Alignment system for a storage means

Abstract

The present invention shows an alignment system for a storage means, e.g. a storage means comprising two separable parts, a first part arranged on a platform and a second part arranged on the storage means, the platform comprising a surface adapted to transport or hold or store the storage means and levelling rollers with defined axes of rotation, the levelling rollers protruding at least partially beyond the surface of the platform, the storage means comprising cavities on its bottom surface corresponding to the levelling rollers / balls in a relative position and orientation such that when the levelling rollers / balls are arranged inside the cavities the storage means rests on the surface of the platform.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment system for a storage means. [Background technology]

[0002] The operations of transporting packages, removing them with the required contents from the storage area, collecting them and preparing them for further processing, as well as the processes for their correct handling, are the basis for the correct functioning of the storage system.

[0003] From WO 2021 / 059006 a carrier device is known which comprises a platform 39 for transporting storage boxes 4. The platform is provided with retractable hooks 41 adapted to be stored under the platform surface so that the storage box can be placed on the surface of the platform. After placing the storage box on the platform, the hooks are adapted to extend into the platform to interact with a holding mechanism on the bottom surface of the storage box. No leveling rollers are disclosed which have a circular roller body adapted to provide a roll-off / rolling contact with the bottom surface of the storage means in order to transport the storage means in a rolling manner to a final transport position on the platform surface. WO 2021 / 059006 also does not teach that such leveling rollers can be adapted to take over the holding task to avoid shifting of the storage means on the platform surface.

[0004] Furthermore, the retention method proposed in WO 2021 / 059006 is structurally complex and expensive, and its use is only justified in situations where it is impossible to do otherwise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 059006 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If at least one automated device is used to pick, position and move the packages of the system, it will be necessary to handle and store the packages very precisely, ensuring their immobility during operations of the system such as transport or handling, resulting in a very expensive storage system. An alternative to a high precision and expensive storage system could be an automated device that ensures that the storage means is aligned on itself when it is picked up.

[0007] Furthermore, while the packages are being moved by the automated device, they must be kept in the same height position as when they were picked up by the device, in order to ensure that the package or box or contents of the storage means are correctly unloaded from the transport device at the end of the path. For this purpose, the package platform of the device must be provided with the ability to hold and / or align the package in its correct position the entire time it is on the device.

[0008] Furthermore, while the packages are being moved by the automated device, they are preferably kept in the same height position as when they were picked up by the device. This may be to ensure that the package or the contents of the box or storage means are correctly unloaded from the transport device at the end of the path. For this purpose, the package platform of the device must be provided with the ability to hold and / or align the package in its correct position the whole time it is on the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to scale up the technical means of an automated system that properly aligns a storage means during its handling in a storage configuration. The present invention solves this problem through an alignment system for a storage means having the features of claim 1, i.e. an alignment system for a storage means, such as a storage means comprising two separable parts, a first part arranged on the platform and a second part arranged on the storage means, The platform is - a surface adapted to carry, hold or store a storage means; - levelling rollers / balls each having a roller body circular in cross section and a defined axis of rotation, the levelling rollers / balls projecting upwards at least partially beyond the surface of the platform; - the roller body is adapted to provide roll-off / rolling contact with a bottom surface of the storage means and to transport the storage means in a rolling manner / shifting the storage means across the platform surface to a final transport position on the platform surface (110, 210, 310, 510); The storage means is - an alignment system comprising cavities on its bottom surface corresponding to the levelling rollers / balls in a relative position and orientation such that, when the levelling rollers / balls are located inside the cavities, the storage means rests on the surface of the platform in its final transport position.

[0010] The roundness of the roller body can in particular be a cross-section that can be in the direction of the axis of rotation, so that a cut through the leveling roller / roller body perpendicular to the axis of rotation can result in a circular cross-section at the cutting edge / cutting surface.

[0011] Thus, the roller body may have a circular outer surface and / or a particular radius about the axis of rotation at each point along the axis of rotation. Thus, at each point along the axis of rotation, the radius of the roller body may be constant, but the radius of the roller body may vary along the axis of rotation.

[0012] The upward direction may be defined to be oriented towards the storage means arranged on the surface of the platform. It is clear that in real situations, such a definition may vary depending on the orientation of the surface, if the alignment system is arranged on a transport unit moving up and down a slope. Thus, the upward direction may be particularly met / defined / intended when the surface of the platform surface is aligned horizontally.

[0013] The defined roll-off / rolling contact between the roller body and the bottom surface of the storage means may provide a transport situation in which the storage means is at least partially carried by the roller / rolling body. This may in particular be the case when the roller / rolling body is placed inside a cavity in the bottom surface of the storage means before the bottom surface is finally rested on the platform surface.

[0014] Thus, in situations where the roller / roller body provides roll-off / rolling contact, the storage means may be raised slightly above the platform surface, in particular by a distance corresponding to the roller / roller body protruding upwardly beyond the surface of the platform.

[0015] The defined roll-off / rolling contact between the roller body and the bottom surface of the storage means can result in a sliding contact between the two entities enabling friction-free / friction-reduced movement of the storage means parallel to and / or above the platform surface.

[0016] The defined roll-off / rolling contact of the roller body with the bottom surface of the storage means can provide control over the direction of movement of the storage means on the platform surface when the storage means is slid over the platform surface. This can in particular support the final placement of the storage means on the platform surface, thus bringing the levelling rollers and the cavities of the storage means together. This facilitation can in particular be due to the defined axis of rotation of the levelling rollers / roller bodies. The axis of rotation can have a fixed orientation. This orientation is preferably horizontal to the platform surface.

[0017] Once the rollers are placed in the corresponding cavities of the storage means, the final transport position of the storage means on the platform surface can be reached, so that the bottom surface of the storage means can rest on the platform surface. In this position, the levelling rollers, and thus the parts of the roller body protruding into the cavities, provide the function of holding the storage means in a fixed position (slipping / shifting of the storage means on the platform surface is prevented) and / or keeping the storage means centred in the correct orientation relative to the platform surface.

[0018] Preferably the rollers are passive and therefore have no driving force to rotate them in either direction. The rollers are preferably rotated when the storage means is in roll-off / rolling contact with them. Preferably the storage means is provided / adapted to slide over the platform surface.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the levelling rollers are arranged around the circumference of the platform surface and the cavities of the storage means correspond in size and position to each other such that the rollers can be placed in the cavities of the storage means and thus the bottom surface of the storage means rests on the platform surface.

[0020] Preferably, the axes of rotation of the rollers are each parallel to the side of the surface adjacent which they are disposed when circumferentially disposed on the platform surface.

[0021] According to the invention, the levelling rollers may be provided with a static axis of rotation and / or a static height at which the levelling roller (s) projects beyond the surface of the platform.

[0022] Preferred embodiments are outlined in the dependent claims.

[0023] Preferably, the individual rollers have the shape of a cylinder and / or a cone and / or a truncated cone. The length of the rollers is preferably between 4 and 8 times their length. This allows a better distribution of the load over a larger area, which in particular turns out to enhance the interlocking or grip of the rollers in the corresponding cavity of the storage means (box).

[0024] Preferably, above the surface of the loading area of ​​the device, a set of rollers are mounted which can rotate freely about their horizontal axis, the position of which can correspond to the shape of the bottom. For example, the axis of the rollers across the surface of the platform of the automatic device is positioned to ensure that the container / box / storage means placed on top is aligned in two horizontal directions simultaneously or successively in one movement, by positioning a locally responsive ramp or cavity at the bottom of the container which interacts with the rollers.

[0025] Furthermore, the height of the rollers above the platform of the apparatus must be selected such that the aligned storage means or their cavities respectively mounted thereon cannot move horizontally relative to the platform or can move but within tolerances / margins.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the rollers can be attached to the platform along the periphery of the container / storage means parallel or aligned with its walls, thereby surrounding the bottom surface of the storage means and preferably fixing it against movement. A central pivot lock can be fitted to lock the storage means on the platform, in particular against vertical and thus upward movement. The locking mechanism can be designed as a locking element or hook provided to reach behind a corresponding element such as an accordingly shaped recess, indentation or hole in the bottom surface of the storage means.

[0027] This means that according to an embodiment of the invention, the automatic device can lift its platform under the storage means at the storage location, which can first use its rollers to guide the storage means to the correct position, and then the platform continues to move vertically upwards so that it starts to pick up the weight of the storage means and pulls / lifts it away from the storage location. Once the loading platform with the storage means is lifted to the required height, preferably the tongue of the twist lock fixes the storage means (locking mechanism), which can be particularly useful when the storage means is transported along an incline or slope where the transport platform of the transport device is at least temporarily out of horizontal alignment. Preferably, the weight of the storage means to be lifted and its leveling is therefore performed by lifting the platform of the device, which is by definition designed to handle the specified weight and therefore no additional powerful drives are required to align the storage means at the platform. The actuator of the central lock must be able to rotate the latch tongue / locking mechanism / locking element to the required force, which is independent of the weight of the aligned storage means on the platform.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the rollers used to align and fix the storage means on the platform in a horizontal plane may be arranged on the platform in pairs and / or at angles to each other, preferably symmetrically with respect to the center of the platform and / or storage means, preferably forming a diamond or cross shape together, preferably not protruding beyond the dimensions of the storage means, more preferably arranged in the central part of the platform / storage means. A guide element may be formed on the bottom of the storage means, which in this manner may rest on the rollers. A central twist lock may be fitted to fix the storage means preferably vertically upwards. The rollers may also be balls or rolling bodies, or a combination of the above.

[0029] Advantageously, the present invention allows for different sizes and types of storage means to be aligned and secured using a single platform design. This may be made possible, inter alia, by the angular orientation of the rollers discussed above.

[0030] It should also be understood that similar to vertically picking up a stationary storage means by, for example, a movable platform of an automated transport device, a storage means in a transporting situation, for example an automated transport device or a conveyor belt or roller belt, may similarly be picked up or placed on a stationary platform engaged with rollers by some other device or operator.

[0031] In such a stationary platform (preferably a work station with an adjacent conveyor belt or roller belt), the rollers, which may also be synonymously called "leveling rollers", can be arranged in any of the variants proposed above, as well as in other possible combinations that are evident from the invention described above.

[0032] Preferably, a site with a first selection of alignment rollers around the package can be used to place a platform for the package to be taken from the conveyor by an external device and for vertical winding. In this case, there are no rollers on the conveyor belt side of the platform, which encircle the package along the periphery of the other three sides, align it and allow the use of a device operating between several well-defined static winding / placement points to move the package.

[0033] The above is a summary of the nature of the present invention, which may include simplifications, generalizations, inclusions and / or exclusions of details. This summary of the nature of the present invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Any statements made herein in relation to an automated transport device and / or its (transport) platform also refer to any other platform (whether static or not) described herein in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] In order to better understand the essence of the proposed technical solution, the following describes specific embodiments, which are not intended to be limiting examples of practical realizations of a method for aligning and retaining containers as they are picked up, placed and moved by automated equipment, in accordance with the claimed invention, and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the rollers are adapted to center and hold the storage means on the surface of the platform. Preferably, the height of the rollers or roller bodies protruding on the surface of the platform is adapted to the depth of the cavity so that the depth of the cavity is equal to or deeper than the height of the rollers / roller bodies protruding on the platform surface. The leveling rollers may also be called rollers or centering rollers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1]1 shows an automated transport device with a platform with leveling rollers positioned along the periphery of the platform and a locking mechanism (latch) at the center of the platform. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an automated transport apparatus with a platform having leveling rollers positioned along the periphery of the platform and a central locking mechanism with storage means upstanding on the platform. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an automated transport device with a platform having leveling rollers arranged in a cross configuration in the center of the platform. [Figure 4] 1 shows an automated transport device with a platform with rollers arranged in a cross configuration and a central locking latch with different types and numbers of storage means on the platform. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an automated transport device with a platform with rollers arranged in a cross configuration and a central locking latch with different types and numbers of storage means on the platform. [Figure 6] 1 shows an automated transport device with a platform with rollers arranged in a cross configuration and a central locking latch with different types and numbers of storage means on the platform. [Figure 7] The method is shown step by step to retrieve a storage means from a storage location onto a platform having rollers arranged in a cross configuration in a central portion of the platform, align the platform and the storage means, and hold the storage means on the platform against relative horizontal movement. [Figure 8] The method is shown step by step to retrieve a storage means from a storage location onto a platform having rollers arranged in a cross configuration in a central portion of the platform, align the platform and the storage means, and hold the storage means on the platform against relative horizontal movement. [Figure 9]The method is shown step by step to retrieve a storage means from a storage location onto a platform having rollers arranged in a cross configuration in a central portion of the platform, align the platform and the storage means, and hold the storage means on the platform against relative horizontal movement. [Figure 10] Shown is a fixed / stationary platform for two storage means with levelling rollers positioned along / parallel to the periphery of the platform. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows a fixed platform for two storage spaces with levelling rollers positioned along the periphery of the storage means with the storage means mounted thereon. [Figure 12] Show how to pick up the storage means and place it on a fixed / stationary platform. [Figure 13] Show how to pick up the storage means and place it on a fixed / stationary platform. [Figure 14] 1 shows a fixed platform mated with leveling rollers arranged in a cross configuration. [Figure 15] 1 shows a fixed / stationary platform fitted with levelling rollers arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement on which different types of storage means can stand simultaneously. [Figure 16] A conveyor is shown having leveling pads at its start and end that are mated with rollers on its periphery. [Figure 17] 1 shows a conveyor having a levelling platform at least at its start, with rollers around it, on which the containers stand upright. [Figure 18] 1 shows a mast-type high-rise transport and load handling device with a grapple having a platform with levelling rollers arranged in a diamond shape on its upper portion. [Figure 19] 1 shows a close-up of the platform of a mast-type high-rise transport and handling unit in its extended state, fitted with levelling rollers arranged thereon in the shape of a diamond. [Figure 20]1 illustrates how a storage means having mast-type high bay load carriers can be conveniently picked up and placed from a storage location; [Figure 21] 1 illustrates how a storage means having mast-type high bay load carriers can be conveniently picked up and placed from a storage location; [Figure 22] 13 shows a variation of the bottom of the storage means designed to act / interact with levelling rollers positioned along the periphery of the platform storage means. [Diagram 23] 1 shows a variant of the bottom of the storage means designed to act / interact with levelling rollers positioned laterally on the platform. [Figure 24] 1 shows a variant of the bottom of the storage means designed to act / interact with levelling rollers positioned in the shape of a diamond on the platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] It should be noted that the drawings show only the parts necessary for understanding the invention, and standard accessories are not shown.

[0038] 1 shows a variant of an automated transport device (100) adapted to operate in the manner claimed in the present invention. The automated transport device 100 thus comprises a lifting platform (110) for picking up and transporting containers placed thereon. Above its upper surface, the platform (110) is fitted with a set of rollers (120) along the periphery of the platform, with the roller axles disposed above the upper surface of the platform, the rollers (120) being free to rotate independently of one another as they move along the contact surface (bottom surface) of the storage means being picked up.

[0039] Thus, the levelling rollers (120) of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 centre the storage means on the platform taken up by the apparatus (100) during the lifting process and also fix the movement in any horizontal direction of the storage means transported by the apparatus (100). To limit the movement of the storage means in the vertical direction, there may be a (rotational) lock or locking means (130) of the platform which rotates to lock the storage means after it has been picked up.

[0040] Figure 2 shows the device (100) with the container (001) and therefore the alignment system when it is in the transport position. As can be seen, the container (001) is mounted on (the upper surface of) the platform (110), and rollers (120) hold the bottom of the container, preferably along the periphery via a cavity in the bottom of the container. An optional (rotational) lock (130) can lock it against vertical movement.

[0041] Figure 3 shows another version of an automated device (200) adapted to handle containers in the manner described in the present invention. It may also have a (lifting) platform (210) with levelling rollers (220) and preferably a central lock (230). In contrast to the embodiment described above (Figures 1 / 2), the levelling rollers (220) are arranged in a cross shape towards each other in the central area of ​​the platform (210), which allows the device to be more compact than the device (100) and to handle different types of containers on the device.

[0042] Figures 4-6 show the device (200) with different types and numbers of storage means on the platform (210). Figure 4 shows the tray (002) of the platform (210), which has recesses in the bottom corresponding to the location of the leveling rollers (220) and the central lock (230).

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the types of storage means that the device (200) can handle can be various, since the leveling rollers (220) do not cover the storage means along its periphery, but are located in the center / central part of the platform (210). In this figure, the device (200) takes over a tray (003), the dimensions of which are significantly larger than those of the platform. The only condition for handling different types of storage means is that the configuration of the cavities on the bottom surface of the storage means, i.e. the pattern and position of the depressions on the bottom of the different types of packages, must be the same and coincide with the position of the leveling rollers (220).

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a mobile transport device (200) with a stack of trays (002) arranged on a platform (210). The arrangement of the stack of trays (002) on the platform (210) of the device (200) is made possible by aligning the position of the storage means above the device by gravity using passive leveling rollers (220). (There is no need to shift the significant weight of the stack of trays in a plane during alignment, as was the case in the previous prior art). According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface may have a slight inclination towards its center supporting the respective self-alignment of the rollers and the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the cavity may be provided with a funnel-shaped shape. The cavity may have a tapered shape, i.e. it may comprise a pyramidal or truncated pyramidal shape expanding towards its opening (at the bottom surface of the storage means), preferably the first inner surface of the cavity is vertical or nearly vertical and the opposing inner surface is provided with an angle towards the first inner surface deviating from 180°.

[0045] Figures 7 to 9 show step by step how the storage means can be aligned. Figures 7 to 9 show step by step how the storage means can be aligned and maintained during pick up, storage and transport by the automated transport device. Figure 7 shows two views of the device (200) in its initial state before retrieval of the storage means (002) from the storage area (50).

[0046] Figures 7a and 7b show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, showing that the device (200) is positioned underneath an upright tray (002) in the storage location (50), such that the platform (210) with leveling rollers (220) and preferably locks (230) is positioned underneath and below the bottom of the tray (002).

[0047] Figures 8a, 8b show in two views the first step of taking the storage means (002) by the device (200). Thus, in the views shown, it can be seen that the platform (210) moves upwards, raising the storage means (002) above the storage position (50). In doing so, the alignment rollers (220) catch at their respective selections on the bottom of the storage means (002) and align it partway with the platform (210) of the device (200). An optional (center) lock (230) is also located in a preferred designated slot in the bottom of the tray. Preferably, the leveling rollers extend further beyond the surface of the platform compared to the locks (230).

[0048] Figures 9a, 9b show two views of the optional final step of the storage means pick-up process (002) by the mobile transport device (200), which is locking from vertical movement. As can be seen from the above figures, the locking tabs (230) can rotate approximately 90 degrees and preferably enter the material area at the bottom of the tray to secure the tray against vertical movement. As will be shown below, locking the storage means against vertical movement is not mandatory, but is preferably used to secure the storage means during transport by automated equipment.

[0049] The method described in Figures 7-9 is equally valid for both variants of the automated transport device (100), (200) presented in the present invention for the alignment of the diamond shape of the rollers and further alignment of the rollers on the platform.

[0050] Figure 10 shows a variant of a stationary device (300) with fixed / stationary platforms (310) for two storage means, fitted with leveling rollers (320) arranged along the periphery of the platform and corresponding to the location of the cavities of the storage means. This embodiment of the invention may be useful where a person accesses the storage means on one side, for example where an automatic device picks up and places the storage means from the other side of the platform. In this way, the loading area (310) with the leveling rollers (320) may be a point of interface between the automatic and manual parts of the storage unit. The platform may also comprise a different number of locations for storage means, such as 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. Each location may be called a platform according to the invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 shows a stationary device (300) with an inventive alignment system (310) for two storage spaces, fitted with leveling rollers (320) arranged along the periphery of the storage means, in particular one storage space having a storage means (002) and a stack of the other storage means (002) showing that the number of trays mounted on a fixed platform can be any number and is not limited by the presented inventive method.

[0052] Figures 12-13 show how the storage means can be picked up and placed on a fixed platform. As shown in the figures, both the positioning and removal of the storage means (001) from the fixed platform (310) can be done vertically. As the platform (310) itself is preferably not movable, there is no risk of the storage means shifting vertically (possible bouncing, tipping and vibration during movement) and therefore there is no need to fix the vertical position of the storage means.

[0053] Figure 14 shows another version of a stationary device (400) having a stationary platform (410) for two storage spaces with leveling rollers (420) arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement relative to each other in the central part of each location for storage means. The platform may also comprise a different number of locations for storage means, such as 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. Each location may be called a platform according to the invention.

[0054] Figure 15 shows a stationary device (400) with fixed platforms (410) for two storage spaces, with levelling rollers (420) arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement relative to each other, in the central part of each location for storage means, with the capacity to hold different types of storage means adjacent to each other at the same time, for a storage means (002) and a larger storage means (003). The methodology discussed in Figures 12-13 is also valid for this version of the storage means.

[0055] Figure 16 shows that a method of aligning trays on a conveyor can be used. Thus, the conveyor (500) is fitted with a platform (510) with leveling rollers (520) at both ends. The rollers (520) are arranged on the platform so as to interact with cavities of the storage means, which are preferably arranged along its periphery. There are no rollers arranged on the side of the platform facing the conveyor belt to allow the storage means to reach one of the platforms (510), on which the packages are aligned with the rollers (520) for subsequent operation to move it, for example by a third party automatic device. The method of moving the storage means by the device is the same as described in Figures 12-13.

[0056] Figure 17 shows the conveyor (500) in a front view, with the storage means (001) standing upright on the platform (510) at the near edge of the conveyor and aligned with the rollers (520). The arrows indicate the direction in which the trays (001) are removed / placed from the conveyor (500). It is also understood that the configuration of the conveyor and the location of the storage means thereon may vary and the examples described in no way limit it to the proposed embodiment but only represent examples of its implementation.

[0057] Figure 18 shows a version of a mast type high bay transport and handling equipment (600) with a loading platform (610) having levelling rollers (620) arranged thereon in a diamond shaped arrangement. Preferably there is also a lock (630) on the platform (610) to hold the storage means vertically.

[0058] 19 shows a platform (610) of a mast-type toll loader (600) mated with leveling rollers (620) arranged thereon in a diamond-shaped arrangement. The diamond-shaped arrangement of the leveling rollers (620) of the platform (610) is essentially identical to the cross-shaped arrangement of the leveling rollers (220) of the platform (210). This arrangement merely illustrates that the number of leveling rollers and the topology of their arrangement may be different, not just as in the previous example.

[0059] Figures 20-21 show how the storage means can be picked up and placed on the platform (610) of a mast type tall loader (600).

[0060] Thus, Figures 20a and 20b show in two views how the apparatus (600) places the tray (004), which was originally aligned and upright on the platform, into the storage location (50) by lowering its carriage together with the platform (610).

[0061] Figures 21a and 21b also show in two views how the device (600) retrieves the storage means (004) from the storage position (50) by moving its carriage with the load pad (610) upwards. It will be appreciated that in the process of retrieving the storage means (004), the storage means is aligned on rollers (620) of the device and, if necessary, is then secured against vertical movement by locks (630).

[0062] FIG. 22 shows an example of a storage means bottom configured to handle load pads (110) and (310) with alignment rollers (120) and (320) arranged along their periphery. Thus, the bottom of the storage means (001-10) is mainly flat, and the recesses of the unidirectional rollers (001-20) have inclined centering surfaces created for the opposing rollers towards each other to ensure that the storage means is fixed in all horizontal directions. The center of the bottom of the storage means (001) is provided with a cavity (001-30) to hold the storage means from vertical movement by a lock (130) located on the platform. It is clear that the number of slots / cavities (001-20) of the rollers (120) or (320) in the storage means and their positions should correspond to the number of alignment / leveling rollers or at least be equal to or greater than the number of rollers. It is also clear that arranging the rollers along / around the periphery of the storage means may limit the operation of this platform with storage means of different sizes. The alignment system of the present invention is capable of operating with storage means of only one size, but at different their heights.

[0063] FIG. 23 shows a version of the bottom of the storage means (002), (003) designed to cooperate with leveling rollers (220) or (420) positioned laterally on the platform (210) or (410). Thus, the base of the container (002-10) is mainly flat and the recesses / cavities of the rollers (002-20) can have unidirectionally inclined centering surfaces (002-21) oriented in opposite pairs, whereby, depending on the particular container, the opposite walls of the individual cavities can have both inclinations or only one of them. The inclinations can be defined as having an angle different from an angle of 90° with respect to the surface of the platform. Preferably, a further cavity (002-30) is provided in the center of the bottom of the storage means (002) for interacting with a locking mechanism (230) from the platform to prevent the container from moving vertically. It is understood that the number and location of the recesses / cavities (002-20) for the rollers (220) or (420) must match the number of leveling rollers or at least be as high as the number or rollers.

[0064] The advantage of this arrangement of slots / cavities (002-20) according to the number of rollers (220) or (420) is that it allows the platforms (210) and (410) to handle a wide range of storage means sizes, up to and including a minimum size not exceeding the roller topology.

[0065] FIG. 24 shows a version of the base / bottom surface of the storage means (004) designed to cooperate with alignment rollers (620) arranged in a rhomboid or diamond shape on the platform (610). Thus, the base of the container (004-10) is mainly flat, and the recesses / cavities of the rollers (004-20) have inclined centering surfaces (004-21) / cavity walls oriented in opposite pairs in one direction, whereby, depending on the particular container, the opposite walls of the individual cavities can have both or only one of the inclinations. Preferably, at the center of the bottom of the storage means (004), a further cavity (004-30) is provided for interacting with a locking mechanism (230 / 630) from the platform to prevent the container from moving vertically. It is understood that the number of recesses (004-20) of the rollers (620) and their position must correspond to the number of leveling rollers or at least be as high as the number or rollers. This diamond shaped arrangement of the platform leveling rollers has the same advantages and disadvantages as the lateral arrangement of the rollers.

Claims

1. An alignment system for a storage means, comprising two separable parts (001, 100, 002, 200, 003, 300, 510), a first part arranged on a platform and a second part arranged on said storage means, The platform comprises: a surface (110, 210, 310, 510) adapted to carry, hold or store said storage means (001, 002, 003); leveling rollers (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) each having a roller body that is circular in cross section and a defined axis of rotation, the leveling rollers (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) projecting upwardly at least partially beyond the surface of the platform; Equipped with the roller bodies are adapted to provide roll-off / rolling contact with a bottom surface of the storage means and to transport the storage means in a rolling manner to a final transport position on the platform surface (110, 210, 310, 510); said storage means (001, 002, 003) comprising cavities (001-20, 002-20, 004-20) in their bottom surfaces that correspond to said leveling rollers (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) in relative position and orientation such that, when said leveling rollers (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) are located inside said cavities, said storage means rests on said surface of said platform in its final transport position.

2. The rollers (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) and cavities (001-20, 002-20, 004-20) are aligned towards each other to form a V-shape or an X-shape, and are preferably located at the center and / or bottom of the platform. characterized in that The alignment fixture system of claim 1 .

3. The cavities (001-20, 002-20, 004-20) are aligned with at least two, preferably three edges of the storage means (001, 002, 003). characterized in that The alignment fixture system of claim 1 .

4. The rotation axis of the leveling roller (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is parallel to the surface of the platform and / or is aligned horizontally with the platform. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

5. The bottom surface of the storage means is adapted to shift on the roller (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) parallel to the surface when the roller is positioned outside the cavity. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

6. The cavity has a tapered shape, i.e., a pyramidal shape expanding towards its opening, and preferably a first inner surface of the cavity is vertical or nearly vertical and an opposing inner surface is angled towards the first inner surface deviating from 180°. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

7. The openings of the cavities are slightly larger than the corresponding rollers and balls. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

8. The platform includes a locking mechanism adapted to fixedly interact with a corresponding entity on the bottom surface of the storage means when the roller is positioned within the cavity. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

9. The locking mechanism may comprise a hook and / or a magnet. characterized in that 3. The alignment fixture system of claim 1 or 2.

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