Storage system and storage container

Abstract

A storage container (828) for storing one or more items in a storage and retrieval system comprising a rail system including a first set and a second set of horizontal parallel rails forming a grid pattern including a plurality of grid spaces and a stack of storage containers located below the rail system, and wherein each stack occupies a single grid space. The storage container includes a metal container body (829) including a base portion (830) formed as a single unitary body and having a container bottom wall (814) and upwardly standing base side and end wall portions (841) to define a tray, and a separate upper portion having upper side and end wall portions (832, 836) extending upwardly from and connected to the respective base side and end wall portions (841) to form a box-like structure having an open end for receiving one or more items within the box-like structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of storage systems and storage containers for such storage systems, wherein the storage system includes a load processing device that runs on a track above a grid frame structure and is used to process storage containers stacked in the grid frame structure. Background Technology

[0002] Some industrial and commercial activities require systems capable of storing and retrieving large quantities of different products. One known system for storing and retrieving goods from multiple product lines involves stacking storage containers (also called boxes or crates) on top of each other, with the stacks arranged in rows. Storage containers are removed from the stacks and accessed from above by a load handling device, eliminating the need for passageways between rows and thus allowing a large number of containers to be stored within a given space.

[0003] WO2015 / 185628A describes a storage and fulfillment system in which a stack of storage containers is arranged within a grid frame structure. The containers are accessible via a load handling device that runs on a track atop the grid frame structure.

[0004] In such storage systems, storage containers are typically made of thermoplastic materials and can be formed by methods such as injection molding or blow molding. Examples of thermoplastic materials include polypropylene, polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate.

[0005] The problem with using storage containers made of thermoplastic materials in the aforementioned storage systems is that they are highly flammable and release toxic gases. Given that a storage system may contain thousands of storage containers, a fire involving these containers would pose a significant risk.

[0006] This application claims priority to UK patents GB2106170.0, filed on 29 April 2021, and GB2201849.3, filed on 11 February 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0007] By using metal to manufacture the storage container, this invention has alleviated the aforementioned problems. Compared to plastic materials, using metal to manufacture the storage container allows it to withstand higher temperatures before decomposition in the event of a fire and releases little or no toxic gases. Furthermore, more of the material in the storage container is easily recyclable, making the storage container of this invention more environmentally friendly. Using metal to manufacture the storage container also provides a robust structure that allows the storage containers to be stacked on top of each other in a storage and retrieval system. This invention provides a storage container for storing one or more goods in a storage and retrieval system comprising a first set of parallel tracks or rails and a second set of parallel tracks or rails extending transversely to the first set of parallel tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern. The grid pattern includes a plurality of grid spaces or grid cells and a plurality of stacks of storage containers located below the track system, wherein each stack of the plurality of storage container stacks occupies a single grid space or grid cell. The storage container includes a metal container body, which includes a base portion and a separate upper portion. The base portion is formed as a single, single body and has a container bottom wall and upwardly extending base sidewalls and endwalls to define a pallet. The separate upper portion has upper sidewalls and endwalls extending upward from and connecting to the respective base sidewalls and endwalls of the base portion to form a box-like structure. The box-like structure has an open end to receive one or more goods within the box-like structure.

[0008] According to the present invention, a plurality of storage container stacks are provided, wherein each storage container in the plurality of storage container stacks includes a metal container body, the metal container body including a container bottom wall and opposing side walls and end walls extending upwards. Each stack of the plurality of metal storage container stacks is located below a track system and occupies a single grid space or grid cell. The metal container body may form part of the storage container, that is, the metal container body is the storage container, or it may be a separate part of the storage container, that is, the metal container body forms part of the storage container, such as a metal liner.

[0009] Typically, storage containers in the art are made of plastic as a single, unified entity. Given that storage and retrieval systems often require thousands of these containers, they occupy considerable space during transport, resulting in significant transportation costs. Making storage containers fire-resistant and easily transportable at low cost has been a challenge in the industry. This invention alleviates this problem by providing a metal container body, wherein each of a plurality of storage containers has a base portion formed as a single entity and a separate upper portion connected to the base portion to form a box-like structure. The upper portion can be separated from the base portion for disassembly. This makes the storage containers easier to pack, and the metal container occupies less volume when disassembled compared to its assembled state. Specifically, the base portion can be stacked due to its structure, which includes a container bottom wall defining a tray and upward-standing base sidewalls and end walls. Therefore, at least a portion of the metal container body can be stacked when the metal container is disassembled.

[0010] One or more robotic load handling devices operating on a track system and including a container receiving space are capable of lifting and lowering storage containers such that, when positioned above at least one stack of a plurality of storage container stacks occupying a grid cell, the lifting mechanism is configured to lift at least one storage container from at least one stack of the plurality of storage container stacks into the container receiving space. Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a gripper device configured to releasably grip the storage container in use and lift the storage container from at least one stack of the plurality of metal storage container stacks into the container receiving space. To enable the gripper device to releasably grip the storage container, optionally, the gripper device includes at least two gripper elements that can engage with a peripheral edge surrounding an open end of the storage container. Preferably, the edge includes one or more openings or recesses so that each of the one or more gripper elements can be received in one or more openings or recesses on the edge of the storage container. Preferably, the peripheral edge (also referred to as the edge portion) extends at least partially around the periphery of the box-like structure, and the edge portion includes one or more openings or recesses for engaging with the gripper device of the load handling device. An edge portion may be provided on the upper edge of the upper sidewall and / or upper endwall. In addition to allowing one or more gripper elements to be attached to the storage container, the edge portion increases the structural rigidity of the storage container. Optionally, the edge portion is separately connected to the upper sidewall and / or endwall. This allows the metal container to be assembled in a modular manner and allows the edge portion to be formed of a different material than the rest of the upper sidewall and / or upper endwall, thereby optionally reducing weight.

[0011] The terms "upper sidewall portion," "upper sidewall section," and "upper sidewall" are used interchangeably in this patent application. Similarly, the terms "upper end wall portion," "upper end wall section," and "upper end wall" are used interchangeably in this patent application. The terms "lower sidewall portion," "upwardly erected base sidewall portion," and "base sidewall portion" are used interchangeably in this patent application. Similarly, the terms "lower end wall portion," "upwardly erected base end wall portion," and "base end wall portion" are used interchangeably in this patent application.

[0012] The single, individual body of the base section provides a leak-proof pallet to prevent juices from one or more goods (primarily grocery goods) stored in the storage container from contaminating one or more goods stored in adjacent storage containers in the stack.

[0013] To enable multiple storage containers to be stacked on top of each other, the edge portion optionally includes a projecting lip that curves inward and / or outward from the upper sidewall and / or endwall to support the bottom wall of the upper adjacent storage container in the stack. Each storage container in the stack can thus be stacked. The inward and / or outward-curving projecting lip allows the bottom wall of the upper vertically adjacent storage container in the stack to rest on the projecting lip, preventing the contents of the lower storage container from being crushed, damaged, or soiled by the bottom wall of the vertically adjacent storage container. Depending on whether the projecting lip protrudes inward or outward from the sidewall and endwall of the storage container, the projecting lip provides a supporting surface for the bottom wall of the adjacent storage container immediately above it, so that the bottom wall of the adjacent storage container is supported on the edge of the storage container.

[0014] The upper portion of the storage container is separated from the base portion, and thus separated from at least one of the upper sidewalls and / or end walls, making at least a portion of the metal container body easier to pack. Separation from the upper sidewalls and / or end walls includes, but is not limited to, physical separation of at least one edge or end of the upper sidewalls and / or end walls from each other. This includes physical separation of the upper sidewalls and / or end walls from the bottom wall of the container. In the event of damage to any wall, the separable nature of the upper sidewalls and / or end walls also allows different parts of the storage container to be replaced. In the event of damage to any wall, this not only saves the cost of replacing the entire storage container but is also more environmentally friendly, as any part of the storage container can be replaced with spare parts. Optionally, the upper sidewall portion is individually secured to the end wall portion.

[0015] Similarly, to allow one or more storage containers to be stacked on top of each other without soiling the contents of the storage container below in the stack, the metal container body of the storage container may include a plurality of stops protruding into the storage container inlet and located at diagonally opposite corners of the storage container to support the bottom container walls of adjacent storage containers in the stack. These stops are spaced apart above the container bottom walls to prevent the bottom walls of adjacent storage containers above in the stack from soiling one or more items inside the storage container. For example, the storage container may include two or more stops located at diagonally opposite corners of the storage container. The two or more stops protrude inward into the storage container inlet and are shaped to support the bottom container walls of adjacent storage containers in the stack. The two or more stops may be spaced apart above the container bottom walls and at diagonally opposite corners of the metal container body to prevent adjacent storage containers directly above the storage container from crushing or soiling their contents. Typically, a fully loaded storage container weighs up to 35 kg. 30 kg represents the weight of the goods or cargo, while 5 kg is the normal weight of the storage container. For a stack consisting of twenty fully loaded storage containers, the load borne by the containers in the stack will reach 700 kg (6867 Newtons). To enhance the support of adjacent storage containers in the stack, stops are included at all four corners of the storage containers. The stops can be integrally formed with the metal container body, for example, notches located at diagonally opposite corners of the storage containers.

[0016] In some specific embodiments of the storage and retrieval system, there may be a large number of robotic payload handling devices traveling on a track system, wherein the mesh frame structure comprises a large number of storage containers in a stack. The large number of storage containers used in the storage and retrieval system can obstruct airflow in or near the central area of ​​the system. Furthermore, this hinders the cooling of the storage containers and their contents stored in the system. This may be due to the contents of the storage containers and / or to prevent overheating of the contents. To mitigate this problem, optionally, at least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or endwalls includes a plurality of vents. In at least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or endwalls, one or more vents allow cold air to circulate within the storage containers stored in the stack. For example, in a refrigerated area where cold air circulates in a stack of multiple storage containers, one or more vents in at least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or endwalls allow cold air to circulate within the storage containers to keep the contents of the containers cool. Furthermore, the high thermal conductivity of metal allows heat to be easily conducted to the sidewalls and endwalls of the storage containers. This helps maintain the internal space of the storage container at the same temperature as the outside. Therefore, the relatively high conductivity of the side and end walls of the storage container compared to containers made of insulating plastic allows any cooling from outside the storage container stack to be rapidly conducted into the internal space. However, the presence of one or more vents in the upward-standing opposing side and / or end walls is optional. The advantage of having solid, upward-standing side and end walls is that it prevents the spread of fire between one or more storage container stacks in the storage and retrieval system.

[0017] Ideally, the weight of the storage container should only account for a small fraction of the weight of its contents. Typically, storage containers in the art weigh approximately 5 kg. This is to prevent the lifting mechanism, including the lifting motor, from bearing the weight of the storage container, and also allows for the storage of heavier contents. Typically, the lifting motor is designed to lift a predetermined weight; beyond this weight, the motor struggles to lift the entire storage container. To keep the weight of the storage container relatively low, optionally, at least a portion of the metal container body is formed from a folded sheet metal blank, so that at least a portion of the metal container body can be folded, meaning it can be easily transported and assembled for use. The foldability of at least a portion of the metal container body also allows multiple storage containers to be packaged and transported (e.g., from a supplier or another storage and retrieval system) and assembled for use. To allow the storage container to be assembled from a sheet metal blank, optionally, at least one of the upwardly erected side walls is pivotally connected to at least one of the upwardly erected end walls via a movable hinge.

[0018] Alternatively, the sidewalls and endwalls can be assembled separately to form the walls of a storage container having a box-like structure and an open top or inlet. To assemble at least one sidewall and endwall separately, at least one upper sidewall portion is connected to at least one upper endwall portion. To securely connect at least one upper sidewall portion to at least one upper endwall portion, optionally, at least one upper sidewall portion and / or at least one upper endwall portion includes at least one flange for securingly connecting at least one upper sidewall portion to at least one upper endwall portion. Each flange can be configured to either overlap or lie below an adjacent flange. The flange of at least one upper sidewall portion can be securely connected to the flange of at least one upper endwall portion by using adhesives or by welding or riveting. Specifically, the flanges of the upper sidewall portion and / or the upper endwall portion can be fastened together by a mechanical clinching process. Alternatively, at least one upper sidewall portion can be releasably connected to at least one upper endwall portion by a snap-fit ​​joint or interlocking joint. For example, a snap-fit ​​joint can be based on a cantilever joint. Similarly, the interlocking connector can be a toggle latch.

[0019] Optionally, each corner of the metal container body includes a plurality of overlapping layers. These overlapping layers reinforce the corners of the metal container body to withstand the load of one or more storage containers placed on top, particularly when the storage container, including the metal container body, is placed in a stack of storage containers. Thus, the corners of the metal storage container are rigidified by the overlapping layers. There may be two, three, or four overlapping layers at each corner.

[0020] Optionally, the storage container further includes guides located at each corner of the storage container for aligning the gripper device of the load handling apparatus. The guides facilitate alignment of the gripper device with openings or recesses in the edge portion of the metal container. The guides may be formed by elongated vertical recesses in the flanges of the upper sidewall and / or endwall. To grip the storage container, the gripper device uses guide pins near or at each corner, which engage with corresponding openings or recesses at the four corners of the storage container.

[0021] Optionally, at least a portion of the metal container body is formed from a deep-drawn metal sheet, wherein the metal sheet is stretched in a forming die by the mechanical action of a punch.

[0022] Alternatively, only a portion of the metal container body is formed from a deep-drawn metal sheet. This allows the remaining portion of the metal container body to be folded as described above for easy transport. At least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls includes an upper sidewall portion and a lower sidewall portion, and / or at least one of the upwardly erected opposing endwalls includes an upper endwall portion and a lower endwall portion. Preferably, the deep-drawn metal sheet forms the shallower portion of the metal container body, such that the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and endwalls in the shallower portion of the metal container body form opposing lower sidewall portions and lower endwall portions of the metal container body. Optionally, the upper sidewall portion and at least one of the upper endwall portions are pivotally attached to respective lower sidewall portions of the metal container body, and / or at least one of the upper endwall portions is pivotally attached to respective lower endwall portions of the metal container body. The opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the deep-drawn metal sheet form the lower sidewall portions and lower endwall portions of the metal container body, respectively. The heights of the lower sidewall and lower endwall, and the heights of the upper sidewall and upper endwall, represent the total heights of the opposing sidewalls and endwalls in the main body of the metal container. Therefore, the sidewalls of the metal container can be a combination of the lower sidewall and the upper sidewall. Similarly, the ends of the main body of the metal container can be a combination of the lower endwall and the upper endwall.

[0023] Optionally, at least one of the upper sidewall portions is detachably attached to the respective lower sidewall portion of the metal container body, and / or at least one of the upper endwall portions is detachably attached to the respective lower endwall portion of the metal container body. For example, the walls of the deep-drawn metal sheet blank can be used to support the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the metal container body by incorporating the opposing sidewalls and endwalls within the deep-drawn metal sheet blank.

[0024] To prevent either of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or upwardly erected opposing endwalls from collapsing due to the weight of one or more adjacent storage containers in a stack, the metal container body may optionally include one or more wall reinforcements configured to support at least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or at least one of the upwardly erected opposing endwalls in the metal container body. For example, one or more sidewall reinforcements and / or endwall reinforcements may serve as inserts to reinforce either of the upwardly erected sidewalls and / or upwardly erected endwalls, thereby increasing the structural stiffness of the storage container to resist the weight of the stack of storage containers above it. To provide the necessary structural stiffness to the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or upwardly erected opposing endwalls of the storage container, preferably, the one or more sidewall reinforcements and / or endwall reinforcements are formed by casting, such as die casting.

[0025] Alternatively, any one of the container bottom wall, the upwardly erected opposing side walls and / or the upwardly erected opposing end walls and / or the upper wall portion may be formed by casting. For example, the container bottom wall, the upwardly erected opposing side walls and / or end walls and / or the upper wall portion and / or the upper end wall portion may be cast into a panel that can be assembled together to form a metal container body.

[0026] Alternatively, any one of the container bottom wall, the opposing upward-standing side walls, and / or the opposing upward-standing end walls includes at least one hollow portion and a filling material disposed within the hollow portion. This has the advantage that auxiliary materials can be used to improve the wall properties of the metal container body, such as acoustic properties and / or fire resistance. Optionally, the filling material is an insulating material and / or a fire-resistant material.

[0027] When one or more goods stored in a storage container are grocery or food goods, it is crucial to ensure that the grocery goods are not contaminated by the metal storage container. To prevent contamination of the grocery goods, the metal container body includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and preferably, the inner surface includes a polymer coating. The polymer coating protects the grocery goods stored in the storage container from any potential corrosion from the metal container body. The polymer coating or liner minimizes any interaction between the metal container body and the food goods stored therein and meets global food storage regulations. The polymer coating also provides a sealing coating for the inner surface of the storage container to prevent any leakage of the storage container due to spillage. Examples of polymer coatings include, but are not limited to, resin coatings, acrylic coatings, and / or vinyl coatings, or combinations thereof.

[0028] To reinforce any one of the bottom wall and / or opposite side walls and / or opposite end walls of the metal container body, preferably, at least a portion of the bottom wall and / or opposite side walls and / or opposite end walls is reinforced by one or more ribs. Each of the one or more ribs projects outward or inward from the surface of the wall of the metal container body to reinforce the wall of the metal container body. The one or more ribs may be integrally formed in the bottom container wall and / or opposite side walls and / or end walls of the metal container body to create grooves in the bottom container wall and / or opposite side walls and / or end walls. Alternatively, the upper side wall portion and / or lower end wall portion includes ribs or beaks to minimize movement of the upper side wall portion and / or upper end wall portion. Preferably, the base portion includes one or more patterns embossed within the bottom wall of the container to increase the rigidity of the base portion.

[0029] The present invention further provides a foldable stackable container, which is assembled to be stacked in a storage and retrieval system. The storage and retrieval system includes a track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks or rails and a second set of parallel tracks or rails extending transversely to the first set of parallel tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces or grid cells. The foldable stackable container includes a metal container body and edges. The metal container body includes a container bottom wall and opposing side walls and end walls that rise upwards. The edges include inwardly and / or outwardly folded-out protruding lips located at the entrance of the storage container, so that one or more foldable stackable containers can be stacked on top of each other. At least a portion of the metal container body is formed from a single blank of folded metal sheet. For the purposes of the invention, the folded metal sheet blank may have a width ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably ranging from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, for example, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm. Using a single blank of folded metal sheet to form at least a portion of the metal container body allows the metal container body of the storage container to be easily transported because it is not transported as bulk cargo compared to existing molded plastic storage containers. Therefore, a larger number of metal container bodies can be tightly stacked and transported to a fulfillment center containing the storage and retrieval system of the present invention, where the containers can be assembled for use in the storage and retrieval system.

[0030] To provide a foldable stackable container, the present invention further provides a foldable stackable container assembled for stacking in a storage and retrieval system, the storage and retrieval system including a track system comprising a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transversely to the first set of parallel rails in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces or grid cells. The foldable stackable container includes a metal container body and edges. The metal container body includes a container bottom wall and upwardly erected opposing side walls and end walls. The edges include inwardly and / or outwardly folded-over lip edges located at the inlet of the storage container, so that one or more foldable stackable containers can be stacked on top of each other; wherein at least a portion of the metal container body is formed by casting. Casting enables the walls (container bottom wall, opposing side walls, and / or end walls) to be very robust and provides a sturdy metal container body to withstand the weight of vertically adjacent storage containers in a stack. Optionally, the metal container body can be formed by die casting or investment casting. The metal container body can be cast from aluminum or steel.

[0031] Preferably, the storage container may include a liner made of food-grade material. The metal body of the storage container is non-flammable, therefore any type of food-grade material can be used as the liner. Thus, the liner is not limited to non-flammable materials. Optionally, the liner includes food-grade plastic and / or cellulose materials. To enable the cellulose material to be moisture-proof and / or oil-resistant, the cellulose may optionally be coated or impregnated with a wax material. Optionally, the cellulose material is paper or cardboard. One way to provide a paper or cardboard liner is to form the liner using folded paper or cardboard blanks. Since the liner includes paper or cardboard, it may optionally be a disposable item. The liner may be a shallow base or tray to provide coverage for at least a portion of the inner surface of the box-like structure for storage. Alternatively, the liner may extend through the inner surface of the box-like structure. To prevent leakage of juices from food goods in the storage container, preferably, the liner is a leak-proof container. Optionally, the leak-proof container is a one-piece thermoformed container, for example, by blow molding or deep drawing processes.

[0032] The present invention further provides supporting components for assembling storage containers, the supporting components including:

[0033] i) Base portion, which is formed as a single body and has a container bottom wall as well as upwardly erected base side wall and end wall portions to define the tray;

[0034] ii) The separate upper part, which includes the upper side wall and the upper end wall.

[0035] The advantage of including a separate upper portion and a base portion in the storage container is that the storage container can be supplied as a complete set of parts and can be assembled together using, for example, a toggle latching connector, and / or the upper portion can be spot-welded to the base portion. A complete set of storage containers may include any of the features described above. The assemblies further include two or more edge portions that can be individually connected to the upper sidewall and / or endwall portions. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Further features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an automatic storage and retrieval system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows the arrangement in Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the top view of the stacked boxes within the frame structure.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a system of known load processing devices operating on a grid frame structure.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of a load processing device, showing the container receiving space within the main body of the load processing device.

[0041] Figure 5 (a) and 5 (b) are Figure 4 A schematic perspective sectional view of the load processing apparatus, showing (a) a container housed within the container receiving space of the load processing apparatus, and (b) the container receiving space of the load processing apparatus.

[0042] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a gripper device positioned above a storage container.

[0043] Figure 7 (a) is a schematic perspective view of a gripper device installed on a storage container.

[0044] Figure 7 (b) is a schematic perspective view of a gripper device coupled to a storage container.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container formed by a deep drawing process according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container formed by a deep drawing process according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) an exploded view of the assembly components of the storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention and (b) an assembled storage container.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) an exploded view of the assembly components of the storage container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and (b) an assembled storage container.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a storage container formed by a deep drawing process according to the fifth specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) a pre-assembled view of the storage container and (b) an assembled storage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) a pre-assembled view of the storage container and (b) an assembled storage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 (c) is a schematic perspective view of the assembled storage container, showing the connection of the upper wall via a releasable toggle latch.

[0053] Figure 14 (d) is used for, for example Figure 14 (c) shows a perspective view of a releasable lever connecting the upper walls of the metal container body.

[0054] Figure 14 (e) is as follows Figure 14 (b) and Figure 14 (b) is a perspective view of the stack of individual parts of the metal container body shown.

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) a pre-assembled view of the storage container and (b) an assembled storage container according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 15 (c) and (d) are schematic perspective views of the upper side wall and upper end wall of the storage container according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0057] Figure 15 (e) is a schematic perspective view of the corner of the upper part of the storage container according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, illustrating the ninth specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, showing (a) an assembled view of the storage container according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, (b) a pre-assembled view of the storage container according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, (c) an edge portion of the storage container according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, (d) a schematic perspective view of the corner of the upper portion of the storage container according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, and (e) a schematic perspective view of the connection between the upper portion and the base portion of the storage container according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 18 Is with Figure 17A schematic perspective view of a storage container formed, in part, by a deep drawing process, showing an assembled view of the storage container according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) a pre-assembled view of the storage container and (b) an assembled storage container according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container partially formed by a deep drawing process, and shows (a) a pre-assembled view of the storage container and (b) an assembled storage container according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 or Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the stacking of pre-assembled storage containers.

[0064] Figure 22 This is a schematic perspective view of (a) a foldable metal sheet blank and (b) a metal container body assembled from the blank according to the fourteenth specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 23 This is a schematic perspective view of (a) a single blank of a foldable metal plate and (b) a metal container body assembled from the single blank according to the fifteenth specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 24 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container cast according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 25 This is a schematic perspective view of a storage container with hollow walls according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of a storage container including a refractory body, wherein the refractory body forms a non-combustible enclosure and a partial lining.

[0069] Figure 27 Is it like this? Figure 26 A schematic diagram of part of the lining of the refractory body is shown.

[0070] Figure 28 It is a schematic diagram of a storage container including a refractory body, wherein the refractory body forms a non-combustible enclosure and a full-height lining.

[0071] Figure 29 Is it like this? Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the full-height lining of the refractory body is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0072] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, storage containers 10, also referred to as boxes or crates, are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 12. In a warehousing or manufacturing environment, the stack 12 is arranged in a grid frame structure 14. The grid frame consists of a plurality of storage pillars or grid pillars. Each grid in the grid frame structure has at least one grid pillar for stacking the storage containers. Figure 1 It is a schematic 3D view of the grid frame structure 14, and Figure 2 This is a top view showing a single stack 12 of containers 10 arranged within a frame structure 14. Each container or box 10 typically contains a large quantity of product goods (not shown), and the product goods within the containers 10 may be the same or different product types, depending on the specific application. Each container 10 may be used to store, for example, grocery goods (e.g., food goods). Furthermore, the boxes 10 may be physically subdivided to accommodate a plurality of different stocked goods.

[0073] In the following description, "box 10" will be used to refer to a storage container for storing inventory goods, while "delivery container DT" will be used to refer to a container that is full or ready to be filled to fulfill a customer order. It should be understood that these terms are used for ease of reference and explanation within this document. However, it should be noted that box 10 and container DT can be of the same shape and configuration. Furthermore, the delivery container DT can be stored in box 10 of the storage system or in any part thereof.

[0074] The grid frame structure 14 includes a plurality of upright members or columns 16 supporting the horizontal members 18, 20. A first set of parallel horizontal grid members 18 is arranged perpendicular to a second set of parallel horizontal grid members 20 to form a plurality of horizontal grid structures supported by the upright members 16. Members 16, 18, 20 are typically made of metal and are often constructed by welding, bolting, or a combination of bolting and welding. Containers 10 are stacked between members 16, 18, 20 of the grid frame structure 14 so that the grid frame structure 14 can prevent horizontal movement of the stack 12 of containers 10 and guide vertical movement of containers 10.

[0075] The top layer of the grid frame structure 14 includes tracks 22 arranged in a grid pattern and spanning the top of the stack 12. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 3The track 22 supports a plurality of load handling devices 30. A first set 22a of parallel tracks 22 guides the robot load handling devices 30 to move in a first direction (e.g., the X direction) on top of the grid frame structure 14, while a second set 22b of parallel tracks 22 arranged perpendicular to the first set 22a guides the load handling devices 30 to move in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, the track 22 allows the robot load handling devices 30 to move laterally in a two-dimensional manner in the horizontal XY plane, so that the load handling devices 30 can be moved to any position above the stack 12.

[0076] Each load handling unit 30 includes a vehicle 32 arranged above the stack 12 and traveling in the X and Y directions on a track or rail 22 of the grid frame structure 14 (see [link]). Figure 4 ). Figure 4 and 5 A load handling apparatus 30 is shown according to a specific embodiment of the present invention and as described in PCT patent application WO 2015 / 019055 (Ocado Innovation Limited) and international patent application WO 2015 / 140216 (Ocado Innovation Limited), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The load handling apparatus 30 includes a lifting mechanism 33 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 The carrier body 32 of the storage container 10, also known as a box, has a lifting mechanism including a winch or crane mechanism 35 for lifting from above. The crane mechanism includes a winch cable 38 wound on a spool or bobbin and a gripper device 39. Typically, the lifting device includes a set of lifting ropes 38 that extend vertically and connect near or at the four corners of the gripper device 39 (one rope near each of the four corners) for a releasable connection to the storage container 10. The gripper device 39 is configured to grip the top of the storage container 10 and lift it from above. Figure 1 and 2 Elevation in container stacking within a storage system of the type shown. Typically, the gripper device 39 is configured as a lifting frame. Further details of the gripper device will be discussed below.

[0077] The vehicle body 32 includes an upper part and a lower part (see...) Figure 5 (a and b)). The lower part is equipped with two sets of wheels 34 and 36 that travel on tracks at the top of the grid frame structure of the storage system. The upper part of the vehicle body 32 can accommodate most of the large components of the load handling device. Typically, the upper part of the vehicle body houses the drive mechanism for driving the wheels and the lifting mechanism, as well as an on-board rechargeable power source for providing power to the drive mechanism and the lifting mechanism.

[0078] The lower part of the vehicle body 32 includes wheel assemblies driven to enable the vehicle to move along tracks in the X and Y directions, respectively. A first set of wheels 34 consists of pairs of wheels 34 at the front and rear of the vehicle 32, arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks of the first set 22a track 22. Similarly, a second set of wheels 36 consists of pairs of wheels 36 on each side of the vehicle 32, arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks of the second set 22b track 22. One or both sets of wheels can move vertically to lift each set of wheels off its corresponding track, thereby allowing the vehicle to move in the desired direction. When the first set of wheels 34 engages with the first set of tracks or tracks 22a and the second set of wheels 36 is lifted off the tracks or tracks 22, the wheels 34 can be driven to move the load handling device 30 in the X direction via a drive mechanism (not shown) housed in the vehicle 32. To move the load handling device 30 along the Y direction, the first set of wheels 34 is lifted off the track or rail 22, while the second set of wheels 36 is lowered to engage with the second set of tracks or rails 22a. A drive mechanism can then be used to drive the second set of wheels 36 to achieve movement in the Y direction. One or both sets of wheels can move vertically to lift each set of wheels off its corresponding track, thereby allowing the vehicle to move in the desired direction on the track system.

[0079] The wheel is positioned in the lower part of a cavity or the outer edge of a groove referred to as the container receiving recess 40. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the groove 40 is sized to accommodate the storage container or box 10 when it is lifted by a crane mechanism. While in the groove, the container is lifted off the track below so that the load handling device can move laterally to different locations. Once the target location is reached (e.g., another stack, an access point in the storage system, or a conveyor belt), the box or storage container is lowered from the container receiving space and released by the gripper device 39. In this way, under the control of a central control utility (not shown), one or more robotic load handling devices 30 can... Figure 3 The robot load handling unit 30 moves around the top surface of the stack 12 on the frame structure 14. Each robot load handling unit 30 is equipped with a lifting mechanism 38 for lifting one or more boxes 10 from the stack 12 to access the desired goods stored therein.

[0080] The main body of the carrier 32 may include a container receiving space in the form of a cavity 40 for accommodating the box 10 (see Figure 5 The cavity 40 is large enough to accommodate the box or storage container 10. The lifting device includes vertically extending lifting ropes 38 connected at the four corners of a lifting frame (not shown), also known as a gripper device (one rope near each of the four corners of the gripper device), for releasably engaging the storage container. The gripper device is configured to releasably clamp the top of the storage container to lift it from... Figure 1 and 3 The container is lifted from a stack in a storage system of the type shown. A lifting mechanism lifts the container 10 from the stack 12 into a cavity 40 within the main body of the carrier 32. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, although the container receiving space 40 for receiving the box 10 is arranged within the carrier body 32 when the box 10 is lifted by the winch tool, the invention is not limited to locating the container receiving space within the carrier body 32. The invention is also applicable to container receiving spaces located below cantilever structures, such as those described in WO2019 / 238702 (Autostore Technology AS), where the carrier body of the load handling device has a cantilever structure. For the purposes of this invention, the term "carrier body" is interpreted as optionally covering the cantilever so that the gripper device is located below the cantilever. However, for ease of explanation, the container receiving space for receiving containers is arranged within a cavity or recess within the carrier body. The container receiving space allows multiple goods to be accessed at any time from multiple locations within the grid and stack.

[0081] The robotic load handling unit 30 removes a box 10 containing inventory goods (not shown) and transports the box 10 to a picking station (not shown). At the picking station, the required inventory goods 28 are removed from the box 10 and placed in the box 10, which includes a delivery container DT. It should be noted that the delivery container DT is suitable for placement within the box 10. The box 10 may include inventory goods or may include the delivery container DT. Furthermore, the delivery container DT may include at least one bag, into which the inventory goods can be directly picked at the picking station (not shown).

[0082] Empty boxes 10, or boxes 10 containing delivery containers DT, or boxes 10 containing delivery containers DT and bags, may all be stored in stack 12. It should be understood that all boxes 10 have substantially the same external shape and configuration.

[0083] Figure 3 A common storage and retrieval system as described above is shown, which has a plurality of load processing units 30 that are located above the stack 12 and move on a grid. Figure 1 and 3 The diagram shows a box 10 in a stack within a storage system. It should be understood that a large number of storage containers or boxes 10 may exist in any given storage system, and many different goods may be stored in the boxes 10 in the stack 12, with each box 10 containing different categories of inventory goods within a single stack 12.

[0084] In a storage and retrieval system described above and further by reference in UK Patent Application No. GB1410441.8 (Ocado Innovation Limited), incorporated herein by reference, the storage and retrieval system includes a series of boxes 10, which may further include delivery containers DT containing customer orders or may further include boxes 10 containing inventory goods awaiting picking. These different boxes 10 and combinations thereof may be included in the storage system and accessible by the robotic load handling device 30 as described above.

[0085] Figure 6 A gripper device is shown positioned above a box 10 of one type, which is used for... Figures 1 to 3 In a storage and retrieval system, the storage container or box 10 includes a box-like structure, comprising an open top 43, a container bottom wall 44, opposing side walls 46 (a and b), and end walls 48 (a and b). Figure 6 In the specific embodiment shown, the container 10 has a generally rectangular bottom wall 44 such that the lengths of the opposing side walls 46 (a and b) are greater than the lengths of the opposing end walls 48 (a and b). The opposing side walls 46 (a and b) and end walls 48 (a and b) of the container include one or more ribs to reinforce the side and end walls of the storage container. A plurality of containers 10 can be stacked in self-supporting stacks 12, which, as described above, are placed within a grid frame structure 14. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 In storage facilities of this type, it should be understood that there may be a large number of boxes 10, in some cases potentially tens of thousands. Typically, each box 10 must be able to withstand the load of multiple boxes 10 in a stack. The load of a box stack is calculated based on the maximum load of twenty fully loaded boxes. The weight of a fully loaded box is approximately 35 kg, of which 5 kg represents the weight of the box itself. For example, a stack of twenty boxes 10 represents a load of 700 kg or 6867 N. One or more ribs on the opposing sidewalls and endwalls reinforce the sidewalls and endwalls to prevent them from bending under such a load.

[0086] When the container 10 is placed in a stack, to allow air to circulate within the container 10, the side walls 46 (a and b) and / or end walls 48 (a and b) of the container 10 include one or more slots, openings, or vents 50. The slots or openings 50 in the side walls 46 (a and b) and / or end walls 48 (a and b) allow air circulating within and around the storage and retrieval system to flow into the container 10. This is important, especially when the container 10 is located in the refrigerated section of the storage and retrieval system—where cold air from a refrigeration or air conditioning unit circulates at least partially within a grid frame structure to maintain goods, such as grocery goods, at refrigerated temperatures. For example, the cooling system described in International Patent Publication WO2016 / 193419 (Ocado Innovation Limited) requires air to circulate within the storage system and through the container 10 and the stack 12 of the container 10. The system described in this international patent application, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a storage system comprising one or more heaters and / or one or more coolers for generating a temperature-controlled gas, one or more fans for circulating the temperature-controlled gas within the storage system, and a gas collection chamber for receiving the temperature-controlled gas. If portions of the storage and retrieval system require cooling to lower temperatures, for example, to store goods requiring refrigeration such as fruits and vegetables, it is crucial that the air flowing through the system cools the goods to be stored. While specific embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a cooled storage system, it should be understood that goods stored in the storage system can be heated using the same methods described, in a similar manner. Furthermore, while the foregoing description designs for airflow, it should be understood that any suitable gas can be circulated to heat or cool the system as needed.

[0087] In addition to allowing air to circulate within the container, the slots 50 in container 10 also allow for the utilization of the same amount of storage capacity while maintaining the structural integrity of container 10, thus reducing its weight. Advantageously, the presence of openings 50 in the containers DT or containers 10 also reduces the cost per container DT or container. In a storage and retrieval system 1 comprising thousands of containers and containers, this can result in significant cost savings. Figure 6 In the diagram of the container 10 shown, the container or box includes openings or holes 50 on both sides. One or more handles 52 are integrally formed in the end walls 48 (a and b) of the container 10, allowing the storage container to be manually picked up by an operator. The openings or vents 50 in the side walls 46 (a and b) and / or the end walls 48 (a and b) are located at a predetermined height above the bottom wall 44 of the storage container 10 to provide a leak-proof base and, consequently, to prevent accidental leakage of fluid from the contents of the storage container from contaminating the contents of adjacent storage containers in the stack.

[0088] Figure 6The image also shows a gripper device 39, which forms part of the lifting mechanism 33 of the robotic load handling unit and is positioned above the container 10. The lifting mechanism 33 for lifting the container to the container receiving space can take any suitable form and includes a winch or crane mechanism (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 The crane mechanism includes a winch cable 38 wound on a reel or spool and a gripper device 39. The gripper device 39 is configured to clamp the top of the container 10 to lift it from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Lifting in a container stack in a storage system of the type shown. Typically, the gripper device 30 is configured as a frame 54, and four lifting ropes are secured to each corner of the gripper device 39 (see...). Figure 5 (b) For maximum stability and load capacity, four lifting ropes 38 are typically used to lift the gripper assembly 39, with one rope placed near or at each corner of the gripper assembly 39. However, different arrangements, such as using fewer ropes, may be used if necessary. One end of each rope, for example, is wound around a reel of the load handling device, while the other end, such as a second end, is secured to the gripper assembly 39 via a suitable bracket (not shown), typically at each corner of the gripper assembly. The number of ropes attached to the gripper assembly depends on the ability to keep the gripper assembly horizontal during operation when lifting the container 10 and the ability to withstand the tension applied to the ropes (up to 40 kg) without stretching or extending (i.e., not stretching under a predetermined tensile stress) when lifting the container. For the necessary physical properties (Young's modulus), the ropes are typically in the form of a belt, but other ropes with the necessary physical properties for lifting containers may also be used to lift boxes from a stack.

[0089] exist Figure 6 In the specific embodiment shown, the gripper device frame 54 has four corner segments 56, a top side, and a bottom side. For gripping the container 10, the gripper device 39 includes four locating pins or guide pins 58 located near or at each corner of the gripper device 39, and four gripper elements 62 arranged on the bottom side of the gripper device 39. The four locating pins 58 engage with corresponding cutouts or holes 60 formed at the four corners of the container 10, and the four gripper elements 62 engage with the edges 64 of the container 10 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 7 a) The locating pin 58 helps to properly align the clamping element 62 with the corresponding hole 60 in the container edge 64. Figure 7In the specific embodiment shown in a, each of the clamping elements 62 includes a pair of foldable side wings 66 that are received in corresponding holes 60 in the container edge 64, and the pair of side wings have an open, enlarged configuration in which the size of the pair of side wings is larger than the holes 62 in the container edge 64 in at least one dimension, so as to lock the container 10 (see [reference]). Figure 7 b). The side wings are driven to an open configuration by a drive gear (not shown). More specifically, the head of at least one side wing includes a plurality of gear teeth meshing with the drive gear so that the gripper element 62 is actuated, and rotation of the drive gear causes the paired side wings to move from a folded configuration ( Figure 7 a) Go to the opened expanded configuration ( Figure 7 b).

[0090] When in the tightened or closed configuration, the size of the gripper element 62 is designed as follows: Figure 7 As shown in figure a, it can be received in the corresponding hole 60 in the edge 64 of the container 10. The base of each of the paired side wings includes, for example, a stop 68 with a protrusion (see Figure 6 ( ), so that when in the expanded open configuration, the stop 68 engages with the bottom side of the edge 64 to lock the container when it is received in the corresponding hole 60 in the edge 64 of the container 10, at which time the gripper device 39 is pulled upward toward the container receiving space of the load processing device. Figure 7 b illustrates the configuration of the gripper elements in an expanded configuration for lifting the box 10 into the container receiving space of the robotic load handling device.

[0091] When the gripper device 39 is at a predetermined height above the edge of the container, the gripper element 64 is received in a hole 60 in the edge 64 of the container 10, the predetermined height being measured by one or more depth sensors (not shown) mounted on the bottom side of the gripper device. At this depth, in response to signals from one or more depth sensors (not shown) mounted on the bottom side of the gripper device 39, the gripper element 64 is actuated and grips the container 10.

[0092] Typically, container 10 is primarily composed of thermoplastic materials and is formed by injection molding or blow molding. Known thermoplastic materials commonly used in molded storage containers include polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polycarbonate and its copolymers. However, the problem with these plastic materials is their flammability and the release of toxic gases. In the event of a fire within the storage and retrieval system, the flammability and exothermic nature of the materials used in container 10 will cause the fire to spread throughout the entire storage and retrieval system, threatening lives. Not only is container 10 flammable, but the combustion gases released from the burning thermoplastic material are highly toxic and contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Inhalation of fine particulate matter from the combustion residue can cause respiratory irritation. Therefore, to prevent the rapid spread of fire, the storage and retrieval system includes extreme fire protection measures and systems, such as sprinklers and smoke / heat detection units. Despite measures taken to prevent the rapid spread of fire—of which container 10 plays a crucial role—the problem of fire spreading throughout the storage and retrieval system remains.

[0093] The present invention alleviates the above-mentioned problems by providing a storage container comprising a metal container body, the metal container body including a bottom wall, opposing side walls, and opposing end walls. See below for reference. Figures 8 to 25 In the embodiments of the different types of storage containers described, the entire storage container is formed of a metal container body; that is, the metal container body is the storage container itself. However, the storage container of the present invention is not limited to being formed entirely of a metal container body; at least a portion of the storage container may also include other materials, such as plastic materials. For example, the metal container body may form the metal liner of the storage container. Storage containers including a metal container body are also applicable to delivery containers DT, that is, delivery containers may also include the metal container body of the present invention, wherein the metal container body includes a container bottom wall, opposing side walls, and opposing end walls.

[0094] The following text refers to Figures 8 to 25 The storage container described herein is related to a storage container formed from a metal container body. For ease of explanation, in the embodiments given below, the metal container body may be referred to as a storage container. The metal container body of the present invention may have a shape similar to that of existing storage containers currently used for storing goods in a grid frame structure, for example, having a generally rectangular container bottom wall, opposing side walls, and end walls. Figure 3 This is used in conjunction with conventional plastic storage containers in storage and retrieval systems. The flame-retardant properties of metal storage containers can be used to form flame-retardant partitions within a grid frame structure. For example, a stack of multiple metal storage containers can be arranged to form one or more flame-retardant partitions surrounding a stack of multiple plastic storage containers. One or more flame-retardant partitions including metal storage containers can be used to suppress flames within the grid frame structure.

[0095] There are many methods for manufacturing the storage container comprising a metal container body according to the present invention. For use in automated storage and retrieval systems, a key feature of the storage container is its lightweight nature, weighing less than 8 kg, preferably less than 6 kg, and more preferably less than 5 kg. The storage container comprising a metal container body should also have sufficient structural rigidity to withstand the loads applied to the container when placed in a stack. A grid frame structure can accommodate a stack of storage containers as tall as twenty containers. Considering that each storage container can weigh up to 35 kg, the total weight will reach 700 kg. The following are different embodiments of various storage containers according to the present invention, the storage container comprising a metal container body according to the present invention. When the storage container comprising a metal container body is used to store grocery goods, it is important that the storage container be leak-proof to prevent food goods leaking out of the storage container from leaking and contaminating other food goods stored in adjacent storage containers in the stack. Since fluid tends to settle at the base of the storage container, the base of the metal container body is made as a leak-proof base, and any vents in the side walls and / or end walls of the metal container body are located at a predetermined height above the bottom wall of the container to prevent fluid leakage through the vents.

[0096] Figure 8 According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a storage container 110 includes a metal container body 112, wherein the storage container 110 is formed by deep drawing and stamping a metal sheet, including a container bottom wall 115, opposing side walls 116 (a and b), and opposing end walls 118 (a and b). The metal sheet is mechanically drawn into a forming die having a shape similar to that of the storage container by the mechanical action of a punch. Compared to other metal forming processes, the deep drawing process has the advantage of producing a leak-proof storage container. The storage container 110 can be made of stainless steel sheet, wherein the thickness of the sheet is between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, for example, the thickness can be 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. However, other metals can also be used to manufacture the metal container body, including but not limited to aluminum. To provide the required structural rigidity for the storage container walls, preferably, the thickness of the metal sheet is about 2 mm. Figure 8The illustrated storage container is one embodiment in which the storage container is formed from a single or a single sheet metal workpiece through a full deep-drawing process. Similar to the storage containers described above, the opposing sidewalls 116 (a and b) and endwalls 118 (a and b) of the storage container 110 include one or more slots, openings, or vents 120 to allow air to flow within the storage container 110. One or more slots 120 may be cut into the sheet metal workpiece prior to the deep-drawing process, or alternatively, one or more slots may be cut or stamped into the opposing sidewalls and / or endwalls of the storage container after the deep-drawing process. Similarly, one or more ribs 122 may be stamped into the sidewalls 116 (a and b) and endwalls 118 (a and b) of the storage container 110 to reinforce the walls of the storage container and thereby increase the structural stiffness or robustness of the formed storage container. Similar to storage containers in the art, one or more handles 124 are formed in the sidewalls and / or endwalls of the storage container. To enable the gripper device of the lifting mechanism to engage with the edge of the storage container and lift the storage container into the container receiving space of the robot load handling device, at least a portion of the edge is formed with a lip or flange 126 to allow the gripper device to engage with the edge. To form the lip or flange 126, the upper edges of the opposing sidewalls and / or opposing endwalls are turned inward and / or bent outward. In a specific embodiment of the first specific embodiment of the invention, the edges at the upper edges of the opposing endwalls of the metal container body are turned outward to form a flange or lip 126 for engagement of the gripper device, particularly a clamping element, with the edge of the storage container. The lip or flange 126 may have one or more openings (not shown) for receiving the clamping element within one or more openings.

[0097] To enable the storage containers of the first embodiment of the present invention to be stacked on top of each other in a storage and retrieval system, the storage containers include one or more stops 128 located at the corners of storage container 110. In the stacking, the bottom wall of an upper adjacent storage container abuts against or is supported by one or more stops of a lower storage container, thereby preventing the bottom walls of adjacent storage containers from soiling or damaging the contents of the lower storage container in the stack. Figure 8 In the specific embodiment of the present invention shown, the stop 128 is formed by one or more notches that extend inward from the corner into the interior space of the metal container body 112.

[0098] In order to give Figure 8 The deep-drawn storage container of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown, provides further structural support to withstand loads when placed in a stack, and one or more corner posts 230 can be installed at the corners or inside the storage container 220. Figure 9In the second embodiment of the invention shown, corner posts 230 are installed on the exterior of each corner of the storage container 220. Each corner post 230 located at the corner of the storage container extends along the full height or depth of the storage container 220 so that the corner post 230 bears the full weight of the adjacent storage container above in a stack, while the metal container body 212 only needs to function as a container for the goods inside the storage container. In other words, the corner post 230 provides a resting surface for adjacent storage containers in a stack. To provide the necessary structural rigidity, the corner posts are cast metal, preferably die-cast. Considering that the thickness of the corner post is greater than the wall of the metal container body made of a metal sheet, lightweight materials such as plastic materials can be used to manufacture the corner posts. Therefore, the material of the storage container can be a combination of the metal forming the metal container body and the plastic corner posts at the corners of the metal container body. The use of plastic corner posts helps to keep the overall weight of the storage container low, for example, less than 6 kg, preferably less than 5 kg.

[0099] exist Figure 10 In the third embodiment of the invention shown in (a and b), one or more of the opposing sidewalls 316 (a and b) and / or opposing endwalls 318 (a and b) of the deep-drawn metal container body 312 in the storage container 310 can be reinforced by one or more inserts or wall reinforcement members 332. Figure 10As shown, wall inserts 332 are placed on each opposite end wall 316 (a and b) of the metal container body 312 and extend from the bottom wall 315 of the container to an edge 334 at the upper edge of the metal container body 312. To provide a support surface for facilitating the stacking of adjacent storage containers in a stack, the upper edge of the wall insert 332 is turned outward to form a lip 326 at the edge of the metal container body. The outwardly turned lip 326 includes one or more openings 336 to allow a gripper device to engage with the edge of the metal container body and lift the storage container from its stack. The wall reinforcement or insert 332 may be cast as a plate, preferably by die casting, to provide the necessary structural stiffness of the storage container walls to withstand the weight of adjacent storage containers in a stack. While metals such as steel or aluminum are preferably used to cast the wall reinforcement 332, other structurally sound materials such as plastics may also be used to manufacture the wall reinforcement. To facilitate the stacking of storage containers, the wall reinforcement 332 may optionally include one or more recesses 338 adjacent to the edge of the storage container 310. That is, the one or more recesses 338 in the wall reinforcement provide one or more stops configured to provide a support surface that engages with the bottom wall of the upper adjacent storage container in the stack. The lower edge of the wall reinforcement 332 may abut against the bottom wall 315 of the metal container body 312, or may include one or more tabs 340 received in a slot in the bottom container wall 315. The walls of the metal container body 312, namely the walls of the opposing side walls 316 (a and b) and the opposing end walls 318 (a and b), slope outward from the bottom wall 315 so that the metal container body 312 is tapered. The gradually narrowing body allows the metal container body to be inserted into another metal container body, so that multiple storage containers can be neatly stacked inside each other, thus occupying less storage space. In use, the wall reinforcement 332 can be inserted into one or more of the side walls 316 (a and b) and / or end walls 318 (a and b) of the metal container body 312 so that one or more storage containers can be supported on top of each other. In transport, the wall reinforcement 332 can be stored individually so that multiple metal container bodies 312 can be neatly stacked together.

[0100] The metal container body of the first, second, and third embodiments can be formed from a fully deep-drawn metal sheet. In other words, the entire metal container body can be formed by deep drawing from a single metal sheet. The resulting deep-drawn structure can be trimmed or sized to form the metal container body. Examples of trimming include, but are not limited to, trimming and / or filing the edges of the deep-drawn structure. The problem with the fully deep-drawn process is the large size of the product, as storage containers occupy a relatively large storage space during transport. Considering that common storage systems require thousands of storage containers, transporting and storing such large products is costly and uneconomical. Therefore, there is a need for a storage container that includes a metal container body but does not become a large product during transport or storage. Compared to the reference... Figures 8 to 10 The metal body of the storage container formed by the full stretching process as described in (a) and (b), Figure 11 The metal container bodies shown in (a and b) to 16 can be manufactured using a two-stage forming process, which includes a combination of deep drawing and fabrication of one or more blanks including foldable sidewalls. Figure 11 In the exemplary embodiments shown in (a) and (b) to 20, the metal container body includes a lower portion, also referred to as a base portion, and an upper portion. The terms lower portion and base portion are used interchangeably in this patent application. The lower portion includes a deep-drawn base, which includes a container bottom wall, opposing side walls, and end walls forming a shallower base or tray. The deep-drawing process used to form the lower portion allows the base portion of the metal container body to be leak-proof. The upper portion of the metal container body is foldable, meaning it can be assembled from folded metal blanks or cast as plates pivotally connected together. The metal blank 948 may include one or more fold lines to assist in folding the metal blank to define the side walls and end walls of the metal container body. The advantage of forming the metal container body using a two-stage forming process is that storage of the metal container body, including both the upper and lower portions, during transport can efficiently utilize storage space. For example, multiple bases can be stacked together for transport. Similarly, multiple metal blanks or plates can be laid flat together and then assembled for use.

[0101] Figure 11 (a) and (b) are exemplary embodiments of a metal container body 412 formed by a two-stage forming process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 (a) shows a metal container 410 formed by two parts—a lower part 444 and an upper part 442, while Figure 11(b) illustrates a box-shaped structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which separate portions 444, 442 are combined to form a metal container body 412, wherein the lower portion 444 forms a base portion and the upper portion 442 forms an upper portion of the metal container body. The lower portion 444 is formed by deep drawing or stamping a metal sheet blank to form a shallower base or tray 444, which includes a container bottom wall 415 and upwardly erected opposing base sidewalls 446 (a and b) and end walls 448 (a and b). The upper portion 442 is formed by two separate metal sheet blanks 450 (a and b), which are foldable to form opposing upper sidewalls 452 (a and b) and end walls 454 (a and b) of the metal container body 412. A first metal sheet blank 450a is folded to form an upper end wall 454a of the metal container body and portions of the paired opposing upper sidewalls in the metal container body. The second metal sheet blank 450b is folded to form another upper end wall 454b of the metal container body and a pair of opposing upper sidewall portions in the metal body. The opposing upper sidewall portions are pivotally attached to the respective upper end walls 454(a and b) of the first and second metal sheet blanks 450(a and b) via a movable hinge 460 or other suitable pivotable connector. The first and second metal sheet blanks 450(a and b) include one or more fold lines to assist in the folding of each metal sheet blank to form the upper sidewalls and end walls of the metal container body. Thus, the first and second metal sheet blanks are folded to form two C-shaped folds, so as... Figure 11 When assembled or joined together as shown in (b), each of the opposing upper sidewall portions of the first 450a and second 450b metal sheet blanks lies in substantially parallel vertical planes. In other words, the C-shaped folds are joined together to form a tubular structure that forms the upper portion of the metal container body. The tubular structure is provided upward on the lower or base-shaped portion 444 and inserted therein into the shallower base of the lower portion 444 of the metal container body 412, forming as shown in (b). Figure 11(b) shows a box-shaped structure with an open end or inlet. When assembled, the opposing sidewalls 416 (a and b) of the metal container body 412 include upper and lower sidewall portions. Similarly, the opposing endwalls 418 (a and b) of the metal container body 412 include upper and lower endwall portions. In the shallower portion of the metal container body, the opposing sidewalls 446 (a and b) and endwalls 448 (a and b) form the upper and lower sidewall portions of the metal container body, respectively. The opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the upper portion of the metal container body 412 form the upper sidewall and upper endwall portions of the metal body. The combination of the deep-drawn shallow base and the C-shaped folding member makes at least a portion of the metal container body foldable for transport. The foldable portion of the metal container body, which includes a metal sheet, may also include a plurality of vents 462 stamped in the metal sheet to facilitate the circulation of fluid, such as air, within the internal space of the metal container body. The thickness of the metal sheet blanks used to form the upper and / or lower portions can range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm and can be made of stainless steel, but other metals such as aluminum can also be used to manufacture the metal container body. The opposing sidewalls and end walls of the lower portion can slope outwards from the container bottom wall 415, causing the walls 446 (a and b), 448 (a and b) of the shallower base 444 to narrow slightly. This allows multiple shallower bases or trays 444 to be arranged as follows: Figure 21 They can be conveniently stacked together as shown.

[0102] Figure 11 (a) and (b) also show one or more stops 464 located at the corners of the metal container body 412, the stops being spaced apart and configured to allow vertically adjacent storage containers to be stacked on top of each other. The corner stops 464 are spaced apart above the container bottom wall 415 to prevent the bottom wall of an upper adjacent storage container from crushing the contents of a lower storage container in a stack. Figure 11 In the specific embodiments shown in (a) and (b), one or more stops 464 are formed by stamping recesses at the corners of the metal container body, but other methods of forming stops are also applicable to the invention. At the edge of the metal container body, the top edge of at least one of the opposing walls is turned outward to form a lip 466 for allowing the gripper device of the load handling apparatus to releasably engage with the storage container including the metal container body and lift it from the stack.

[0103] Compared to Figure 11 The upper part of the metal container body shown in (a) and (b) is supported by the lower shallow base by inserting a C-shaped folding piece into the shallow base. Figure 12In the second embodiment of the invention shown, the upper sidewall portions 570 (a and b) and the end wall portions 572 (a and b) can be fixedly connected to the lower sidewall portion (or the upwardly erected base sidewall) 546 (a and b) and the end wall portion (or the upwardly erected end wall portion) 548 (a and b) of the shallower base, for example, by riveting or welding. Similarly, the ends of the C-shaped folding members are fixedly connected together to form the upper portion of the metal container body, which is then fixedly connected to the lower portion of the metal container body 512. Specifically, the ends of the C-shaped folding members are connected together by overlapping one end with the other. The ends are fixedly connected together, for example, by welding or riveting or by using adhesive.

[0104] right Figure 11 (a and b) and Figure 12 An alternative to the specific implementation scheme of the metal container body shown is... Figure 13 The specific embodiments shown in (a and b) involve side walls 670 (a and b) and end walls 672 (a and b) held together in the upper portion of the metal container body 612 by one or more retainers 674, 676. As... Figure 11 (a and b) and Figure 12 In other specific embodiments shown, the upper portion of the metal container body is foldable, meaning the upper portion can be constructed from folded metal sheet blanks. Two metal sheet blanks 650 (a and b) are shown, each of which is foldable to define sidewalls 670 (a and b) and endwalls 672 (a and b), the sidewalls and endwalls having lengths extending along the respective lengths of the sidewalls and endwalls of the metal container body. In other words, each of the two metal sheet blanks 650 (a and b) is foldable to define a generally L-shaped structure. The two L-shaped structures are joined together to create a tubular structure, which is configured to be mounted to a shallower base of the lower portion. One or more retainers 676 are used to secure the folded metal sheet blanks 650 (a and b) together within the walls 646 (a and b), 648 (a and b) of the shallower base. Figure 13 In a particular embodiment shown in (a), one or more retainers include C-shaped channel tubes 676 located at opposite ends of the metal container body for securing folded metal sheet blanks together. In such a case... Figure 13(b) During the assembly of the metal container body shown, folded metal sheet blanks 650 (a and b) are received within a C-shaped channel tube 676. To further enhance the strength of the metal container body 612, one or more retainers include separate edge portions 674 configured to be mounted to the upper edge of the folded metal sheet blanks 650 (a and b) to define the edge of the metal container body 612. The separate edge portions serve a dual purpose—capable of securing the folded metal sheet blanks together and providing an engagement surface for the gripper device of the load handling apparatus to engage with the edge of the metal container body. One or more retainers 674, 676 may be cast to enhance the strength of the metal container body. The upper portion may be cast as a sheet metal, rather than formed from foldable metal sheet blanks that are pivotally connected together.

[0105] exist Figure 11 (a and b) Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the specific embodiments shown in (a) and (b), the upper sidewalls are pivotally connected to their respective end walls, for example, via movable hinges. Compared to having a metal sheet blank—where the metal sheet blank includes sidewalls pivotally connected to the respective end walls—the opposing sidewalls 770 (a and b) and end walls 772 (a and b) of the metal container body 712 can be formed as separate parts that are assembled together. Figure 14 In the seventh embodiment of the invention (a and b), the upper walls 770 (a and b) and 772 (a and b) are formed as separate parts, for example by stamping, and are subsequently fixedly connected together to form an upper side wall and an upper end wall. The connector for the separate walls in the upper part can be a snap-fit ​​joint. The separate parts of the upper part are also fixedly connected to the lower opposing side walls 746 (a and b) and the lower end wall 748 (a and b) of the lower part. Figure 14 In the folded or detached state shown in (a), the individual upper portion can be conveniently folded within the shallower base 744 of the lower portion, thus allowing the storage container to occupy less storage space during transport. The individual upper sidewall portions 770 (a and b) and end wall portions 772 (a and b) can be stamped from sheet metal blanks and typically have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. As Figure 11 (a and b) to Figure 13 In other specific embodiments shown, the lower portion is formed by a deep drawing process or stamped from a sheet metal workpiece. In use, the individual sidewall portions 770 (a and b) and endwall portions 772 (a and b) of the upper portion can be connected to the lower portion, for example, via snap-fit ​​joints, to create a... Figure 14 (b) shows a box-shaped structure. The upper edge of the shallower base includes a connecting portion 750 that snaps together with corresponding connecting portions of the upper sidewall and endwall. Figure 14In the specific embodiments shown in (a and b), the joining portions are integrally formed within the sidewalls and endwalls of the upper and lower portions of the metal container body. The upper edge of the upper portion is turned inward to form a lip 766, which has one or more orifices or openings located at the edge of the metal container body for engagement with the gripper mechanism of the load handling device. In use, the individual walls including the sidewall portions 770 (a and b) and the endwall portions 772 (a and b) can be individually fixed to the wall of the shallower base 744 so that each of the opposing sidewalls in the metal container body includes an upper sidewall portion and a lower sidewall portion. Similarly, each of the opposing endwalls in the metal container body includes an upper endwall portion and a lower endwall portion.

[0106] exist Figure 14 In a further exemplary modification of the seventh embodiment of the invention shown in (c), the individual upper sidewall portions 771 (a and b) and upper endwall portions 773 (a and b) can be releasably connected together by a releasable latching mechanism, so that the metal container body 711 can be quickly assembled and disassembled from the shallower base 744. The individual portions of the upper part are also fixedly connected to the lower opposing sidewall portions 747 (a and b) and lower endwall portions 749 (a and b) of the lower part 744. Figure 14 As shown in (c) and Figure 14 (d) In the specific embodiment clearly shown, the upper sidewall portions 771 (a and b) and the upper endwall portions 773 (a and b) are releasably connected together by a lever engaging with hooks located at the distal or opposite ends of the upper sidewall and the upper endwall, respectively. Figure 14 As shown in (c), the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions 771 (a and b) include one or more toggle latches 760, which are configured to engage with hooks located at the opposite ends of the upper endwall portions 773 (a and b). Two toggle latches 760 are shown spaced apart at the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions 771 (a and b). Assembly of the metal container body involves placing the ends of the upper sidewall portions and the upper endwall portions together and securing them together by the toggle latches. The invention is not limited to two toggle latches located at the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions, but any number of toggle latches may be included at the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions. Similarly, the toggle latches are not necessarily located at the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions; they may also be located at the opposite ends of the upper endwall portions. The advantage of the releasable latches is that they allow for quick assembly and disassembly of the metal container body 711. Individual wall portions 771 (a and b) and 773 (a and b) may be formed from sheet metal blanks, such as by stamping or by casting into sheet metal.

[0107] exist Figure 14 In the different embodiments of the metal container body shown in (a to d), the individual wall portions of the metal container body can be stacked for storage or transport. Figure 14 In the specific embodiment shown in (e), the individual parts of the multiple metal container bodies can be conveniently stacked 780 to occupy less storage space compared to when they are assembled. Furthermore, in the event of damage, the individual parts that can be assembled together in use allow any single part to be easily replaced or modified, i.e., it allows for the provision of spare parts for the metal container bodies.

[0108] exist Figure 15 In a further modification of the metal container body shown in (a to e), the metal container body 790 is formed by a two-stage forming process, which includes a deep drawing process combined with separate opposing sidewalls and endwalls. Figure 14 Similar to the specific embodiments shown in (a to e), the upper wall of the metal container body is formed as a separate part, for example by stamping, and subsequently fixed together to form the upper side wall 794 and the upper end wall 795. Just like... Figure 14 In other specific embodiments of the invention shown in (a to e), the individual sidewalls 794 and the opposing endwalls 795 are reinforced to mitigate twisting of the metal container body during assembly. Figure 13 Similar to the specific embodiments shown in (a) and (b), one or more individual edge portions 798, 799 are mounted to the upper edges of the upper sidewall and upper endwall portions 794, 795 to define the edge of the metal container body 790. However, with Figure 13 The specific embodiments shown in (a) and (b) differ, with separate edge portions 798, 799 mounted to each of the upper sidewall portion 794 and the lower endwall portion 795. Edge portions 798, 799 include one or more openings or apertures 810, 811 for engagement with the gripper assembly of the load handling device. The contours of the edge portions 798, 799 mate with the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the endwall portion 795 to form elongated hollow portions 802, 805. The elongated hollow portions 802, 805 are located below one or more openings or apertures 810, 811 in the edge portions, and are arranged such that they extend across the entire length of the edge portions 798, 799 and are capable of accommodating the gripper elements of the gripper assembly. (Details are provided below.) Figure 15 As shown in (c and d), the upper sidewall 794 and endwall 795 of the metal container body 790 can be formed from a single sheet metal or sheet metal blank, and optionally by stamping a sheet metal blank. The edge portions 798 and 799 can also be formed from a single sheet metal or sheet metal blank. The upper edges of the edge portions 798 and 799 are turned inward to form lips 815 and 816, the lips having one or more orifices or openings for engagement with the gripper assembly of the load handling device. The elongated hollow portions 802 and 805 of the edge portions 798 and 799 are located below the lips 815 and 816. Figure 15As shown in (c and d), one or more recesses or bends 803, 804 are formed in the upper edge of the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper end wall portion 795 so as to mate with one or more orifices or openings 810, 811 in the edge portions 798, 799 when the edge portions are mounted to the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper end wall portion 795, to define as follows: Figure 5 and 6 The cavity shown is for receiving the gripper element of the gripper device. Further, recesses or bends 803, 804 are positioned between pairs of protrusions 800, 801, which are formed in the upper edges of the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper end wall portion 795. Specifically, the recesses or bends 803, 804 and the pairs of protrusions 800, 801 of the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper end wall portion 795 are designed to fit within the elongated hollow portions 802, 805 of the edge portions 794, 795, as... Figure 15 As shown in (b). Further, the edge portions 798 and 799 are configured such that the edge portions are clamped or snapped onto the outside of the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the lower sidewall portion 795. As... Figure 15 As shown in (c and d), there are two recesses or bends 803, 804 and two pairs of protrusions 800, 801 in the upper sidewall 794 and / or the upper endwall 795, which are arranged adjacent to each corner of the metal container body 790. Similarly, as Figure 15 As shown in (c) and (d), two orifices or openings 810 and 811 are provided on the edge portions 798 and 799, and these orifices or openings are configured to be adjacent to each corner of the metal container 790 and vertically aligned with two recesses or bends in the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper endwall portion 795. This arrangement ensures a good connection between the edge portions and the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper endwall portion 795 along the length of the upper sidewall portion 794 and / or the upper endwall portion 795, especially in the area where it interacts with the clamping device. To improve the structural rigidity of the box-like structure of the metal container body and to allow the upper sidewall portion and the endwall portion to be fixed together, one or more flanges 806 and 807 are formed at the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portion 794 and the upper endwall portion 795. The flange 807 of the upper end wall portion 795 is configured to cover the adjacent flange 806 of the upper side wall portion 794 when the upper end wall portion and the upper side wall portion are joined with the lower portion 791 of the metal container body to form a box-shaped structure. For example, the flange 807 of the upper end wall portion 795 is configured to cover the adjacent flange 806 of the upper side wall portion 794. This is shown in Figure 15In the middle, each extension of the flange of the adjacent upper sidewall or upper endwall crosses the corner of the metal container body to reinforce the corner. Various fasteners known in the art can be used to secure the upper sidewall 794 and the endwall 795 together at the corner of the metal container body using the respective flanges of the upper sidewall and endwall. This includes, but is not limited to, welding such as spot welding, riveting, and / or the use of adhesives. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the flanges 806, 807 of the upper sidewall 794 and the endwall 795 are secured or joined together by a process called mechanical riveting. Riveting is similar to riveting, except that it does not require individual rivets, but involves plastically deforming the metal sheets using special punches and dies to form a physical lock between the metal sheet layers. To further improve the structural integrity of the box-like structure, the edge portion 798 mounted on the upper endwall 795 also includes an edge flange 812 located at each corner, which covers each flange 807 of the upper endwall 795.

[0109] To ensure proper alignment of the gripper element of the gripper device with the orifices or openings 810, 811 in the edge portion of the storage container, the metal container body includes guides 796 located at each corner of the box-shaped structure of the metal container body 790. The guides 796 extend vertically from the upper edge to at least a portion of the height of the box-shaped structure to accommodate guide pins or locating pins of the gripper device. (See above reference...) Figure 6 The guide 796 is shaped to mate with the guide pin or positioning pin of the gripper device so that the clamping element 62 is properly aligned with the openings 810, 811 in the edge portions 798, 799 of the storage container. The guide 796, located at the corner of the metal container body, is formed by an elongated vertical recess in the flange 807 of the upper sidewall and / or endwall portions 794, 795. The elongated vertical recess 796 can be formed by bending one or more of the metal plates of the upper sidewall 794 and / or the upper endwall 795. In a particular embodiment of the invention, such as... Figure 15 As shown in (d), an elongated vertical recess 796 is formed in the flange 807 of the upper end wall portion 795. A corresponding elongated recess 813 is formed in the edge portion 798 that is mounted to the upper end wall portion 795, and its shape is designed to mate with the elongated vertical recess 796 formed in the flange 807 of the upper end wall portion 795, as shown in (d). Figure 15 As shown in (d), the elongated vertical recess 796 in the flange 807 of the upper end wall 795 is configured such that when the upper side wall 794 and the upper end wall 795 are joined together, as shown in (d). Figure 15(e) shows the flange 806 of the upper sidewall 794 covering the corner of the box-shaped structure of the metal container body 790. The elongated vertical recess 813 covering the flanges 806 and 807 in the upper sidewall 794 and the upper end wall 795, and the flange 812 of the edge portion 798, provides the corner of the metal container body with a three-layer covering. This further strengthens the corner of the metal container body 790 for bearing the load of one or more storage containers placed on top, especially when the storage container including the metal container body is placed in a stack of storage containers. Therefore, by Figure 15 As shown in (e), the three-part corner structure of the metal storage container 790 has rigid corners. At the corner portion of the metal container body, the edge 797 of the edge portion is milled to outline the flange 806 of the upper sidewall portion, thereby enhancing the connection between the edge portion and the upper sidewall portion.

[0110] In the ninth specific embodiment of the metal container, such as Figure 16 As shown, the metal container body 818 includes a deep-drawn base portion 820, an upper sidewall portion 822, and an upper endwall portion 824. Edge portions 823 and 825 are mounted on each of the upper sidewall portion 822 and the upper endwall portion 824. The deep-drawn base portion 820 includes an embossed pattern within the container's bottom wall to increase the rigidity of the base portion and enhance the gripping force of the lower rollers in the conveying system. Figure 16 In this process, the embossed surface includes hexagonal patterns, but any type of pattern can also be used, such as... Figure 17 (b) shows the square shape. Compared to Figure 15 In the metal container body shown, in this specific embodiment, the flange 821 of the edge portion 825 mounted on the upper end wall 824 extends vertically from the top corner of the metal container body 818 to the deep-drawn base portion 820. For example... Figure 16 As shown, along the entire vertical length of the corner of the metal container body 818, this means that the flange 821 of the edge portion 825 and the flange 827 of the upper wall portion 824 both contribute to increased rigidity. Figure 16 The diagram also shows a metal container body including a cutout 819 on each upper sidewall portion 822. The cutout 819 is surrounded and reinforced by an edge portion 823 to increase rigidity, and the edge portion 823 extends downward to both sides of the cutout 819, such that the edge portion has a vertical height greater than the height of the cutout 819. By providing cutouts 819 in each upper sidewall portion 822, the metal container body 818 can be used to store delivery boxes.

[0111] Figure 16The metal container shown also includes a corner piece or base 826, which can be inserted into the corner of the deep-drawn base portion 820. The corner piece 826 allows the delivery box to be placed inside the metal container body 818 at a height suitable for a delivery box machine.

[0112] compared to Figure 15 and 16 The main body of the metal container includes four edge sections. Figure 17 The metal storage container 828 shown includes two edge portions 834, which are mounted on each upper wall portion 836. The edge portions 834 are shown in more detail below. Figure 17 (c) includes an elongated central portion 837 and two recesses 838 located on either side of the elongated central portion. The two recesses 838 allow the clamping device to engage with the metal container body 828. An edge portion 834 extends into a protruding lip 849 so that when the edge portion 834 is mounted on the upper end wall portion 836, the protruding lip 839 helps support the container bottom wall of the base portion 830 of the adjacent storage container above in the stack. Such adjacent storage containers can also be supported by a top edge fold 831 located at the upper edge of the upper end wall portion, which will be discussed later. The edge portion 834 in Figure 17 (c) is shown as a single component, but it can also consist of two components connected and spot-welded together in the middle of the elongated central portion 837.

[0113] The edge portion 834 is configured to fit onto a top edge bend 831 located at the upper edge of the upper end wall portion 836. The top edge bend 831 is approximately 20 mm wide and configured such that the bend engages with the elongated central portion 837 of the edge portion 834 and is accessible to the clamping device for engagement with the metal storage body 828 via a recess 838 in the edge portion 834. The edge portion 834 is fitted onto the top edge bend 831 and secured to the top edge bend 831 using spot welding. Spot welding can also be used to secure other parts of the metal storage body together, for example... Figure 17 As shown in (a), the upper end wall portion 836 is attached to the base portion 830 by three spot welds 833, while the upper side wall portion 832 is attached to the base portion 830 by four spot welds. However, the upper side wall and / or end wall can also be connected by any number of spot welds, such as 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 spot welds on each side. Specifically, the upper end wall portion 836 and the upper side wall portion 832 are attached to the upwardly erected base side wall portion and end wall portion of the base portion.

[0114] The upper sidewall portion 832 and the upper endwall portion 836 include ribs or beaks 835 formed by metal molding. The ribs or beaks 835 are located near the base of the upper sidewall portion 832 and the endwall portion 836. The ribs or beaks 835 increase the rigidity of the upper endwall portion and the upper sidewall portions 832 and 836. Figure 17 As shown in (a), the ribs or beaks 835 are symmetrically placed along the length of the upper sidewall portion 832 and the upper endwall portion 835. When the upper sidewall portion 832 and the endwall portion 836 are assembled into a box-like structure, the ribs or beaks 835 can minimize their movement. Figure 17 As shown in (a), the upper end wall portion 836 is provided with three ribs or beaks 835, while the upper side wall portion 832 is provided with seven ribs or beaks. The upper side wall portion 832 and the upper end wall portion 836 may have any number of ribs or beaks, for example, each upper side wall portion 832 and / or end wall portion 836 may have 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9 ribs or beaks.

[0115] Each upper side wall portion 832 and upper end wall portion 836 of the metal container body 828 includes flanges 840a, 840b located at each corner. For example... Figure 17 As shown in (d), when the upper side wall portion 832 and the upper end wall portion 836 are placed inside the base portion 830 to form a box-shaped structure 828, each flange 840a, 840b covers the top or bottom of another adjacent flange. Figure 17 (d) Specifically, the flange 840b of the upper sidewall portion 832 is shown, and the flange 840b is located inside the flange 840a of the upper endwall portion 836. This structure, where one flange covers the other flanges, reinforces the corners and improves the vertical structural stiffness. Compared to Figure 15 The corner shown in (e) in this specific embodiment comprises two components instead of three. Compared to Figure 15 The specific implementation shown offers a cost advantage. By using the upper sidewall 832 or the upper endwall 836 as... Figure 17 As shown in (e), the upper side wall portion 832 and the upper end wall portion 836 are placed inside the base side wall or end wall 841 and the two walls are spot welded together respectively, and the upper side wall portion 832 and the upper end wall portion 836 are connected to the base portion 830.

[0116] Additionally, the metal storage container 828 includes a hole in the flange of the upper side wall or end wall. For example... Figure 17 As shown in (a), holes 839 are located in each flange 840a of the upper end wall portion 836. Alternatively or additionally, one or more holes may also be located in each flange 840b of the upper side wall portion 832. One or more holes 839 can be used as positioning tools so that the metal storage container 828 can be accurately placed and, if necessary, repeatedly positioned in the same location.

[0117] This specific embodiment uses a barcode (not shown) located on the outside of the metal storage container to help identify the container's position and alignment, for example, in a box delivery machine. This is Figure 16 Alternative solutions for corner components or bases used in specific implementations.

[0118] Figure 18 The eleventh specific embodiment of the metal storage container 842 shown is similar to Figure 17 The specific implementation method. However, Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment further includes a recess 843 provided on each upper sidewall portion 845. The recess 843 is C-shaped, and its size and shape are designed to allow an alignment tool to be embedded within it, thereby ensuring accurate alignment of the metal storage container in, for example, a box delivery machine. Figure 16 Similar to the illustrated embodiment, the metal storage container 842 of the eleventh embodiment also includes a cutout 847 in each upper sidewall portion 845. By providing the cutout 847 in each upper sidewall portion 845, the metal container body 842 can be used to hold a delivery box.

[0119] Figures 14 to 18 Different specific embodiments of the metal storage container are shown, wherein the metal storage container has an upper sidewall and an upper endwall separate from the base portion. Alternatively, the upper sidewall 870 (a and b) and endwall 872 (a and b) of the metal container body 860 can be pivotally attached via hinge 880, such as a movable hinge, to corresponding lower sidewall 846 (a and b) and endwall 848 (a and b) in a shallower base or tray 844, as... Figure 19 The twentieth specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in (a) and (b). In use, the upper sidewall portion 870 (a) and (b) and the end wall portion 872 (a) and (b) are as follows: Figure 19 (b) shows rotation about their respective pivotable connectors 880, such that adjacent ends of the upper sidewall portions 870 (a and b) and endwall portions 872 (a and b) are connected to form a box-like structure. The joint between adjacent ends of the upper sidewall portions 870 (a and b) and endwall portions 872 (a and b) can be achieved by snap-fit ​​joints, welding, riveting, or even using adhesives. As in other specific embodiments of the invention described above, the upper edges of the sidewalls and endwalls at the edges of the metal container body are turned inward to form a lip or flange 866 for releasable engagement with the gripper device.

[0120] Alternatively, the opposite ends of the upper sidewall portions 970 (a and b) and the endwall portions 972 (a and b) may be joined together at the corners of the metal container body 912 by one or more corner posts 930, as... Figure 20As shown in (a) and (b) in the thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the storage container is stacked together with other storage containers in a grid frame structure, the cast corner posts 930 provide rigidity to the walls of the metal container body 912 to prevent bending. Figure 20 In the assembled state shown in (b), the sidewalls of the metal container body 912 include a lower sidewall portion 946 (a and b) and an upper sidewall portion 970 (a and b). Similarly, the endwalls of the metal container body 912 include a lower endwall portion 948 (a and b) and an upper endwall portion 972 (a and b).

[0121] As Figure 14 (a and b) to Figure 20 In other specific embodiments of the present invention shown, the base sidewall and base endwall of the shallower base slope outward from the bottom wall of the container so that multiple metal container bodies can be arranged as follows: Figure 21 They are stacked on top of each other for easy transport. Figure 19 and 20 In the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments shown, the ability of the upper sidewall and upper endwall to be pivotally attached to the respective lower sidewall and lower endwall of the shallower base prevents any part of the metal container body from being lost during transport and makes the metal container easy to install during use.

[0122] Compared to forming the body of a metal container through a deep-drawn base and one or more folded metal sheet blanks, the base and upper part of the metal container body can also be formed from one or more patterned metal sheet blanks, just as... Figure 22 and 23 The fourteenth and fifteenth exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. For the storage of grocery goods, one or more flanges may be bent or folded at the edges of the metal sheet so that, during assembly, the flanges help hold the sidewalls and endwalls together in an upright position and help seal the joints between adjacent sidewalls and endwalls of the metal container body to prevent fluid leakage from the metal container body. Alternatively, or in combination with flanges provided at joints—joints located between adjacent walls (sidewalls and endwalls) of the metal container body—the internal space within the metal container body may include a polymer liner or inner container to prevent any leakage of the contents of the storage container.

[0123] exist Figure 22In the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in (a and b), the metal container body 1012 is composed of two metal sheet blanks 1050 (a and b), which together form the container bottom wall 1015, side walls 1016 (a and b), and end walls 1018 (a and b) of the metal container body 1012. The advantage of assembling the metal container body 1012 from one or more metal sheet blanks 1050 (a and b) is that the metal container body can be flattened and packaged, facilitating transportation and storage. Figure 22 In the specific embodiment shown in (a), the metal container body 1012 is formed by a main segment 1050a and separate end plates 1050b, wherein the main segment 1050a forms the container bottom wall 1015 and opposing side walls 1016 (a and b) of the metal container body 1012, and the end plates 1050b form the end walls 1018 (a and b) of the metal container body 1012. The main segment 1050a of the metal sheet includes a fold line 1052, shown as a dashed line, extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the main segment 1050a. In use, the main segment 1050a of the metal sheet is folded along the fold line 1052 to form the container bottom wall 1015 and opposing side walls 1016 (a and b) of the metal container body 1012 with open ends, i.e., the folding is such that the opposing side walls are substantially perpendicular to the container bottom wall. The opposing open ends are then covered with the end plates 1050b to form as shown in the figure. Figure 22 (b) shows the box-shaped structure. The edges or distal ends of the main segment 1050a and / or end plate 1050b can be folded to form a flange 1054, which is used to secure the end plate 1050b to the folded main segment 1050a of the sheet metal blank, i.e., to secure the end plate 1050b to the sidewall 1016 (a and b). Figure 22 In the specific embodiment of the invention shown, the opposing edges of the main segment of the metal sheet are extended to form flanges 1054. The end plate 1050b can be fixed to the flanges 1054 of the metal sheet 1050a by welding, using adhesives, or other fastening tools. Figure 22 (b) In a specific embodiment shown, the end plate 1050b is fixedly attached to the flange 1054 of the sheet metal blank 1050a by riveting. As in other embodiments of the invention described above, the main section 1050a and / or the end plate 1050b may include one or more ventilation holes 1020, which may be stamped in the respective sheet metal blank 1050a or end plate 1050b to form ventilation holes 1020 and / or handles. Figure 22As shown in (b), at least one edge or end of the main section of the metal sheet and the end plate can be turned inward or outward to form a lip 1064 located at the edge, which surrounds the periphery of the assembled box-shaped structure. As in other embodiments of the invention, the lip 1064 at the edge enables the gripper device of the load handling apparatus to engage with the metal container body when lifting the storage container from the stack.

[0124] Alternatively, the metal container body 1112 may be formed from a single part, more specifically, from a single metal sheet 1150, as... Figure 23 The fifteenth exemplary embodiment is shown in (a) and (b). Figure 23 As shown in (a), the metal sheet 1150 includes a central section forming a container bottom wall 1115 and opposing side walls 1116 (a and b), as well as end wall sections 1118 (a and b) attached to the central section 1115 via, for example, movable hinges. The assembly of the container metal body includes folding the opposing side walls and end wall sections 1116 (a and b) substantially at right angles to the container bottom wall section 1115 to form, as shown in (a). Figure 23 (b) shows the box-like structure. The metal blank 1150 may include fold lines 1152 to assist in the folding of opposing sidewall and endwall sections. The edges of the sidewalls and / or endwalls and / or container bottom wall portions may be folded to form flanges for joining the walls of the metal container body together and providing a leak-proof container body. Alternatively, the internal space within the metal container body may include a polymer liner or inner container to prevent any leakage of the storage container. One or more retainers may be used to hold the opposing sidewalls and endwalls in an upright position. Similarly, the upper edges or ends of the opposing sidewalls and endwalls may be flipped, for example, inward or outward, to form a lip 1164 at the edge of the box-like structure. The edge includes one or more openings 1160 to allow the gripper device to engage with the metal container body. As with other embodiments of the metal container body, one or more vents 1120 may be cut into the metal blank, for example by stamping or other means, to allow air to circulate within the metal container body.

[0125] In reference Figures 8 to 23 In all specific embodiments of the use of sheet metal to manufacture the body of the metal container—for example, through deep drawing or folding of the sheet metal—the sheet metal can be coated with a polymer liner in a sandwich structure. This is particularly important when the contents of the storage container include food goods, in order to prevent food goods from leaking out of the metal container body and causing contamination. Additionally, the sheet metal can be folded to create grooves by forming one or more ribs in the sheet metal.

[0126] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the metal container body 1212, including a bottom wall 1215, opposing side walls 1216 (a and b), and end walls 1218 (a and b), can be cast as a single, single body. For example, the metal container can be cast by die casting or, alternatively, by investment casting. Figure 24 In the sixteenth exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the metal container body 1212 is die-cast as a single, single unit. While this does not provide a collapsible storage container as in the other embodiments described above, casting the metal container body as a single unit increases strength in a single section to prevent the walls of the metal container body from bending when it is placed in a stack. The metal container body may be cast from aluminum, with the wall thickness being approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. However, other lightweight metals may also be used to cast the metal container body. Another advantage of casting the metal container body is that it provides a leak-proof container to prevent fluid from leaking out of the storage container. During the casting of the metal container body, vents 1220 may be formed in-situ, or alternatively, once cast, the vents may be machined into the walls of the metal container body. The vents 1220 may be located at a predetermined height above the bottom wall of the container to provide a leak-proof base for capturing any leakage. Optionally, one or more ribs 1222 may be cast into the walls (side walls and end walls) of the metal container body 1212 to improve the structural integrity of the metal container body under load in stacking.

[0127] In the various embodiments of the invention described above, the walls of the metal container body are typically solid, i.e., composed of a solid material, and may include coatings or laminates to ensure that the internal surfaces of the metal container body meet food safety requirements. One or more wall reinforcements and / or inserts and / or corner posts may be incorporated into the metal container body to improve the structural integrity of the storage container. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the walls of the metal container body may be made hollow to accommodate the incorporation of a second filling material. Figure 25 In the seventeenth exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the opposing sidewalls 1316 (a and b) and endwalls 1318 (a and b) are hollow, and optionally, the container bottom wall 1315 is hollow. The hollow spaces within the walls of the metal container body can be filled with a filler material to improve the performance of the metal container body 1312. For example, the filler material can be a polymer foam that provides sound insulation for the storage container. Optionally, the filler material can be refractory. Typically, lightweight and refractory materials include, but are not limited to, vermiculite. The filler material can also improve the structural performance of the storage container under load when placed in a stack. Although in Figure 25Not shown, but one or more ribs may be formed in the walls of the storage container to improve its structural integrity. Joints between adjacent sidewalls and endwalls may be secured together by welding, using adhesives or rivets, or simply by tongue and groove joints. The container's bottom wall, sidewalls, and endwalls may be separate components assembled at the point of use for ease of transport.

[0128] When the contents of the storage containers are grocery goods, it is crucial that these goods are stored in containers that meet food safety standards. The types of metals that can be used to manufacture the metal container body to meet food safety standards are limited. These metals include various stainless steel materials, such as 304 stainless steel. However, the problem with using stainless steel to manufacture the metal container body is that this metal has a lower density than other types of metals, such as low-grade steel or aluminum, and is generally more expensive. As a result, the walls of such a metal container body are relatively thinner compared to a comparable plastic container body in the industry. The area of ​​the storage container most vulnerable to fire is its outer surface. Because the metal container body is fire-resistant, it can act as a fireproof enclosure to prevent or limit the entry of fire into the interior space of the storage container. Since the metal container body acts as a non-combustible enclosure and meets food safety standards for stored grocery goods, the fireproof enclosure may include a lining made of food-grade materials. Examples of food-grade materials include, but are not limited to, various food-grade plastic materials, cellulose materials such as paper or cardboard. To make the lining moisture-proof, the paper or cardboard lining may be impregnated or coated with a food-safe wax. At least a portion of the inner surface of the fireproof body includes linings 1420 and 1422 made of food-safe or food-grade materials, that is, the height of lining 1420 is as follows: Figure 26 and 27 The diagram shows a portion covering the entire height of the metal container body 1412, or as shown... Figure 28 and 29 The metal container body 1412 shown has a full-height liner 1422. Using liners 1420 and 1422 that meet the requirements for storing general merchandise allows for the use of different materials in the fire-resistant body. Although in the specific embodiment described above, the fire-resistant body 1412 may include metal or other fire-resistant materials that can be used to manufacture the fire-resistant body, including various ceramic materials and various fire-resistant plastic materials, such as plastic materials including fire-retardant additives. This fire-resistant body may include low-density materials but still possesses the same structural integrity and load-bearing capacity as current plastic storage containers. As a result, the walls of the fire-resistant body can be thicker, thus giving the walls of the storage container sufficient load-bearing capacity to support the weight of multiple storage containers in a stack.

[0129] exist Figure 26In the specific embodiment of the invention shown, the fireproof body includes a metal container body 1412, which includes a bottom wall 1415 and upwardly extending opposing side walls 1416a, 1416b and end walls 1418a, 1418b. The metal container body 1412 is partially provided with a lining 1420. Figure 27 In the specific embodiment of the invention shown, the liner 1420 is a tray or shallow base formed as an insert into the metal container body 1412. The tray 1420 is formed of a food-grade material and is leak-proof to prevent juices from seeping from grocery goods such as meat. Various embodiments are possible for forming leak-proof liners. These embodiments include, but are not limited to, liners for blow-molded or thermoformed individual parts, wherein the liner comprises a food-grade plastic material. Where the liner comprises a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard, the liner may be formed from a foldable metal blank impregnated or coated with a waxed material. The height of the liner does not need to cover the entire height of the metal container body, but may partially cover it. Figure 27 In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the tray 1420 covers half the height of the metal container body 1412. This is considered acceptable when grocery goods stored in the storage container only contact the bottom wall and partially abut against the opposite side and end walls of the storage container, and / or when it is only necessary to prevent juices from the grocery goods from seeping out and contaminating other grocery goods in adjacent storage containers. However, this does not mean that the liner cannot cover the entire height of the metal container body. Figure 28 and 29 An embodiment is shown in which the liner 1422 covers the entire height of the metal container body 1412. Furthermore, the liner 1422 can be as follows: Figure 28 As shown, it acts as an insert and is placed inside the main body of the metal container.

[0130] The paper- or cardboard-based liner makes the liner disposable, allowing different types of grocery goods to be stored within the metal container body and reducing the need for frequent cleaning of the container's interior surfaces. When the storage container comprises a metal container body (especially low-grade steel), washing the container with water can easily cause corrosion or rust, rendering the metal unusable for storing grocery goods. Using a liner made of food-grade materials eliminates the need to clean the metal container body, thereby extending its lifespan. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various modifications to storage containers incorporating the different features described above, as well as different combinations of features described in different embodiments, are also applicable within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0131] Further features of the invention can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0132] Clause 1. A storage container for storing one or more goods in a storage and retrieval system comprising a track system, the track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks or rails and a second set of parallel tracks or rails extending transversely to the first set of parallel tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern, the grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces or grid cells and a plurality of stacks of storage containers located below the track system, wherein each stack of the plurality of storage container stacks occupies a single grid space or grid cell, the flame-retardant storage container comprising a container bottom wall arranged in a box-like structure and opposing upward-facing side walls and end walls, the box-like structure having an open end for receiving one or more goods within the box-like structure.

[0133] The storage container is characterized in that it comprises a flame-retardant container body forming a non-flammable enclosure, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the flame-retardant body comprises a lining formed of a food-grade material.

[0134] Clause 2. The storage container according to Clause 1, wherein the flame-retardant container body is a ceramic container body.

[0135] Clause 3. The storage container as described in Clause 1, wherein the flame-retardant container body is a plastic container body.

[0136] Clause 4. The storage container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the upwardly erected opposing sidewalls and / or endwalls is separable.

[0137] Clause 5. The storage container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lining comprises food-grade plastic material and / or cellulose material.

[0138] Clause 6. The storage container according to Clause 5, wherein the cellulose material is coated or impregnated with a waxy material.

[0139] Clause 7. The storage container according to Clause 6, wherein the cellulose material is paper or cardboard.

[0140] Clause 8. The storage container according to Clause 7, wherein the lining is formed of a folded paper or cardboard blank.

[0141] Clause 9. The storage container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liner is disposable.

[0142] Clause 10. The storage container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lining is a shallow base or tray.

[0143] Clause 11. The storage container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liner is a leak-proof container.

[0144] Clause 12. The storage container according to Clause 11, wherein the leak-proof container is a one-piece thermoformed container.

Claims

1. A storage container (828) for storing one or more goods in a storage and retrieval system comprising a track system, the track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks and a second set of parallel tracks extending transversely to the first set of parallel tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern, the grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid cells and a plurality of stacks of storage containers located below the track system, wherein, Each of the plurality of storage containers occupies a single grid cell. The storage container includes a metal container body (829) comprising a base portion (830) and a separate upper portion. The base portion is formed as a single body and has a container bottom wall (814) and upwardly extending base sidewalls and endwalls (841) to define a pallet. The separate upper portion has upper sidewalls (794, 832) and upper endwalls (795, 836) extending upward from and connecting to the respective base sidewalls and endwalls (841) of the base portion to form a box-like structure. The box-like structure has an open end for receiving the one or more goods within the box-like structure. The metal container body includes an edge portion (834, 798, 799) that extends at least partially around the periphery of the open end of the box-shaped structure, and the edge portion includes one or more openings or recesses (838, 811) for engagement with a gripper device of a load handling device.

2. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The base portion (830) of the metal container body is formed from a deep-drawn metal sheet.

3. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The edge portions (834, 798) include protruding lips (849, 816) that turn inward or outward from the upper sidewall portions (794, 832) and / or the upper endwall portions (795, 836) to support the bottom wall of the container of the adjacent storage container above in the stack.

4. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The edge portions (834, 798, 799) are individually connected to the upper side wall portion (794, 832) and / or the upper end wall portion (795, 836).

5. The storage container according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The upper sidewall portion (832) and / or the upper endwall portion (836) include ribs or beaks (835).

6. The storage container according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Each corner of the metal container body includes a plurality of overlapping layers.

7. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The upper side wall portion (794) is individually fixed to the upper end wall portion (795).

8. The storage container according to claim 7, wherein, The upper sidewall portion (794) and / or the upper endwall portion (795) each include at least one flange (806, 807) for fixing the upper sidewall portion to the upper endwall portion.

9. The storage container according to claim 8, wherein, Each flange (806, 807) is configured to either cover the adjacent flange or be located below the adjacent flange.

10. The storage container according to claim 8, wherein, The flanges (806, 807) of the upper side wall portion (794) and / or the upper end wall portion (795) are fastened together by a mechanical rivetless riveting process.

11. The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one of the upper sidewall portions is releasably connected to at least one of the upper endwall portions via a snap-fit ​​connector and / or a toggle latch (760).

12. The storage container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The storage container further includes guides (796) located at each corner of the storage container for alignment of the gripper device of the load processing device.

13. The storage container according to claim 12, wherein, The guide (796) is formed by an elongated vertical recess located in the flange (807) of the upper sidewall and / or upper endwall.

14. The storage container according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The metal container body of the storage container includes a plurality of stops (128) that protrude inward into the entrance of the storage container and are located at diagonally opposite corners of the storage container to support the container bottom walls of adjacent storage containers in a stack. The plurality of stops are spaced apart above the container bottom walls to prevent the container bottom walls of adjacent storage containers above in the stack from soiling one or more goods in the storage container.

15. The storage container according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The base portion (820) includes one or more patterns embossed within the bottom wall of the container.

16. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein, The storage container includes a lining (1420, 1422) made of food-grade material.

17. The storage container according to claim 16, wherein, The lining comprises food-grade plastic materials and / or cellulose materials.

18. The storage container according to claim 17, wherein, The cellulose material is coated or impregnated with a waxy material.

19. The storage container according to claim 18, wherein, The cellulose material is paper.

20. The storage container according to claim 19, wherein, The lining is formed from a cardboard blank.

21. The container according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The lining is disposable.

22. The storage container according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The lining is a tray.

23. The storage container according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The lining is a leak-proof container.

24. The storage container according to claim 23, wherein, The leak-proof container is a one-piece thermoformed container.

25. A supporting component for assembling the storage container of claim 1, the supporting component comprising: i) Base portion (830), which is formed as a single body and has a container bottom wall and upwardly erected base side wall and end wall (841) to define the tray; ii) A separate upper portion, which includes an upper sidewall portion (832) and an upper endwall portion (836).

26. The matching components according to claim 25, wherein, The supporting components further include: iii) Two or more edge portions (834, 798, 799), which may be individually connected to the upper side wall portion (794, 832) and / or the upper end wall portion (795, 836).

27. A storage and retrieval system, comprising: A track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks and a second set of parallel tracks, the second set of parallel tracks extending laterally to the first set of parallel tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid cells; A plurality of storage container stacks are located below the track system, and each of the plurality of storage container stacks occupies a single grid cell. The plurality of storage container stacks include storage containers, each storage container comprising a metal container body. The metal container body includes a base portion and a separate upper portion. The base portion is formed as a single, unified body and has a container bottom wall and upwardly extending base sidewalls and endwalls to define a pallet. The separate upper portion has upper sidewalls and upper endwalls extending upward from and connecting to the respective base sidewalls and endwalls of the base portion to form a box-like structure. The box-like structure has an open end for receiving one or more goods within the box-like structure. A plurality of load processing devices, the plurality of load processing devices being supported and guided by parallel rails, each of the load processing devices including a container receiving space and a lifting mechanism configured to lift at least one storage container from the plurality of storage container stacks into the container receiving space; The metal container body includes an edge portion (834, 798) that extends at least partially around the periphery of the open end of the box-shaped structure, and the edge portion includes one or more openings or recesses (838, 811) for engagement with a gripper device of a load handling device.

28. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 27, wherein, The stack of the plurality of storage containers further includes plastic storage containers.

29. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 28, wherein, The storage and retrieval system further includes one or more flame-retardant partitions, the one or more flame-retardant partitions comprising the plurality of stacked storage containers.

30. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 29, wherein, The one or more flame-retardant partitions surround a plurality of stacked plastic storage containers.

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