label reader (81) installed at the first station (101).

Typically the first station (101) is used for the transfer of the articles (A).

The availability of stations (101, 102), such as the one shown as an example in figure 14, reduces the cost, mass and construction and management complications of the item storage unit (1) with minimal impact on the construction of the warehouse (100).

Preferably the warehouse (100) comprises guides (107) installed at the first station (101) to ensure the correct positioning of the article storage unit (1) and, possibly, of the motion transmission means. Preferably the movement means (6) comprise at least one motor (61) which moves the motion transmission means and which is installed at the first station (101).

Preferably the motion transmission means comprise a toothed wheel (62) configured for coupling with the coupling means, in particular with the matable gear (56) visible in figure 15. The motion transmission means may also comprise an epicyclic reduction gear.

Preferably the warehouse (100) comprises a conveyor (106) of articles (A) and a plurality of stations (101, 102) of the at least one article storage unit (1). The latter are arranged in succession at the conveyor (106) so that the at least one article storage unit (1) places the articles (A) on the conveyor (106) when it is at a station of the plurality of stations (101, 102).

? This makes it possible to provide rapid and/or automated transfers of the items (A) as exemplified in figures 17, 18 and 19. In figures 17 and 18 the conveyor belts can carry the items (A) to other areas of the warehouse (100) or to several exit points which provide for different destinations or activities.

Figure 19 shows a particularly complete embodiment of a warehouse (100), comprising a first station (101), a second station (102) with a conveyor (106), a storage area (103) of the at least one article storage unit (1), a warehouse management system (1000) and a first receptacle (104) and a second receptacle (105).

Figures 17, 18 and 19 exemplify the potential of the invention in the case of multiple article storage units (1) according to the invention.

The preferred embodiments of the at least one article storage unit (1) illustrated above in relation to the method clearly find application within the warehouse (100).

Preferably each container (3) comprises a first part (31), a second part (32) and, between the first part (31) and the second part (32), an opening (33) for the entry and exit of the articles (A).

Preferably the support system (5) supports the containers (3) in such a way that, i.e. it is configured in such a way that:

- several containers (3) are superimposed on each other in the first section (50d) and several containers (3) are superimposed on each other in the second section (50e);

- each container has the first part (31) above the second part (32) in the first section (50d), the second part (32) above the first part (31) in the second section (50e), the opening (33) facing away from the containers (3) of the second section (50d) in the first section (50e) and the opening (33) facing towards the ground (G) in the lower section (50b) so as to cause the articles (A) to fall due to gravity.

Furthermore, the containers (3) and the path are configured so that the second part (32) in the first section (50d) and the first part (31) in the second section (50e) are horizontal or inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (H) so as to avoid the falling of the articles (A).

The person skilled in the art will understand that several variants of the support system (5) are possible which allow the containers (3) to be supported as described above, that is, with the use of different moving parts with respect to the frame (2) and/or different couplings between the containers (3) and the moving parts themselves. By way of example only, each individual container (3) could be moved independently by a device along a guide or the containers (3) could be coupled to the same part or the containers (3) could be fixed with respect to the device or part or be moving with respect to one of these. Or again, figures 20 and 21 schematize how it is possible to avoid the articles (A) from falling by acting on the shape of the containers (3) and/or on the path. In these figures, different lines are used to identify the first part (31) and the second part (32) and their inclination angles are indicated with respect to a horizontal plane (H) and/or with respect to a container (3) with the first part (31) and the second part (32) orthogonal to the path. Figure 20 shows how the section of the container (3) can be reduced towards the opening (34) to avoid the falling of the articles (A). Figure 21 shows how the inclination of the path can achieve the same purpose.

Some preferred features will be described below; Figures 1 and 9 show preferred embodiments that simplify construction and/or achieve additional advantages.

As clearly illustrated by the attached figures, the path is designed to store items (A) vertically, i.e. to have a large number of containers (3) in the first section (50d) and in the second section (50e).

It should be noted that in this text the expression ?nel tratto? is equivalent to ?in correspondence with the tratto?, that is, it indicates the part of the route crossed.

The opening (33) facing away from the containers in the first section (50d) facilitates lateral loading and, more preferably, the support system (5) supports the containers (3) so that each container (3) in the second section (50e) has its opening (33) facing away from the containers in the first section (50d).

Preferably this feature is achieved by making the container (3) integral with a part of a flexible member (51, 52) of the support system (5) with the opening (33) facing away from the path.

The openings (33) visible on both sides allow for better control of the article storage unit (1), for example when it is waiting in a storage area (103).

Preferably, the frame (2) includes support feet for resting on the ground (G); these are particularly useful if the article storage unit (1) is of the transportable type, because they make a space available underneath the containers for the means of transport illustrated below.

Preferably at least one, more preferably both, of the first section (50d) and the second section (50e) is orthogonal to a horizontal plane (H), thus reducing the footprint as schematized in figure 20.

Preferably at least one, more preferably both, of the first section (50d) and the second section (50e) is inclined with respect to a vertical plane (V) so that the path widens towards the lower section (50b). In this case, especially in the case of containers (3) fixed to a part of a flexible organ (51, 52), the risk of falling articles (A) is reduced, as exemplified in figure 21.

Theoretically, the configurations of figures 20 and 21 can be combined, for example with a first orthogonal section (50d) and a second inclined section (50e). An inclined section makes it more difficult for the articles (A) to come out and/or allows the use of containers (3) with a section that widens towards the opening (33). This last possibility can be exploited to more easily create the containers (3) by moulding and/or to limit the movement of the articles (A) when handling the containers (3) with the same opening (33).

Preferably the support system (5) comprises at least one flexible member (51, 52) to which the containers (3) are fixed so as to create the closed loop path in a simple way.

More preferably the at least one flexible member (51, 52) is a chain or a belt or a tape in the broadest sense, i.e. including mesh tapes, for example metal, roller blind, net or similar. As schematized in figure 1 the containers (3) could be directly fixed to the flexible member (51) which could be a tape, as in the case of figure 1.

However, other particularly effective and/or simple versions are possible. Preferably, as can be seen in the case of figure 9, the support system (5) comprises a first flexible member (51) with attachments (51a), a second flexible member (52) with attachments (52a), spaced from the first flexible member (51) with the containers (3) fixed to the attachments (51a, 52a) of the first flexible member (51) and of the second flexible member (52) directly or indirectly.

More preferably the support system (5) comprises connecting elements (53) and each connecting element (53) is fixed to at least one attachment (51a) of the first flexible member (51), at least one attachment (52a) of the second flexible member (52) and to a respective container (3).

Preferably each connecting element (53) is fixed to the container (3) on the opposite side of the opening (33).

The at least one flexible member (51, 52) with attachments may be, for example, a flexible member with fins; preferably, but not necessarily, a chain with fins as shown in figures 11 and 12.

Preferably each container (3) comprises a base (34), opposite the opening (33), from which the first part (31) and the second part (32) extend, which are opposite to each other with respect to the base (34). In this case it is preferable that the connecting element (53) is fixed to the base (34). For example, in the case of figure 12 the connecting element (53) is housed in correspondence with the base (34) between the protuberances observed in figure 13.

In other versions the connecting element (53) and/or the at least one flexible member (51, 52) could be used to prevent the articles (A) from slipping out. Preferably the container (3) is shaped like a pocket or basket.

Preferably the container (3) is made by moulding and has the first part (31) and the second part (32) which widen from the base (34) towards the opening (33) so as to facilitate moulding.

The advantages deriving, regardless of the particular embodiment, from a first part (31) and a second part (32) which widen towards the opening (33), as represented by the internal lines of the containers schematically represented in figure 21, have already been discussed above.

Preferably the support system (5) comprises an upper pulley or roller (54) and a lower pulley or roller (55) both of which rotate with respect to the frame (2) and are coupled to the at least one flexible member (51, 52).

Typically the upper section (50a) corresponds to the engagement section between the upper pulley or roller (54) and the at least one flexible member (51, 52) and the lower section (50b) corresponds to the engagement section between the lower pulley or roller (55) and the at least one flexible member (51, 52).

Preferably the upper pulley or roller (54) and the lower pulley or roller (55) have rotation axes that lie on the same vertical plane (V), or are superimposed, and the upper pulley or roller (54) has a smaller diameter than the lower pulley or roller (55) so that both the first section (50d) and the second section (50e) are inclined with respect to a vertical plane (V) so that the path widens towards the lower section (50b), similarly to the diagram in figure. Preferably the support system (5) comprises coupling means for coupling the lower pulley or roller (55) or the upper pulley or roller (54), more preferably the lower pulley or roller (55), to movement means (6) that are distinct, or external, to the article storage unit (1), so as to move the containers (3) with respect to the frame (2). Furthermore, the coupling means comprises a mating gear (56). Preferably the mating gear (56) is mounted on the axle of the lower pulley or roller (55) or the coupling means comprises a connecting shaft therebetween.

The handling means (6) could be carried by the frame (2), for example they could comprise a motor coupled to or integrated into the lower pulley or roller (55) or a gearmotor. These configurations have a series of negative aspects; among all the greater empty mass of the article storage unit (1), the costs, the limited time use of the motor or gearmotor and the need to have energy available.

The engine could also be carried by a self-driving or autonomous vehicle (71), with impacts on the mass of the latter, on the transportable mass and on the energy reserve.

The mating gear (56) may be configured, for example, to engage motion transmission means installed at an item loading and/or retrieval station (101, 102) (A) or another motion transmission means carried by displacement means to move the item storage unit (1), for example an automatic or autonomous driving vehicle (71).

The coupling gear (56) can be a toothed wheel, as can be seen in figures 15 and 16. The latter also show the motors (61) of the movement means (6).

Preferably the article storage unit (1) comprises containment means (11) at the lower section (50b) configured to prevent the articles (A) from escaping from the openings (33).

Thanks to the containment means (11) it is possible to determine with greater precision at least one point or area for the collection of the articles (50c).

Preferably the containment means (11) are integral with the frame (2). For example, the containment means (11) may comprise a part shaped like the path that prevents the articles (A) from escaping.

The containment means (11) may comprise or be covered with anti-friction material towards the containers (3).

Preferably the containment means (11) comprise one or more walls, for example made of sheet metal or plate or by stamping.

Preferably the article storage unit (1) comprises the door (10), arranged in the lower section (50b).

Preferably the door (10) is obtained in correspondence with the containment means (11), as visible in figure 6.

Preferably the moving means comprise a device (72) configured to open or close the door (10). The device (72) may be, for example, an actuator of a known type for automatic guided vehicles (71).

In combination or alternatively, the door (10) could be operated by an actuator of the article storage unit (1) or an actuator could be installed at the first station (101).

Preferably the loading means comprises a conveyor or conveyor, for example a conveyor belt (91), as exemplified in figure 3.

It is understood that the above has been described by way of example and not limitation, therefore any construction variants are considered to fall within the scope of protection of this technical solution, as claimed below.

Claims (11)

1) Method for picking items (A) in a warehouse (100) comprising the steps of: - provide at least one item storage unit (1) comprising a frame (2), containers (3) for items (A), an identifier (4) for each container (3) that is carried by the respective container (3) and a container support system (5) (3) that supports the containers (3) so that they are movable relative to the frame (2) in a closed loop path that has at least one item pick-up point or zone (50c); - provide means of movement (6) to move the support system (5) so as to move the containers (3) relative to the frame (2); - provide means of movement to move the at least one storage unit of articles (1); - provide articles (A); - recognize articles (A); - place the recognized items (A) in the containers (3), placing at most one item (A) in each container (3); - associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored item (A); - receive a request for a reposted item (A); - retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A); - operate the handling means (6) so as to bring the container (3) bearing the recovered identifier (4) to a collection point or area for the articles (50c). 2) Method according to the preceding claim comprising the step of providing a warehouse management system (1000) which is configured to associate the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored item (A), receive a request for a stored item (A), retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the requested item (A) and control the operation of the handling means (6). 3) Method according to claim 1 or 2 comprising the step of providing reading means for reading the identifiers (4) and the step of reading the identifier (4), both prior to the step of associating the identifier (4) of the container (3) with the stored article (A). 4) Method according to any of the preceding claims comprising the steps of: - provide receptacles (104, 105), each for receiving articles (A) from the at least one article storage unit (1); - receive an instruction to place an article (A) stored in a second receptacle (105); - retrieve the identifier (4) associated with the item (A) requested in the second receptacle (105); - move the at least one item storage unit (1) with the associated identifier (4) from a first receptacle (104) to the second receptacle (105); - operate the handling means (6) so as to bring the container (3) bearing the recovered identifier (4) to a collection point or area for the articles (50c). 5) Method according to any of the preceding claims comprising the step of: - provide loading means for loading articles (A) into containers (3) which have an article unloading area (90); where in the phase of placing the recognized articles (A) in the containers (3), the handling means (6) are activated so as to bring an empty container (3) into the article unloading area (90). 6) Warehouse (100) of items (A) including: - at least one article storage unit (1) comprising a frame (2), containers (3) for articles (A) and an identifier (4) for each container (3) which is carried by the respective container (3); - loading means for loading articles (A) into containers (3); - means of movement for moving the at least one storage unit of articles (1); - a warehouse management system (1000) comprising recognition means for recognising the articles (A) and reading means for reading the identifiers (4); where the warehouse management system (1000) is configured to associate each item (A) with the identifier (4) of the container (3) containing it, the warehouse (100) being characterised by the fact that: - the at least one article storage unit (1) comprises a container (3) support system (5) that supports the containers (3) so that they are movable relative to the frame (2) according to a closed loop path; - the warehouse (100) includes handling means (6) to move the support system (5) so as to move the containers (3) with respect to the frame (2); - the warehouse management system (1000) controls the loading means and/or the handling means (6) and is configured so that each container (3) contains at most one item (A). 7) Warehouse (100) according to the previous claim wherein the containers (3) have an opening (33) for the entry and exit of the articles (A) and wherein the support system (5) of the containers (3) brings the containers (3) so that the opening (33) faces the ground (G) in at least one point or area for the collection of the articles (50c) so that the articles (A) exit from the container (3) by gravity. 8) Warehouse (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the at least one item picking point or area (50c) is lower than the point or area of the path where the loading means loads the items (A) into the containers (3). 9) Warehouse (100) according to claim 7 or 8 comprising a door (10) for the passage of the items (A) which is in the at least one item picking point or area (50c) and which is movable between a closed position, in which it prevents passage, and an open position, in which it allows passage and wherein the warehouse management system (1000) controls the mobility of the door (10). 10) Warehouse (100) according to any of claims 6 to 9 comprising a first station (101) of the at least one item storage unit (1) wherein: - the means of movement (6) include motion transmission means installed at the first station (101) and configured to transmit motion to the support system (5) when an article storage unit (1) is in the first station (101) and/or - the reading means comprise a barcode reader (81), including two-dimensional barcodes, or a radio frequency label reader (81) installed at the first station (101). 11) A warehouse (100) according to any of the claims comprising a conveyor (106) of articles (A) and a plurality of stations (101, 102) of the at least one article storage unit (1) arranged in succession at the conveyor (106) such that the at least one article storage unit (1) places the articles (A) on the conveyor (106) when it is at a station of the plurality of stations (101, 102).