Internal container

Abstract

A container (100, 200, 300) for arrangement within a container, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises a bottom part (104), the bottom part (104) having a rectangular base shape with four sides, and wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises four side walls (106), a side wall (106) being arranged on each of the four sides of the bottom part (104), the bottom part (104) comprising at least one rib (110) on each side, and wherein the ribs (110) are connected to the bottom part (104) and point away from the container (100, 200, 300).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container for arrangement within a container, in particular for arrangement within a container of an automated storage and retrieval system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers come in various sizes and allow for the storage of goods. To sort different types of goods within a container and / or to facilitate the removal of goods, smaller containers can be stored inside a larger container. The larger container makes moving the smaller containers easier, as only the larger container needs to be moved. Furthermore, the larger container can include a protective housing or outer shell to protect the goods and smaller containers stored within it.

[0003] For example, an automated storage and retrieval system uses containers of one or more sizes for storage. Goods can be stored in these containers. To sort different types of goods within a container and / or to facilitate the retrieval of goods from the container, the goods can be stored in smaller containers inside the larger container. The containers of the automated storage and retrieval system can have one or more standard sizes, and the use of a container configured to be positioned inside the larger container can allow the use of containers of different sizes within the larger container while fully realizing the benefits of the automated storage and retrieval system.

[0004] However, the correct positioning of the containers within the larger container, as well as the insertion of the containers into the larger container, can be improved and facilitated. Therefore, there is a need for a container that can be easily inserted and positioned within a larger container.

[0005] When a container is located within a receptacle of an automated storage and retrieval system, it is also subject to vibrations caused by the movement of the container itself. This can cause the goods within the container to shift and generate noise. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the container to the other containers; that is, there is a need for a container that dampens the vibrations emanating from the container.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a container for arrangement in a container as described in the attached claims. SUMMARY

[0007] In some aspects, the present invention relates to a container for arrangement within a container, wherein the container comprises a bottom part, the bottom part having a rectangular shape with four sides, and wherein the container comprises four side walls, with one side wall arranged on each of the four sides of the bottom part, the bottom part comprising at least one rib on each side, and wherein the ribs are connected to the bottom part and point away from the container. In some examples, there may be one, two, or more than two ribs per side of the bottom part of the container.

[0008] In some examples, the ribs of the container are configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the container walls. The ribs facilitate inserting the container into the larger container. Furthermore, the ribs improve the positioning of the container within the larger container and make it easier to insert multiple containers into a single container. Additionally, the ribs enhance the stability of the container when positioned inside the larger container, as they limit its potential movement within the larger container.

[0009] In some examples, the ribs taper towards the bottom surface of the container. This taper makes it easier to insert the ribs into corresponding grooves in the container walls. The bottom surface is the area at the bottom of the container.

[0010] In some examples, the ribs taper towards the top of the container. This taper at the top makes it easier to arrange multiple containers side by side in a single container, as it prevents the ribs of different containers from interlocking when the containers are placed next to each other.

[0011] In some examples, the ribs comprise a first strut, arranged essentially perpendicular to the top of the container, and a second strut, arranged essentially perpendicular to the first strut, with the first and second struts connected to each other. The first and second struts improve the stability of the rib and reduce the likelihood of the ribs breaking due to forces acting upon them.

[0012] In some examples, the base and ribs are injection-molded in one piece. This can further increase the ribs' stability and reduce the likelihood of breakage. Furthermore, it simplifies the manufacturing process of the base and ribs, requiring only a single step.

[0013] In some examples, the container is configured in such a way that it can be arranged in a receptacle, in particular in a receptacle of an automated storage and retrieval system.

[0014] In some examples, the container is configured so that it can be placed in a receptacle of the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, in particular in a 330 mm receptacle of the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system.

[0015] In some examples, the container includes at least two spring spacers on each of two opposing side walls.

[0016] In some examples, the container's spring spacers are configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the container walls. In other examples, the container may not have grooves, and the spring spacers may be in contact with the container walls. The spring spacers are configured to exert a force on the container walls, preferably an elastic force. The spring spacers may be made of a flexible material or may include a spring or other element to exert said force.

[0017] When the container is moved, for example, when it is moved within an automated storage and retrieval system for retrieval or storage, the internal components are subjected to vibrations caused by the movement. The spring spacers exert a force on the container walls to reduce the transmission of these vibrations. This reduces the transmission of vibrations from the container to the internal components, thereby decreasing the vibrations of the container and the goods stored within it. This, in turn, reduces the overall noise associated with the movement of the container (and the internal components and the goods within the container).

[0018] In some examples, the spring spacers are positioned at different locations on the various side walls. This prevents the spring spacers from interfering with each other when two or more containers are placed side by side.

[0019] In some examples, the side walls of the container have at least one recess on their outer surfaces, configured to accommodate the spring spacers of another container positioned next to it. In some examples, the spring spacers may project further outwards than the side wall. The at least one recess is configured to accommodate the spring spacers of another container, allowing the containers to be positioned side by side.

[0020] In some examples, the side walls are foldable, and the container includes a spring-driven locking mechanism for locking and selectively unlocking the foldable side walls. The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element and at least one spring element. The locking element can be moved between a locking position, in which the foldable side walls of the container are locked so that they cannot be folded, and an unlocking position, which allows the foldable side walls of the container to be folded. The at least one spring element exerts a force on the locking element in the direction of the locking position. In other words, the at least one spring element exerts a force on the locking element such that the locking element is pushed in the direction of the locking position.A user can exert a force on the locking element that overcomes the force of the at least one spring element to move the locking element into the unlocked position, thereby allowing the side walls of the container to be folded together.

[0021] In some examples, the locking element is movable in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the container between the locking and unlocking positions. It is preferred that the unlocking position is reached by moving the locking element away from the bottom surface of the container.

[0022] This allows a user to easily grasp the locking element and move it towards the unlocking position with one hand.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises two locking elements, wherein the locking elements are arranged on opposite side walls, preferably the spring spacers and the locking elements being arranged on different side walls.

[0024] In some examples, the container has an open top. In other examples, the container may have a lid.

[0025] In some examples, the container has a maximum height of 312 mm. This allows the container to be placed in a 330 mm bin of the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system.

[0026] In some examples, the container has several grooves on its inner surface designed to accommodate dividers, with the container optionally having at least one divider that fits into two of the grooves. In other words, the grooves are located on the inward-facing side of the container's side walls. The dividers allow the container to be divided into separate compartments for sorting and storing different goods within it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features will become clear from the following description of illustrative embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows a first example of a container. Fig. 2 a first detailed view of the container Fig. 1 shows. Fig. 3 a second detailed view of the container Fig. 1 shows. Fig. Figure 4 shows a second example of a container. Fig. Figure 5 shows a third example of a container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "lateral," "forward and backward," "up and down," "above," "below," "inside," "outside," "front," "back," etc., may be used. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations shown in the drawings that are associated with normal use of the invention. The terms are used only for the convenience of the reader and are not restrictive.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first example of a container 100. The container 100 is intended for arrangement within a container. The container 100 includes a base part 104. The base part 104 has a rectangular shape with four sides. Fig. Two of the four sides are visible. The container 100 comprises four side walls 106. A side wall 106 is arranged on each of the four sides of the bottom part 104. In Fig. 1. The side walls are attached to the top of the base part 104 and extend towards the top of Fig. 1. The bottom part 104 includes at least one rib 110 on each side. The ribs 110 are connected to the bottom part 104 and point away from the container 100. In some examples, there may be one, two, or more than two ribs 110 per side of the container 100. In the example of Fig. 1. There are two ribs 110 on each side of the container 100, however, in another example there may be a different number or several different numbers of ribs 110 on the different sides of the bottom part 104 of the container 100.

[0030] In some examples, the 100-liter container is configured to be placed inside a receptacle, specifically a receptacle in an automated storage and retrieval system. In some examples, the 100-liter container is configured to be placed inside a receptacle in an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, specifically a 330-mm receptacle in the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system.

[0031] In some examples, the ribs 110 are configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the walls of the container. The ribs 110 facilitate the insertion of the container 100 into the container. Furthermore, the ribs 110 improve the positioning of the container 100 within the container and facilitate the insertion of multiple containers 100 into a single container. Additionally, the ribs 110 improve the stability of the container 100 when positioned within the container, as the possible movement of the container 100 within the container is limited.

[0032] In some examples, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, container 100 can have an open top. In other examples, container 100 can include a lid.

[0033] In some examples, the container 100 has a maximum height of 312 mm. This allows the container 100 to be placed inside a 330 mm container in the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system.

[0034] In some examples, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the container 100 can have several grooves 108 on its inner surface. In other words, the grooves 108 are located on the inward-facing side of the side walls 106 of the container 100. The grooves 108 are configured to accommodate dividers. The container 100 optionally includes at least one divider that fits into two or more of the grooves 108. The dividers allow the container 100 to be divided into separate compartments for sorting and storing different goods within the container 100.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the ribs 110 of the exemplary container 100. Fig. 1. In some examples, including the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the container 100 shown in Figure 2, the ribs 110 taper towards the bottom surface of the container 100. The bottom surface of the container 100 is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is not visible, but the reader will understand that the bottom surface is the area at the bottom of container 100, which is also shown here on the underside of the drawing in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The tapered shape facilitates the insertion of the ribs 110 into corresponding grooves in the walls of the container.

[0036] In some examples, including the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the container 100 shown in Figure 2, the ribs 110 taper towards the top of the container 100. The top of the container 100 is located on the opposite side of the bottom part 104, in the example of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The top side is oriented towards the top of the drawing. The tapered top side facilitates the arrangement of several containers 100 side by side in one container, as it prevents the ribs 110 of different containers 100 from interlocking when the containers are placed next to each other.

[0037] In some examples, including the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the container 100 shown in Figure 2, the ribs 110 comprise a first strut 111, which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the top of the container 100, and a second strut 112, which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first strut 111, the first and second struts 111, 112 being connected to each other. The first and second struts 111, 112 improve the stability of the rib 110 and reduce the probability of the ribs 110 breaking due to forces acting upon them.

[0038] In some examples, the bottom section 104 and the ribs 110 can be integrally formed together, e.g., by injection molding the bottom section 104 and the ribs 104 in a single piece. This can further increase the stability of the ribs 110 and reduce the probability of breakage of the ribs 110.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second detailed view of container 100. Fig. 1. In some examples, the side walls 106 of the container 100 can be foldable. The container 100 can include a spring-driven locking mechanism 140 for locking and selectively unlocking the foldable side walls 106. The locking mechanism 140 can include at least one locking element 141 and at least one spring element 142. The locking element 141 can be moved between a locking position, in which the foldable side walls 106 of the container 100 are locked so that they cannot be folded, and an unlocking position, which allows the foldable side walls 106 of the container 100 to be folded. The at least one spring element 142 is configured to exert a force on the locking element 141 in the direction of the locking position.In other words, the at least one spring element 142 exerts a force on the locking element 141, causing the locking element 141 to be pressed towards the locked position. A user can exert a force on the locking element 141 that overcomes the force of the at least one spring element 142 to move the locking element 141 into the unlocked position, thereby allowing the side walls 106 of the container 100 to be folded together.

[0040] In a preferred example, for instance in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the locking element 141 is movable in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the container 100 between the locking and unlocking positions. Even more preferably, the unlocking position is reached by moving the locking element 141 away from the bottom surface of the container 100. This allows a user to easily grasp the locking element 141 and move it with one hand toward the unlocking position.

[0041] As from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the locking mechanism 140 can comprise two locking elements 141 arranged on opposite side walls 106. A user can use one hand for each locking element 141 to move both locking elements 141 simultaneously towards the unlocked position, thus facilitating the folding of the side walls 106 of the container 100.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a second example of a container 200. The container 200 is similar to the one in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The container 100 described in the 3 and can have any of the features of the container 100.

[0043] In some examples, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the container 200 can comprise at least two spring spacers 120. The spring spacers 120 are arranged on each of two opposing side walls 106. In the example of Fig. 4 The container 200 comprises two spring spacers 120 on a first side wall 106. On the opposite side wall 106, which is in Fig. Since 4 is not visible, the container 200 also includes two spring spacers 120.

[0044] In some examples, the spring spacers 120 of the container 200 are configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the container walls. When the container 200 is arranged within a container of an automated storage and retrieval system, the spring spacers 120 can be configured to be received in the grooves in the container walls. In other examples, the container may not have grooves, and the spring spacers 120 may be in contact with the container walls.

[0045] The spring spacers 120 are configured to exert a force on the walls of the container, preferably an elastic force. The spring spacers 120 can be made of a flexible material or include a spring or other element to exert said force.

[0046] When the automated storage and retrieval system moves the container, for example, for removal or storage, the container 200 is subjected to vibrations due to the movement. The spring spacers 120 exert a force on the container walls to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the container 200. The spring spacers 120 thus reduce the transmission of vibrations from the container to the container, thereby reducing the vibrations of the container 200 and the goods stored in it, which in turn reduces the overall noise from the movement of the container (and the container 200 within the container and the goods within the container 200).

[0047] Preferably the locking mechanism 140 comprises, as in the example of Fig. Figure 4 shows two locking elements 141, wherein the locking elements 141 are arranged on opposite side walls 106 and the spring spacers 120 and the locking elements 141 are arranged on different side walls 106. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the container 200 in this example has a rectangular base shape, and the locking elements 141 are arranged on the side walls 106 on the short sides, while the spring spacers 120 are arranged on the side walls 106 on the long sides of the rectangular base shape.

[0048] Preferably, the spring spacers 120 are arranged at different positions on the various side walls 106. In this way, the spring spacers 120 do not interfere with each other when two or more containers 200 are arranged side by side. As, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the spring spacers 120 are not arranged symmetrically on the side wall 106. It is further understood that the spring spacers 120 are arranged in different positions on the opposite side wall 106 to prevent mutual obstruction of the spring spacers 120.

[0049] In some examples, the side walls 106 of container 100 have at least one recess 130 on their outer sides, configured to accommodate the spring spacers 120 of another container 200 arranged next to container 200. In some examples, the spring spacers 120 can project further outwards than the side wall 106. The at least one recess 130 is configured to accommodate the spring spacers 120 of another container 200, allowing the containers 200 to be arranged side by side.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5 shows a third example of a container 300. The container 300 is similar to the one in terms of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Container 100, as described in section 3, can have any of the features of container 100. Container 300 is similar to container 100 in terms of Fig. The container 200 described in section 4 can have any of the features of the container 200.

[0051] The container 300 includes a spring-driven locking mechanism 140 for locking and selectively unlocking the foldable side walls 106, as described in relation to Fig. 3. The locking mechanism 140 can comprise at least one locking element 141 and at least one spring element 142. The locking element 141 can be moved between a locking position, in which the collapsible side walls 106 of the container 100 are locked so that they cannot be folded, and an unlocking position, which allows the collapsible side walls 106 of the container 100 to be folded. The at least one spring element 142 is configured such that it exerts a force on the locking element 141 in the direction of the locking position. In other words, the at least one spring element 142 exerts a force on the locking element 141 such that the locking element 141 is pushed in the direction of the locking position.A user can exert a force on the locking element 141 that overcomes the force of the at least one spring element 142 to move the locking element 141 into the unlocked position, thereby allowing the side walls 106 of the container 100 to be folded together.

[0052] The container 300 further comprises at least one spring spacer 120, which is arranged on the at least one locking element 141. The spring spacers 120 of the container 300 are similar to the spring spacers 120 described in relation to the container 200 in Fig. 4 were presented, and can exhibit any of the characteristics described therein.

[0053] The spring spacers 120 can be attached to the locking element 141 or formed integrally with the locking element 141, e.g. by molding or 3D printing.

[0054] In this example, two spring spacers 120 are arranged on the locking element 141, and the reader understands that two spring spacers 120 are also arranged on the locking element 141 on the opposite side wall 106. In other examples, a different number of spring spacers 120 may be arranged on the locking elements 141. Furthermore, a different number of spring spacers 120 may be arranged on the different locking elements 141.

[0055] In some examples, e.g., in the example of Fig. 5, the spring spacers 120 are arranged at different positions on the various locking elements 141. In this way, the spring spacers 120 do not interfere with each other when two or more containers 300 are arranged next to each other. As, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the spring spacers 120 are not arranged symmetrically on the locking element 141. It is further understood that the spring spacers 120 are arranged at different positions on the opposite side wall 106 of the locking element 141 to prevent mutual interference between the spring spacers 120.

[0056] Preferably, the spring spacers 120 are arranged on the locking elements 141 such that they can be received by the at least one recess 130 of a side wall 106 of another container 300, so that the containers 300 can be arranged side by side. As in the example in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the spring spacers 120 on the locking elements 141 can protrude towards the bottom of the locking elements 141 to prevent interference with the locking elements of another container 300 located next to the container 300.

Claims

[1] A container (100, 200, 300) for arrangement within a container, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises a bottom part (104), the bottom part (104) having a rectangular base shape with four sides, and wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises four side walls (106), a side wall (106) being arranged on each of the four sides of the bottom part (104), the bottom part (104) comprising at least one rib (110) on each side, and wherein the ribs (110) are connected to the bottom part (104) and point away from the container (100, 200, 300). [2] The container (100, 200, 300) according to any claim 1, wherein the ribs (110) of the container (100, 200, 300) are configured to engage in corresponding grooves in the walls of the container. [3] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (110) are tapered towards the bottom surface of the container (100, 200, 300). [4] Container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (110) are tapered towards the top of the container (100, 200, 300). [5] Container (100, 200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (110) comprise a first strut (111) arranged substantially perpendicular to the top of the container (100, 200, 300) and a second strut (112) arranged substantially perpendicular to the first strut (111), and wherein the first and second struts (111, 112) are connected to each other. [6] Containers (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part (104) and the ribs (110) are injection molded in one piece. [7] Container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) is configured such that it can be arranged in a receptacle, in particular in a receptacle of an automated storage and retrieval system. [8] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) is configured such that it can be arranged in a receptacle of the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, in particular in a 330 mm receptacle of the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. [9] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises at least two spring spacers (120) on each of two side walls (106) which are opposite each other. [10] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring spacers (120) of the container (100, 200, 300) are configured such that they engage in corresponding grooves in the walls of the container. [11] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring spacers (120) are arranged at different positions on the different side walls (106). [12] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (106) of the container (100, 200, 300) have at least one recess (130) on their outer sides, which is configured to accommodate the spring spacers (120) of another container (100, 200, 300) which is arranged next to the container (100, 200, 300). [13] The container (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (106) are foldable and wherein the container (100, 200, 300) comprises a spring-driven locking mechanism (140) for locking and selectively unlocking the collapsible side walls (106), wherein the locking mechanism (140) comprises at least one locking element (141) and at least one spring element (142), and wherein the locking element (141) is positioned between a locking position in which the collapsible side walls (106) of the container (100, 200, 300) are locked so that they cannot be folded, and an unlocking position which allows the collapsible side walls (106) of the container (100, 200, 300) to be folded, and wherein the at least one spring element (142) exerts a force on the locking element (141) in the direction of the locking position. [14] The container (100, 200, 300) according to claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism (140) comprises two locking elements (141) and wherein the locking elements (141) are arranged on opposite side walls (106), wherein preferably the spring spacers (120) and the locking elements (141) are arranged on different side walls (106). [15] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) has an open top. [16] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) has a height of not more than 312 mm. [17] The container (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100, 200, 300) has several grooves (108) on the inside of the container (100, 200, 300) which are designed to receive partitions, and wherein the container (100, 200, 300) optionally has at least one partition which is received in two of the grooves (108).

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