Storage container assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage container assembly (10) comprising a storage container (20), a holder (30) and a transport container (40). The holder (30) is telescopically held within the storage container (20) and is extendable out of an opening (20o) of the storage container (20). The holder (30) has a side access opening (30so) which is exposed when the holder (30) is extended out of the storage container (20). The transport container (40) can be guided into or out of the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30). The transport container (40) is slidably holdable within the holder (30) for storage within the storage container (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container assembly. The invention also relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure. The invention also relates to a method for unloading a transport container from, or loading a transport container into, a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fig. 1 discloses a typical prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 having a framework structure 100, and Figs. 2 and 3 disclose two different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

[0003] The framework structure 100 comprises upright members 102, horizontal members 103 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102 and the horizontal members 103. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked one on top of another to form stacks 107. The members 102, 103 can typically be made of metal, e.g. extruded aluminium profiles.

[0004] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 arranged across the top of the framework structure 100, on which rail system 108 a number of container handling vehicles 201, 301 are operated to raise storage containers 106 from, and lower storage containers 106 into, the storage columns 105, and also to transport the storage containers 106 above the storage columns 105. The rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a first direction X across the top of the framework structure 100, and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Storage containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can move laterally above the storage columns 105, i.e. in a plane parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

[0005] The upright members 102 of the framework structure 100 can be used for guiding the storage containers during raising of the containers out of and lowering of the containers into the columns 105. The stacks 107 of containers 106 are typically self-supporting.

[0006] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 comprises a vehicle body 201a, 301a and a first set of wheels 201b, 301b and a second set of wheels 201c, 301c which enable the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to move laterally in the X and Y directions, respectively. In Figs. 2 and 3, two wheels from each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111. At least one set of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c can be raised and lowered such that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b and / or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c can engage with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any time.

[0007] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 further comprises lifting devices (not shown) for transporting storage containers 106 vertically, e.g. raising a storage container 106 from a storage column 105, and lowering a storage container 106 into a storage column. The lifting devices comprise one or more gripping / engaging devices adapted to engage a storage container 106, and these gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201, 301 such that the position of the gripping / engaging devices relative to the vehicle 201, 301 can be adjusted in a third direction Z which is orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y. Some parts of the gripping devices of the container handling vehicle 301 are shown in Fig. 3, denoted by reference 304. The gripping devices of the container handling device 201 are located within the vehicle body 201a in Fig. 2.

[0008] Conventionally, and also for the purposes of the present application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost level of storage containers, i.e. the level directly below the rail system 108, Z=2 identifies the second level below the rail system 108, Z=3 identifies the third level, etc. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Fig. 1, Z=8 identifies the bottommost level of storage containers. Similarly, X=1...n and Y=1...n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, as an example, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Fig. 1, the storage container identified as 106’ in Fig. 1 can be said to occupy the storage position X=10, Y=2, Z=3. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can be said to travel in level Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0009] The storage volume of the framework structure 100 is often referred to as the grid 104, where the possible storage positions within the grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column can be identified by a position in the X and Y directions, while each storage cell can be identified by a container index in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0010] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301 comprises a storage compartment or space for receiving and stowing a storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space can comprise a cavity arranged centrally within the vehicle body 201a as shown in Fig. 2 and described for example in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] Fig. 3 shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure. Such vehicles are described in detail for example in NO317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] The central cavity container handling vehicles 201 shown in Fig. 2 can have a footprint covering an area in the X and Y directions, the size of the footprint typically being equal to the lateral extent of the storage columns 105, as described for example in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term "lateral" as used herein can mean "horizontal".

[0013] Alternatively, the footprint of the central cavity container handling vehicles 101 can be larger than the lateral area defined by the storage columns 105, for example as disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1.

[0014] The rail system 108 typically comprises rails having grooves in which the wheels of the vehicles run. Alternatively, the rails can comprise upwardly projecting elements, where the wheels of the vehicles comprise flanges to prevent derailing. These grooves and upwardly projecting elements are collectively referred to as tracks. Each track can comprise one track, or each track can comprise two parallel tracks.

[0015] WO2018 / 146304, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, shows a typical configuration of a rail system 108 comprising tracks and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions.

[0016] In the framework structure 100, the majority of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e. columns 105 where storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. However, some columns 105 can have other purposes. In Fig. 1, column 119 and column 120 are such dedicated columns from where the storage containers 106 can be offloaded and / or picked by using container handling vehicles 201, 301 so that they can be transported to an access station (not shown) where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside the framework structure 100 or brought outside or inside the framework structure 100. Such locations are typically referred to as “ports” within the art, and the columns in which the ports are located can be called “port columns” 119, 120. The transportation to the access station can be in any direction, i.e. horizontally, inclined and / or vertically. For example, a storage container 106 can be placed in a random column or a dedicated column 105 within the framework structure 100, then picked by any container handling vehicle and transported to a port column 119, 120 for further transportation to an access station. It is noted that the term “inclined” means transportation of a storage container 106 with an overall transportation orientation that is somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0017] In Fig. 1, the first port column 119 can for example be a dedicated drop-off port column, where the container handling vehicles 201, 301 can drop off transported storage containers 106 to the access station or a transfer station, and the second port column 120 can be a dedicated pick-up port column, where the container handling vehicles 201, 301 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from the access station or a transfer station.

[0018] The access station can typically be a picking or a replenishment station where product items are removed from or positioned into the storage containers 106. In a picking or a replenishment station, the storage containers 106 are typically not removed from the automated storage and retrieval grid 1, but rather returned into the framework structure 100 after access. The ports can also be used for transferring storage containers to another storage facility (e.g. to another framework structure or to another automated storage and retrieval grid), to a transport vehicle (e.g. a train or a lorry), or to a production facility.

[0019] A conveyor system, typically comprising conveyors, is often employed to transport the storage containers between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

[0020] If the port columns 119, 120 and the access station are located at different horizontal levels, the conveyor system can comprise lifting devices with vertical components for transporting the storage containers 106 vertically between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

[0021] The conveyor system can be arranged to transfer the storage containers 106 between different frame structures, e.g. as described in WO2014 / 075937A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Fig. 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position and transport it to the drop-off port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to a position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is stored, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the container handling vehicle’s 201, 301 lifting device (not shown), and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e. with one or more other storage containers 106 positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the positioned above storage containers before the target storage container 106 can be lifted from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as “digging”, can be performed with the same container handling vehicle that is subsequently used for transporting the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or by one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 can have container handling vehicles 201, 301 that are dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from storage columns 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage containers 106 can be repositioned into the original storage column 105. However, alternatively the removed storage containers 106 can be repositioned into other storage columns 105.

[0023] When a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pick-up port column 120 and transport it to a position above the storage column 105 into which the storage container 106 is to be stored. After any storage containers 106 positioned at or above the target position within the stack 107 have been removed, the container handling vehicle 201, 301 positions the storage container 106 at the desired position. The removed storage containers 106 can then be lowered back into the storage column 105, or repositioned into other storage columns 105.

[0024] For monitoring and controlling the automated storage and retrieval system 1, e.g. monitoring and controlling the positions of the respective storage containers 106 within the framework structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 so that a desired storage container 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a control system 500, which is typically computerized and which typically includes a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

[0025] NO 344750 describes an unloading apparatus, an unloading station, and a method of unloading an item from a storage container, the unloading apparatus comprising: a transport vehicle; a storage container carried by the transport vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while the storage container is carried by the transport vehicle in an automated storage and retrieval system. The unloading station comprises: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item to the destination conveyor through a side opening of the storage container. The item can here be a product item or a shipping package in which one or more product items are packaged for shipping.

[0026] It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage container assembly having a storage container in which transport containers can be stored.

[0027] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated storage system in which such a storage container assembly can be used. SUMMARY

[0028] The present invention relates to a storage container assembly comprising:

[0029] - a storage container comprising a base and four walls extending upwards from edges of the base, thereby defining a top opening of the storage container;

[0030] - a transport container comprising a base and four walls extending upwards from edges of the base;

[0031] - a holder for the transport container, the holder being telescopably retained within the storage container and extendable from the opening of the storage container, the holder having a side access opening which is exposed when the holder is extended from the storage container, wherein the transport container can be guided into or out of the side access opening of the holder, and wherein the transport container can be slidably retained within the holder for storage within the storage container.

[0032] In one aspect, four walls extending upwardly from the edges of the base define a top opening of the transport container, allowing access to the transport container through the top opening of the storage container. However, the transport container can also have a closed top, in which case the interior of the transport container cannot be accessed. The closed top can be provided by a lid. The closed top can also be provided by a flip-top of the transport container, which folds over the top opening and is secured to the transport container.

[0033] In one aspect, the holder comprises a plurality of vertical members coupled to each other, which are movably engaged with and guided by the vertical guides of the storage container.

[0034] In one aspect, the holder comprises a top frame and a bottom frame, wherein the plurality of vertical members are coupled to each other and held in vertical alignment by the top frame and the bottom frame.

[0035] In one aspect, the vertical members comprise a plurality of spaced-apart vertical ribs or columns. In one aspect, the vertical members are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the holder. The holder can be considered a cage. Alternatively, or as an alternative to the top frame and the bottom frame, or in addition to the top frame and the bottom frame, each vertical member can be connected to the next vertical member by a vertical plate element, e.g. formed as part of a plate.

[0036] In one aspect, the top frame and the bottom frame are rectangular.

[0037] In one aspect, the bottom frame can have a central opening or can be provided as a plate without an opening. The top frame has a central opening to provide access to the contents of the transport container.

[0038] In one aspect, the holder comprises horizontal guides for guiding the transport container into or out of the side access opening of the holder.

[0039] In one aspect, the horizontal guides are provided by the bottom frame, guiding the base of the transport container.

[0040] In one aspect, the horizontal guides are provided by guide features provided as part of the respective vertical members, wherein the guide features are movably engaged with corresponding guide features provided as part of two of the plurality of walls of the transport container.

[0041] The guide features of the vertical members and the guide features of the transport container can comprise grooves, protrusions, etc. to allow horizontal movement of the transport container relative to the holder, while preventing relative vertical movement of the transport container relative to the holder.

[0042] In one aspect, the storage container assembly is configured to have the following states:

[0043] - a first state in which the transport container is held within the holder, and in which first state the holder is telescopically held in the storage container;

[0044] - a second state in which the transport container is held within the holder, and in which second state the holder is telescopically extended out of the storage container together with the transport container;

[0045] - a third state in which the transport container has been at least partially horizontally guided from the side access opening in the holder.

[0046] Preferably, in the third state the transport container has been fully removed from the side access opening in the holder and is detached from the holder and the storage container.

[0047] Before the holder is telescopically held into the storage container, the holder can be reloaded with the same or different transport container. The storage container assembly is then considered to be in the first state again.

[0048] Alternatively, the holder can be telescopically held in the storage container without any transport container. The storage container with the holder can then be used in the same way as the known storage container until it is required to receive a transport container again using the storage container with the holder. In yet another alternative, the holder 30 can also be removed from the storage container 20 before the storage container is used like the known storage container. The storage container can be a prior art storage container. Thus, an existing storage container can be retrofitted with the holder and the transport container.

[0049] Thus, the storage container assembly achieves flexibility in its use. The holder takes up little space of the storage container, thereby achieving efficient storage both when storing product items in the transport container and when storing product items directly in the storage container.

[0050] In an aspect, the storage container of the storage container assembly comprises upper and lower stack engagement parts similar to the known storage container, thereby allowing the storage container assembly to be stacked in the same formation as the storage containers. It is noted that when stacked, the storage container assembly is in its first state.

[0051] In an aspect, the storage container of the storage container assembly comprises a connection engagement part configured to be connected to a container handling vehicle. Thus, the storage container assembly can be moved by the container handling vehicle in the same way as the storage container.

[0052] The present invention also relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure, wherein the framework structure comprises:

[0053] - upright members;

[0054] - a storage volume comprising storage columns arranged between the upright members, wherein storage containers are stacked in stacks within the storage columns;

[0055] - a rail system arranged on top of the upright members;

[0056] - a container handling vehicle arranged for moving on the rail system;

[0057] characterized in that:

[0058] - the storage container assemblies according to any of claims 1 to 7 are stacked in stacks, and the storage container assemblies are handled by the container handling vehicle in the same way as the storage containers.

[0059] In an aspect, the system further comprises a loading station and / or an unloading station, the loading station and / or the unloading station comprising:

[0060] - a first actuator for telescopically extending the holder relative to the storage container;

[0061] - a second actuator for moving the transport container relative to the holder.

[0062] The unloading station can be a separate station from the loading station. Preferably, the station is an unloading station and a loading station, at which both unloading and loading is performed.

[0063] As mentioned above, the loading station and / or the unloading station can be used to retrofit an automated storage and retrieval system in a simple manner.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a method for unloading a transport container from a storage container or for loading a transport container into a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0065] - moving the storage container from a storage position of the storage container to an unloading station and / or a loading station;

[0066] - extending a holder through a top opening of the storage container;

[0067] - guiding a transport container into and / or out of a side access opening of the holder.

[0068] In an aspect, the holder extends through the top opening of the storage container in a vertical direction. The transport container is guided into or out of the side access opening of the holder horizontally.

[0069] It is noted that the storage containers and the transport containers are typically "top open" type containers, i.e. containers whose contents are accessed through an opening in the top of the container, and wherein the contents will fall out when the container is inverted. Therefore, the base of the container is typically oriented horizontally or approximately horizontally with respect to the ground to avoid the contents from falling out. The term "horizontal" here refers to the orientation of the container in normal use. The term "vertical" refers to the orientation of the container perpendicular to the horizontal orientation in normal use.

[0070] The transport container can be a container for transporting product items from the automated storage and retrieval system to a next destination. The next destination can be for example a grocery store using standardized transport containers. Such transport containers are also referred to as totes. Alternatively, the transport container can be a container for vertical farming of agriculture. In yet another alternative, the transport container can also be a packaging container, for example a cardboard box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] The following drawings are appended in order to facilitate the understanding of the present application. The drawings show embodiments of the present application, which will now be described by way of example only, and in which:

[0072] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.

[0073] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally arranged cavity for carrying a storage container therein.

[0074] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying a storage container thereunder.

[0075] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art storage container having an internal recess, which can be used for an internal partition wall, dividing a storage compartment within the container into smaller sub-compartments.

[0076] Figure 5 A perspective view of the storage container assembly in a first state is shown.

[0077] Figure 6 A perspective view of the storage container assembly in a second state is shown.

[0078] Figure 7 A perspective view of the storage container assembly in a third state is shown.

[0079] Figure 8a A side view of the transport container is shown.

[0080] Figure 8b A side view of the rib structure is shown.

[0081] Figure 8c A side view of a storage container is shown.

[0082] Figure 9a A side view of a storage container assembly in a first state is shown.

[0083] Figure 9b A side view of a storage container assembly in a second state is shown.

[0084] Figure 9c A side view of a storage container assembly in a third state is shown.

[0085] Figure 9d A side view of a storage container assembly in a fourth state is shown.

[0086] Figures 10a to 10c A loading / unloading station is shown, wherein actuators are used to move the assemblies between their respective states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] In the following, embodiments of the present application will be discussed in more detail by referring to the attached drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings solely illustrate the subject matter of the present application and are therefore not intended to restrict the application to the subject matter illustrated in the drawings.

[0088] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed according to the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with Figs. 1-3, i.e. a plurality of upright members 102 and a plurality of horizontal members 103, which are supported by the upright members 102, and the framework structure 100 further comprises a first upper rail system 108 in the X- and Y-directions.

[0089] The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 arranged between the members 102, 103, wherein storage containers 106 can be stacked within the storage columns 105 in the form of stacks 107.

[0090] The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it should be understood that the framework structure can be wider and / or longer and / or deeper than the framework structure disclosed in Fig. 1. For example, the framework structure 100 can have a horizontal extent of more than 700x700 columns, and a storage depth of more than 12 containers.

[0091] First, reference is made to Fig. 4, which illustrates a prior art storage container 106 comprising a base 106a and four walls 106b, 106c extending upwardly from the edges of the base 106a, thereby defining a top opening 106o of the storage container 106. On the inner surfaces of the walls 106b, 106c, internal vertical recesses 106r are formed. These internal vertical recesses can be used for internal partition walls, dividing the storage compartments within the storage container 106 into smaller sub-compartments.

[0092] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 wherein a storage container assembly 10 is illustrated. The storage container assembly 10 comprises three main components, namely a storage container 20, a holder 30 and a transport container 40.

[0093] Storage container 20

[0094] The storage container 20 comprises a base 20a and four walls 20b, 20c extending upwardly from the edges of the base 20a, thereby defining a top opening 20o of the storage container 20. The storage container 20 can be a known storage container 106 as described above and as illustrated in Fig. 4. However, the storage container 20 can also be a different storage container 20 than the known storage container 106.

[0095] In this embodiment, two walls 20b comprise vertical guides 20r. These vertical guides are similar to the internal vertical recesses 106r of the known storage container 106. However, the vertical guides 20r can also have a different shape than the recesses, they can for example protrude from the walls 20b instead of being shaped as recesses inside the walls 20b.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, there are no recesses or protrusions and the guiding function of the vertical guides 20r is provided by the inner surfaces of the walls 20b, 20c.

[0097] The storage container 20 comprises upper and lower stacking interfaces SI similar to the known storage container 106, thereby allowing the storage container assembly 10 to be stacked in the same form of stacks 107 as the storage containers 106. This configuration of the stacking interfaces SI is considered to be known prior art and is not described in further detail.

[0098] The storage container 20 comprises a connection interface CI configured to be connected to a container handling vehicle 201, 301. Thus, the storage container assembly 10 can be moved by the container handling vehicle 201, 301 in the same way as the storage container 106. The connection interface CI is considered to be known prior art and is not described in further detail.

[0099] Transport container 40

[0100] The transport container 40 comprises a base 40a and four walls 40b, 40c extending upwardly from the edges of the base 40a, thereby defining a top opening 40o of the transport container 40. In Figure 7 and Figure 8a In the embodiment shown in

[0101] Holder 30

[0102] The holder 30 comprises a plurality of vertical members 30vr coupled to each other by a rectangular bottom frame 30bf and a rectangular top frame 30tf. The vertical members 30vr are thus coupled to each other and held in vertical alignment by the top frame 30tf and the bottom frame 30bf.

[0103] The vertical members 30vr comprise a plurality of spaced apart vertical ribs or columns, wherein their lower ends are coupled to the bottom frame 30bf and their upper ends are coupled to the top frame 30tf. The vertical members 30vr are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the holder 30.

[0104] It can be seen in Figure 7 that the holder 30 resembles a cage-like structure.

[0105] The top frame 30tf defines a top opening 30to (indicated in dashed lines in Figure 6 to allow access to the transport container from the top. The holder 30 further defines two side access openings 30so, a first side access opening is indicated in Figure 6 (dashed lines, left side access opening) and a second side access opening is indicated in Figure 7 (right side access opening).

[0106] In this embodiment, the vertical members 30vr are movably engaged with and guided by the internal vertical recesses 20r of the storage container 20. The vertical members 30vr of the holder 30 and / or the storage container 20 can comprise stops, indicated in Figure 9c 20st and 30st, for preventing the holder 30 from being fully extended out of the storage container 20. Figure 9c The maximum extension of the holder 30 relative to the storage container 20 is shown.

[0107] Preferably, the holder 30 can be retrofitted into a known storage container 106.

[0108] Operation of the storage container assembly

[0109] The operation of the storage container assembly 10 will now be described.

[0110] Reference is now made to Figure 5 and Figure 9a Here, the first state S1 is shown. At this time, the transport container 40 is held within the holder 30, and the holder 30 with the transport container 40 is held within the storage container 20.

[0111] Reference is now made to Figure 6 and Figure 9b Here, the second state S2 is shown. At this time, the transport container 40 is held within the holder 30. As indicated by arrow A in Figure 9b , the holder 30 is extended from the storage container 20 together with the transport container 40. Since the outer surface of the holder 30 here slides along the inner surface of the storage container 20, this is referred to as a telescopic extension of the holder 30 from the storage container 20.

[0112] Reference is now made to Figure 7 and Figure 9c Here, the third state S3 is shown. As indicated by arrow B in Figure 9c , the transport container 40 has been guided out of the holder 30 from the side access opening 30so. The transport container 40 is here slidably movable relative to the holder 30, either by the base 40a slidingly engaging the bottom frame 30bf, or by the guiding features 40gm of the transport container 40 slidingly engaging the guiding features 30gm of the vertical members 30vr of the holder 30.

[0113] Thus, similar to a drawer, the transport container 40 can be taken out of and inserted into the holder 30.

[0114] It is noted that the side access openings 30so are only exposed when the holder 30 is extended out of the storage container 20, i.e. in the second state S2 and the third state S3. In the first state S1, the two side access openings 30so are obstructed by the wall 20c of the storage container 20.

[0115] As is apparent from the figures, the movement in direction A is a vertical movement, while the movement in direction B is a horizontal movement.

[0116] Before the holder 30 is telescopically held in the storage container 20, the holder 30 can again be loaded with the same or different transport containers 40. The storage container assembly is at this time considered to be again in the first state.

[0117] Alternatively, the holder 30 can be telescopically held in the storage container 20 without any shipping container 40. The storage container 20 with the holder 30 can then be used in the same way as the known storage container 106 until it is needed again for receiving a shipping container 40 with the holder. In yet another alternative, the holder 30 can also be removed from the storage container 20 before the storage container is used like the known storage container 106.

[0118] Unloading and / or loading station 80

[0119] Reference is now made to Figure 10a and Figure 10b wherein an unloading and / or loading station 80 is schematically illustrated. Also illustrated are the storage container 20, the holder 30 and the shipping container 40 of the storage container assembly 10.

[0120] The unloading and / or loading station 80 comprises a first position 81 which can be a position 81 located on a conveyor or other type of carriage for the storage container 20 to allow the holder to be pulled or pushed upwards from the storage container 20. In this first position, the holder 30 is pulled or pushed upwards from the storage container 20 in direction A by the first actuator 61. The same first actuator 61 can be used to lower the holder 30 again into the storage container 20. It is noted that in order to push the holder 30 upwards from the storage container 20, the base of the storage container 20 can be provided with one or more holes to allow the actuator 61 to push the holder 30 upwards.

[0121] The unloading and / or loading station 80 comprises a second position 82 which can be a position for receiving a shipping container 40 from the holder 30 located on a conveyor or other type of carriage. Here the second actuator 62 is used to pull (alternatively push) the shipping container 40 out of the holder 30. The same actuator 62 can be used to insert a different or the same shipping container 40 again into the holder 30.

[0122] As an example, the shipping container can be a carton wherein the flap of the carton is temporarily folded sideways to be in contact with the outer surface of the carton. At this moment, the shipping container has a top opening to allow the products to be filled into the shipping container at the port. When all product items are filled into the shipping container, the shipping container can be transported to the unloading and / or loading station 80. In the second position 82, the flap can be folded upwards to cover the top opening and the flap can be fixed in this position by means of tape, adhesive, the properties of the flap (e.g. a folded top type of flap). Alternatively, the lid is fastened to the shipping container. This closing process can be performed automatically.

[0123] The now closed transport container can be immediately inserted back into the holder 30 and further back into the storage container and can be transported to a stack for storage or can be transported to a dispatch or transport location.

[0124] Reference is now made to Figure 10c The unloading and / or loading station 80 comprises here in addition to the first position 81 and the second position 82 also a third position 83. Here, the first transport container 40 is pushed from the third position 83 into the holder 30 in the direction B using the second actuator 62. The second transport container 40 previously located in the holder 30 will at this point be pushed out of the holder 30 by the first transport container 40 to reach the second position 82.

[0125] In the foregoing description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the overall scope of the application can be practiced without combining all of the features. Indeed, other embodiments of the present application can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the description below refers to "an" element in the singular sense and also in the plural sense, meaning that a single element or item or multiple elements or items can be used.

[0126] List of reference signs

[0127] 1 Prior art automated storage and retrieval system

[0128] 10 Storage container assembly

[0129] 20 Storage container

[0130] 20 Transport container

[0131] 20a Base

[0132] 20b, 20c Four walls

[0133] 20o Top opening

[0134] 20r Vertical guide

[0135] 30 Holder

[0136] 30bf Bottom frame

[0137] 30gm Horizontal guide

[0138] 30so Side access opening

[0139] 30tf Top frame

[0140] 30vr Vertical member

[0141] 30to Top opening

[0142] 40 transport container

[0143] 40a base

[0144] 40b, 40c four walls

[0145] 40gm guide feature

[0146] 40o top opening

[0147] 61 first actuator

[0148] 62 second actuator

[0149] 80 unloading and / or loading station

[0150] 81 first position

[0151] 82 second position

[0152] 83 third position

[0153] 100 framework structure

[0154] 102 upright members of the framework structure

[0155] 103 horizontal members of the framework structure

[0156] 104 storage grid

[0157] 105 storage column

[0158] 106 storage container

[0159] 106’ specific location of a storage container

[0160] 107 stack

[0161] 108 rail system

[0162] 110 parallel rails in a first direction (X)

[0163] 111 parallel rails in a second direction (Y)

[0164] 112 access opening

[0165] 119 first port column

[0166] 120 second port column

[0167] 201 container handling vehicle of the prior art

[0168] 201a vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201

[0169] 201b Drive means / wheel arrangement in first direction (X)

[0170] 201c Drive means / wheel arrangement in second direction (Y)

[0171] 301 Prior art cantilevered container handling vehicle

[0172] 301a Vehicle body of container handling vehicle 301

[0173] 301b Drive means in first direction (X)

[0174] 301c Drive means in second direction (Y)

[0175] 304 Gripper device

[0176] 500 Control system

[0177] CI Connection joint

[0178] S1 First state

[0179] S2 Second state

[0180] S3 Third state

[0181] SI Stack joint

[0182] X First direction

[0183] Y Second direction

[0184] Z Third direction

Claims

1. A storage container assembly (10) for an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure (100), wherein The framework structure (100) comprises: - upright members (102); - a storage volume comprising storage columns (105) arranged between the upright members (102), wherein storage containers (106) are stacked in stacks (107) in the storage columns (105); - a rail system (108) arranged on top of the upright members (102); - container handling vehicles (201, 203) arranged for moving on the rail system (108); and wherein the storage container assembly (10) comprises: - a storage container (20) comprising a base (20a) and four walls (20b, 20c) extending upwardly from edges of the base (20a), thereby defining a top opening (20o) of the storage container (20); - a transport container (40) comprising a base (40a) and four walls (40b, 40c) extending upwardly from edges of the base (40a); - a holder (30) for the transport container (40), the holder (30) being telescopably held within the storage container (20) and being extendable out of the opening (20o) of the storage container (20), and the holder (30) having a side access opening (30so) which is exposed when the holder (30) is extended out of the storage container (20), wherein the transport container (40) is guidable into or out of the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30), and wherein the transport container (40) is slidably holdable within the holder (30) for storage within the storage container (20).

2. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein, The holder (30) comprises a plurality of vertical members (30vr) coupled to each other, the vertical members (30vr) being movably engaged with and guided by vertical guides (20r) of the storage container (20).

3. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein, The holder (30) comprises a top frame (30tf) and a bottom frame (30bf), wherein the plurality of vertical members (30vr) are coupled to each other and held in vertical alignment by the top frame (30tf) and the bottom frame (30bf).

4. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein, The top frame (30tf) and the bottom frame (30bf) are rectangular.

5. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein, The holder (30) comprises horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) for guiding the transport container (40) into or out of the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30).

6. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein, The holder (30) comprises horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) for guiding the transport container (40) into or out of the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30).

7. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein, The horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) are provided by the bottom frame (30bf), thereby guiding the base (40a) of the transport container (40).

8. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 5, wherein, The horizontal guide (30gm; 30bf) is provided by a guide feature (30gm) provided as part of the respective vertical member (30vr), wherein the guide feature (30gm) is movably engaged with a corresponding guide feature (40gm) provided as part of two walls (40b) of the transport container (40).

9. The storage container assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein, The horizontal guide (30gm; 30bf) is provided by a guide feature (30gm) provided as part of the respective vertical member (30vr), wherein the guide feature (30gm) is movably engaged with a corresponding guide feature (40gm) provided as part of two walls (40b) of the transport container (40).

10. The storage container assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The storage container assembly (10) is configured to have the following states: - a first state (SI) in which the transport container (40) is held within the holder (30), and in which the holder (30) is telescopically held in the storage container (20); - a second state (S2) in which the transport container (40) is held within the holder (30), and in which the holder (30) is telescopically extended out of the storage container (20) together with the transport container (40); and - a third state (S3) in which the transport container (40) has been at least partially horizontally guided out of the side access opening (30so) in the holder (30).

11. An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a framework structure (100), wherein The framework structure (100) comprises: - upright members (102); - storage volumes comprising storage columns (105) provided between the upright members (102), wherein storage containers (106) are stacked in stacks (107) in the storage columns (105); - a rail system (108) provided on top of the upright members (102); - container handling vehicles (201, 203) arranged for moving on the rail system (108); characterized in that: - storage container assemblies (10) according to any of the claims 1-10 are stacked in the stacks (107), and the storage container assemblies are handled by the container handling vehicles (201, 203) in the same way as the storage containers (106).

12. The automated storage and retrieval system (1) according to claim 11, wherein The system (1) further comprises a loading and / or unloading station (80) comprising: - a first actuator (61) for telescopically extending the holder (30) out relative to the storage container (20); and - a second actuator (62) for moving the transport container (40) relative to the holder (30).

13. Method for unloading a transport container (40) from or for loading the transport container (40) into a storage container (20) of an automated storage and retrieval system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein The method comprises the steps of: - moving the storage container (20) from a storage position of the storage container to a loading and / or unloading station (80); - extending the holder (30) through the top opening (20o) of the storage container (20); - guiding the transport container (40) into and / or out of the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30).

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