Conveyor system for automatic transport and storage of cooling boxes – PENNY MARKET

We present another successfully completed project – a conveyor system for the automatic transport and storage of thermoboxes (TK boxes) in the new modern PENNY Market logistics center in Smiřice in the Hradec Králové Region. This automated line is part of the newly opened logistics center.

Automated three-row conveyor system

The conveyor system is designed for automatic transport of special thermoboxes in three parallel rows. Loading and unloading takes place via floor sections (chain conveyor with lift) using a low-lift truck. The system is designed to handle up to three boxes at a time.

After 1–3 boxes are inserted, they are automatically transferred to the connecting chain accumulation conveyor. Once the capacity of nine boxes is filled, the entire block is moved to the end of the line, where the next cooling phase takes place.

Cooling process in the tunnel

The main task of the line is to ensure effective cooling of the thermoboxes as they pass through the cooling tunnel. The thermoboxes are placed in an empty and open tunnel. The cooling itself takes place using the outside temperature in the range of –4 °C to 0 °C.

The conveyor design is optimized to maximize the use of available space and enable uniform cooling of as many boxes as possible at the same time.

Control, safety, and integration

The line can be operated in automatic or manual mode via a clear control panel. Each of the three transport branches communicates with the superior system via separate input and output signals.

The entire system is equipped with its own safety circuit, which shuts down the entire line if necessary. Emergency STOP (ESTOP) buttons located on the RM switchboard also shut down the entire system.

The control panels include:

• line status signaling via traffic lights and a control column
• automatic mode control and signaling
• line activation and deactivation

Technical parameters

• Chain accumulation conveyor – 3 x 50 m
• Chain conveyor with lift – 3x loading/unloading á 3 m

• Conveyor speed: 0.15 m/s
• Operating temperature: –4 °C to 0 °C
• Handling units:
  • ISOTEC TBS 1070 thermobox (1200 × 869 × 1988 mm, 129 kg)
  • ISOTEC TBX 795 thermobox (954 × 829 × 1938 mm, 103 kg)

The new logistics center in Smiřice covers an area of 25,000 m², which is equivalent to approximately 3.5 football fields. It has a capacity of 24,500 pallets and will serve up to 90 regional PENNY stores.

Thanks to its strategic location between Hradec Králové and Jaroměř, the transport distances for goods to customers will be reduced by an average of 6.5%, which will not only bring greater flexibility and quality of supply, but also have a positive impact on the environment. The total CO₂ emissions savings within the logistics network will exceed 1,000 tons per year.

We are delighted that our technological solution is part of this modern logistics center and contributes to its efficient, safe, and reliable operation.

Is this an interesting project for you? If you have any questions, you can call us or send us a message.