Storage container assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage container assembly (10) comprising a storage container (20), a holder (30), and a delivery container (40). The holder (30) is held telescopically within the storage container (20) and is liftable from an opening (20o) in the storage container (20). The holder (30) has a side access opening (30so) that is revealed upon lifting of the holder (30) from the storage container (20). The delivery container (40) can be guided in and out relative to the side access opening (30so) of the holder (30). The delivery container (40) can be slidably held within the holder (30) for storage within the storage container (20).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] The framework structure 100 includes upright members 102, horizontal members 103, and a storage volume having storage columns 105 arranged side by side between the upright members 102 and the horizontal members 103. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 107. The members 102, 103 can typically be made from metal, such as extruded aluminum profiles.

[0004] The frame structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a rail system 108 positioned across the top of the frame structure 100, on which multiple container handling vehicles 201, 301 are operated to lift storage containers 106 from storage columns 105, lower storage containers 106 into storage columns, and transport storage containers 106 above storage columns 105. The rail system 108 includes a first pair of parallel rails 110 positioned to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a first direction X traversing the top of the frame structure 100, and a second pair of parallel rails 111 positioned perpendicular to the first pair of rails 110 to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in columns 105 are accessed by container handling vehicles through access openings 112 of the rail system 108. Container handling vehicles 201 and 301 can move laterally above the storage column 105, that is, in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0005] The upright members 102 of the frame structure 100 are used to guide the storage containers while raising them from the column 105 and lowering them into the column. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically freestanding.

[0006] Each of the conventional container handling vehicles 201, 301 comprises a body 201a, 301a and first and second sets of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c, which enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in the X and Y directions, respectively. In Figures 2 and 3, the two wheels of each set are fully visible. The wheels of the first set 201b, 301b are positioned to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110, and the wheels of the second set 201c, 301c are positioned to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111. At least one of the wheel sets 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c can be raised or lowered, so that the wheels 201b, 301b of the first set and / or the wheels 201c, 301c of the second set can engage with the rails 110, 111 of each set at any given time.

[0007] Each of the conventional container handling vehicles 201, 301 also includes a lift device (not shown) for vertical transport of the storage container 106, for example, to raise the storage container 106 from the storage column and lower the storage container 106 into the storage column 105. The lift device includes one or more gripping / engaging devices adapted to engage with the storage container 106, and the gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicles 201, 301 so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices relative to the vehicles 201, 301 can be adjusted in a third direction Z perpendicular to a first direction X and a second direction Y. A portion of the gripping devices of container handling vehicle 301 is shown in Figure 3, indicated by reference numeral 304. The gripping devices of container handling vehicle 201 are located within the vehicle body 201a in Figure 2.

[0008] Conventionally, for the purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the top layer of the storage container, i.e., the layer directly below the rail system 108; Z=2 identifies the second layer below the rail system 108; and Z=3 identifies the third layer. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Figure 1, Z=8 identifies the bottom layer of the storage container. Similarly, X=1···.n and Y=1···.n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Figure 1 as an example, it can be said that the storage container identified as 106' in Figure 1 occupies storage positions X=10, Y=2, Z=3. It can be said that the container handling vehicles 201, 301 are moving in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0009] The storage volume of the framework structure 100 is often referred to as the grid 104, and the possible storage locations within this grid are called storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by its position in the X and Y directions, and each storage cell may be identified by its container number in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0010] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 is equipped with a storage compartment or space for receiving and accommodating the storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space may comprise a centrally located cavity within the vehicle body 201a, as shown in Figure 2 and described, for example, in International Publication No. 2015 / 193278A1 (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] Figure 3 shows an alternative configuration of container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure. Such vehicles are described in detail, for example, in Patent No. 317366, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] The central cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in Figure 2 may have a footprint that covers an area having dimensions in the X and Y directions that are approximately equal to the lateral range of the storage column 105, as described, for example, in International Publication No. 2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “lateral” may mean “horizontal.”

[0013] Alternatively, the central cavity container handling vehicle 101 may have a footprint larger than the lateral area defined by the storage column 105, as disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2014 / 090684A1.

[0014] The rail system 108 typically comprises rails having grooves on which the wheels of a vehicle run. Alternatively, the rails may have upward-projecting elements, and the wheels of the vehicle may have flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upward-projecting elements are collectively known as the track. Each rail may have one track, or each rail may have two parallel tracks.

[0015] International Publication No. 2018 / 146304 (Patent Document 2), whose contents are incorporated herein by reference, shows a typical configuration of a rail system 108 having rails and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions.

[0016] In the frame structure 100, the majority of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e., columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In Figure 1, columns 119 and 120 are such dedicated columns used by container handling vehicles 201, 301 to drop off and / or pick up storage containers 106 so that they can be accessed from outside the frame structure 100 or transported to an access station (not shown) to be transported outside or inside the frame structure 100. In the art, such locations are usually referred to as “ports,” and the columns in which ports are located may be referred to as “port columns” 119, 120. Transport to the access station may be in any direction, i.e., horizontal, inclined, and / or vertical. For example, the storage container 106 may be placed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the frame structure 100, and then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to port columns 119, 120 for further transport to an access station. Note that the term “inclined” refers to the transport of the storage container 106 having a general transport direction somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0017] In Figure 1, the first port column 119 may be a dedicated drop-off port column from which container handling vehicles 201 and 301 can drop off storage containers 106 that are being accessed or transported to a transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pickup port column from which container handling vehicles 201 and 301 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been accessed or transported from a transfer station.

[0018] An access station is typically a picking or stocking station where products are taken out of or placed into a storage container 106. At a picking or stocking station, the storage container 106 is usually not taken out of the automated storage and retrieval system 1, and once accessed, is returned to the frame structure 100. The port may also be used to transport the storage container to another storage facility (e.g., another frame structure or another automated storage and retrieval system) by transport vehicle (e.g., train or truck) or to a production facility.

[0019] A conveyor system equipped with a conveyor is typically used to transport storage containers between port columns 119 and 120 and access stations.

[0020] If the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations are located at different levels, the conveyor system may include a lift device having a vertical component for vertically transporting the storage containers 106 between the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations.

[0021] The conveyor system may be configured to transport storage containers 106 between different structural frameworks, for example, as described in International Publication No. 2014 / 075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Figure 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position and transport it to the drop-off port column 119. This operation includes moving the container handling vehicles 201, 301 to a position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, using the lifting devices (not shown) of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 to retrieve the storage container 106 from the storage column 105, and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., if multiple other storage containers 106 are located above the target storage container 106, the operation also includes temporarily moving the storage containers located above before lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to as "mining" in the art, may be performed by the same container handling vehicle subsequently used to transport the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or by multiple other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301 that are specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from storage columns 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 may be repositioned to its original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container 106 may, alternatively, be repositioned to another storage column 105.

[0023] If a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pickup port column 120 and transport it to a position above the storage column 105 where the storage container is to be stored. After any storage container 106 located at or above the target position in the stack 107 has been removed, the container handling vehicles 201, 301 place the storage container 106 in the desired position. The removed storage container 106 can then be returned to the storage column 105 or repositioned to another storage column 105.

[0024] To monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1, for example, to monitor and control the position of each storage container 106 within the frame structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 typically includes a control system 500 which is computerized and typically has a database for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0025] Patent No. 344750 describes an unloading device, an unloading station, and a method for unloading goods from a storage container, comprising: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading goods from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle in an automated storage and retrieval system. The unloading station comprises an unloading device and a destination conveyor configured to transport the goods to a target destination, the unloading device being configured to move the goods through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor. The goods here may be products or shipping packages in which one or more products are packed for shipment.

[0026] One object of the present invention is to provide a storage container assembly having a storage container in which a delivery container can be stored.

[0027] One object of the present invention is to provide an automatic storage system in which such a storage container assembly can be utilized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0028]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0029] The present invention relates to a storage container assembly, the storage container assembly comprising: - a storage container comprising a base and four walls extending upward from the edge of the base, thereby defining an upper opening of the storage container; - a delivery container comprising a base and four walls extending upward from the edge of the base; - a holder for the delivery container, which is held in a nested manner within the storage container and can be lifted from the opening of the storage container, The holder has a side access opening that appears when the holder is lifted from the storage container, and the delivery container can be guided in and out with respect to the side access opening of the holder, and the delivery container can be slidably held within the holder for storage within the storage container.

[0030] In one embodiment, four walls extending upward from the base edge define the upper opening of the delivery container, thereby allowing access to the delivery container through the upper opening of the storage container. However, the delivery container may also have a closed top, in which case there is no access to the interior of the delivery container. The closed top may be provided by a lid. The closed top may also be provided by a flap of the delivery container, which is folded over to cover the upper opening and secured to the delivery container.

[0031] In one embodiment, the holder comprises a plurality of vertical members coupled to each other, the vertical members being movably engaged with and guided by vertical guides of a storage container.

[0032] In one embodiment, the holder comprises an upper frame and a lower frame, and a plurality of vertical members are connected to each other and held in a vertically aligned row by the upper and lower frames.

[0033] In one embodiment, the vertical members comprise several spaced vertical ribs or posts. In one embodiment, the vertical members are arranged in pairs on opposing sides of a holder. The holder can be considered a cage. Alternatively, each vertical member may be connected to, instead of, or in addition to, the upper and lower frames, by, for example, vertical plate elements formed as part of a panel.

[0034] In one embodiment, the upper frame and the lower frame are rectangular.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lower frame may have a central opening or may be provided as a panel without an opening. The upper frame has a central opening for providing access to the contents of the delivery container.

[0036] In one embodiment, the holder is provided with horizontal guides for guiding the delivery container in and out of the lateral access opening of the holder.

[0037] In one embodiment, the horizontal guide is provided by a lower frame that guides the base of the delivery container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the horizontal guide is provided by a guide feature provided as part of each vertical member, and the guide feature is movably engaged with corresponding guide features provided as part of two of the walls of the delivery container.

[0039] The guide features of the vertical member and the guide features of the delivery container may include recesses, protrusions, etc., that allow for horizontal movement of the delivery container relative to the holder while preventing vertical movement of the delivery container relative to the holder.

[0040] In one embodiment, the storage container assembly is configured to be in the following state: - A first state in which the delivery container is held within the holder, and the holder is nested within the storage container; - A second state in which the delivery container is held within the holder, and the holder is nested and lifted out of the storage container together with the delivery container; - A third state in which the delivery container is guided at least partially horizontally outward through the lateral access opening of the holder.

[0041] Preferably, the delivery container is moved completely out of the holder through the lateral access opening and is separated from the holder and storage container in the third state.

[0042] The holder may be reloaded by the same or a different delivery container before it is nested within the storage container. The storage container assembly is now considered to be back in the first state.

[0043] Alternatively, the holder may be nested within the storage container without a delivery container. Here, the storage container with the holder can be used in the same way as a known storage container until it is necessary to use the storage container with the holder again to receive the delivery container. In yet another alternative, the holder may also be removed from the storage container before it is used as a known storage container. The storage container could be a prior art storage container. Therefore, it is possible to retrofit the holder and delivery container to an existing storage container.

[0044] Therefore, the storage container assembly achieves flexibility in its use. The holder occupies very little space in the storage container, enabling efficient storage both when storing products in a delivery container and when storing products directly in the storage container.

[0045] In one embodiment, the storage containers of the storage container assembly are provided with top and bottom stacking interfaces similar to those of known storage containers, thereby enabling the storage container assembly to be stacked in the same stack as the storage containers. Note that when the storage container assembly is stacked, it is in its first state.

[0046] In one embodiment, the storage container of the storage container assembly is provided with a connection interface configured to be connected to a container handling vehicle. Thus, the storage container assembly can be moved by the container handling vehicle in the same manner as the storage container.

[0047] The present invention also relates to an automated storage and retrieval system equipped with a frame structure, The framework structure is, - Upright member and, - A storage volume comprising storage columns provided between upright members, wherein storage containers are stacked in a stack within the storage columns, - A rail system provided on the top of the upright member, -Container handling vehicles positioned to move along the rail system Equipped with, The automated storage and retrieval system is -A storage container assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is characterized in that it is stacked in a stack and handled by a container handling vehicle in the same manner as a storage container.

[0048] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a loading and / or unloading station, the loading and / or unloading station is - A first actuator for raising the holder in a nested manner relative to the storage container, - A second actuator for moving the delivery container relative to the holder and It is equipped with.

[0049] The unloading station may be a separate station from the loading station. Preferably, the station is an unloading and loading station where both unloading and loading take place.

[0050] As described above, loading and / or unloading stations can be retrofitted to the automated storage and retrieval system in a simple manner.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a method for unloading a delivery container from a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval system, or for loading a delivery container into a storage container, the method comprising the following steps: - The step of moving the storage container from its storage location to the unloading and / or loading station, - The step of lifting the holder through the top opening of the storage container, - A step of guiding the delivery container inward and outward with respect to the lateral access opening of the holder. Includes.

[0052] In one embodiment, the holder is lifted vertically through the upper opening of the storage container. The delivery container is guided horizontally in and out of the lateral access opening of the holder.

[0053] It should be noted that storage and delivery containers are typically "open-top" type containers, meaning their contents are accessed through an opening at the top of the container and will fall out if the container is inverted. Therefore, the base of the container is typically oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally to the ground to prevent the contents from falling out. The term "horizontal" here refers to the orientation of the container in normal use. The term "vertical" refers to the orientation perpendicular to the horizontal orientation of the container in normal use.

[0054] A delivery container may be a container used to transport products from an automated storage and retrieval system to its next destination. The next destination may use, for example, a standardized delivery container. It could be a grocery store. Such delivery containers are also called totes. Alternatively, the delivery container could be a container used in vertical farming. In yet another alternative example, the delivery container could be a packing container, such as a cardboard box. This specification also provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A storage container assembly (10), wherein the storage container assembly (10) is - A storage container (20), wherein the storage container (20) comprises a base (20a) and four walls (20b, 20c) extending upward from the edge of the base (20a), thereby defining an upper opening (20o) of the storage container (20), - A delivery container (40) comprising a base (40a) and four walls (40b, 40c) extending upward from the edge of the base (40a), - Holder (30) for the delivery container (40) and Equipped with, A storage container assembly (10), wherein the holder (30) is held in a nested manner within the storage container (20) and is liftable from the opening (20o) of the storage container (20), the holder (30) has a lateral access opening (30so) that appears when the holder (30) is lifted out of the storage container (20), the delivery container (40) can be guided in and out of the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30), and the delivery container (40) can be slidably held within the holder (30) for storage within the storage container (20). (Item 2) The storage container assembly (10) according to item 1, wherein the holder (30) comprises a plurality of vertical members (30vr) coupled to each other, the vertical members (30vr) being movably engaged with and guided by a vertical guide (20r) of the storage container (20). (Item 3) The storage container assembly (10) according to item 2, wherein the holder (30) comprises an upper frame (30tf) and a lower frame (30bf), and the plurality of vertical members (30vr) are connected to one another and held in a vertically aligned row by the upper frame (30tf) and the lower frame (30bf). (Item 4) The storage container assembly (10) described in item 3, wherein the upper frame (30tf) and the lower frame (30bf) are rectangular. (Item 5) The storage container assembly (10) according to any one of items 1-4, wherein the holder (30) is provided with horizontal guides (30gm;30bf) for guiding the delivery container (40) inward and outward with respect to a lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30). (Item 6) The storage container assembly (10) according to item 5, wherein the horizontal guide (30gm;30bf) is provided by the lower frame (30bf) that guides the base (40a) of the delivery container (40). (Item 7) The horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) are provided by guide features (30gm) provided as part of each of the vertical members (30vr), and the guide features (30gm) are movably engaged with corresponding guide features (40gm) provided as part of two of the walls (40b) of the delivery container (40), as in the storage container assembly (10) according to item 5 or 6. (Item 8) The storage container assembly (10) is in the following state: -A first state (S1) in which the delivery container (40) is held within the holder (30), and the holder (30) is nested within the storage container (20); - Second state (S2) in which the delivery container (40) is held within the holder (30), and the holder (30) is pulled up together with the delivery container (40) in a nested manner from the storage container (20); - Third state (S3) in which the delivery container (40) is guided at least partially horizontally outward from the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30). A storage container assembly (10) as described in any one of items 1-7, configured to be such as: (Item 9) An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a frame structure (100), wherein the frame structure (100) is - Upright member (102), -A storage volume comprising a storage column (105) provided between the upright members (102), wherein storage containers (106) are stacked in a stack (107) within the storage column (105), - A rail system (108) provided on the upper part of the upright member (102), -Container handling vehicles (201, 203) arranged to move along the rail system (108) and Equipped with, The aforementioned automatic storage and recovery system (1) is - An automated storage and retrieval system (1) characterized in that a storage container assembly (10) described in any one of items 1 to 7 is stacked in the stack (107) and is handled by the container handling vehicles (201, 203) in the same manner as the storage container (106). (Item 10) The system (1) further comprises a loading and / or unloading station (80), the loading and / or unloading station (80) - A first actuator (61) for raising the holder (30) in a nested manner relative to the storage container (20), - A second actuator (62) for moving the delivery container (40) relative to the holder (30) and The automated storage and retrieval system (1) described in item 9, which includes the following: (Item 11) A method for unloading a delivery container (40) from a storage container (40) of an automated storage and retrieval system (1), or for loading a delivery container (40) onto the storage container (40), wherein the method is: - The step of moving the storage container (40) from its storage location to an unloading and / or loading station (80), - The step of lifting the holder (30) through the upper opening (20o) of the storage container (20), - A step of guiding the delivery container (40) inward and outward with respect to the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30) Methods that include... [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] The following drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention, which are described herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0056] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of the framework structure of a conventional automated storage and retrieval system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conventional container handling vehicle having a centrally located cavity for transporting storage containers inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a conventional container handling vehicle having a cantilever for transporting storage containers downwards. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a conventional storage container having an internal recess, which can be used for an internal separation wall to divide the storage compartment within the container into smaller subcompartments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the storage container assembly in the first state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the storage container assembly in the second state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the storage container assembly in the third state. [Figure 8A] Figure 8a shows a side view of the delivery container. [Figure 8B] Figure 8b shows a side view of the rib structure. [Figure 8C] Figure 8c shows a side view of the storage container. [Figure 9A] Figure 9a shows a side view of the storage container assembly in the first state. [Figure 9B] Figure 9b shows a side view of the storage container assembly in the second state. [Figure 9C] Figure 9c shows a side view of the storage container assembly in the third state. [Figure 9D] Figure 9d shows a side view of the storage container assembly in the fourth state. [Figure 10A] Figures 10a–10c show loading / unloading stations where actuators are used to move assemblies between their respective states. [Figure 10B]Figures 10a–10c show loading / unloading stations where actuators are used to move assemblies between their respective states. [Figure 10C] Figures 10a–10c show loading / unloading stations where actuators are used to move assemblies between their respective states. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to the subject matter shown in the drawings.

[0058] The framework structure 100 of the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed according to the conventional framework structure 100 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, namely several upright members 102 and several horizontal members 103 supported by the upright members 102, and furthermore, the framework structure 100 is equipped with a first upper rail system 108 in the X and Y directions.

[0059] The frame structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between members 102 and 103, and storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

[0060] The frame structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it is understood that the frame structure can be considerably wider and / or longer and / or deeper than disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the frame structure 100 may have a horizontal range exceeding 700 × 700 columns and a storage depth exceeding 12 containers.

[0061] First, referring to Figure 4, which shows a prior art storage container 106, the storage container 106 comprises a base 1060a and four walls 106b, 106c extending upward from the edge of the base 106a, thereby defining the upper opening 106o of the storage container 106. Internal vertical recesses 106r are formed on the inner surfaces of the walls 106b, 106c. These internal vertical recesses can be used for internal separation walls that separate the storage compartment within the storage container 106 into smaller subcompartments.

[0062] Referring now to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the storage container assembly 10 is shown. The storage container assembly 10 comprises three main parts: a storage container 20, a holder 30, and a delivery container 40. (Storage container 20)

[0063] The storage container 20 comprises a base 20a and four walls 20b, 20c extending upward from the edge of the base 20a, thereby defining the upper opening 20o of the storage container 20. The storage container 20 may be the known storage container 106 described above and shown in Figure 4. However, the storage container 20 may be a different storage container 20 from the known storage container 106.

[0064] In this embodiment, the two walls 20b are provided with vertical guides 20r. These vertical guides are similar to the internal vertical recesses 106r of a known storage container 106. However, the vertical guides 20r may also have a different shape from the recesses; for example, instead of being formed as recesses inside the walls 20b, they may protrude from the walls 20b.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, there are no recesses or protrusions, and the guiding function of the vertical guide 20r is provided by the inner surfaces of the walls 20b, 20c.

[0066] The storage container 20 is equipped with top and bottom stacking interfaces SI similar to those of the known storage container 106, thereby enabling the storage container assembly 10 to be stacked in the same stack 107 as the storage container 106. The configuration of the stacking interfaces SI is considered to be known from the prior art and will not be described in further detail.

[0067] The storage container 20 is equipped with a connection interface CI configured to connect to container handling vehicles 201 and 301. Thus, the storage container assembly 10 can be moved by the container handling vehicles 201 and 301 in the same manner as the storage container 106. The connection interface CI is assumed to be known from the prior art and will not be described in further detail. (Delivery container 40)

[0068] The delivery container 40 comprises a base 40a and four walls 40b, 40c extending upward from the edge of the base 40a, thereby defining the upper opening 40o of the delivery container 40. In Figures 7 and 8a, the delivery container 40 is shown to have guide features 40gm provided on the outward-facing side of the wall 40b of the delivery container 40. (Holder 30)

[0069] The holder 30 comprises a plurality of vertical members 30vr connected to one another by a rectangular lower frame 30bf and a rectangular upper frame 30tf. Thus, the vertical members 30vr are connected to one another and held in a vertically aligned row by the upper frame 30tf and the lower frame 30bf.

[0070] The vertical members 30vr are provided with several spaced vertical ribs or posts, their lower ends connected to the lower frame 30bf and their upper ends connected to the upper frame 30tf. The vertical members 30vr are arranged in pairs on both sides of the holder 30.

[0071] Figure 7 shows that the holder 30 resembles a cage-like structure.

[0072] The upper frame 30tf is defined by an upper opening 30to, shown as a dashed rectangle in Figure 6, which allows access to the delivery container from above. The holder 30 is further defined by two lateral access openings 30o, a first lateral access opening (left lateral access opening) shown by a dashed line in Figure 6 and a second lateral access opening (right lateral access opening) shown in Figure 7.

[0073] In this embodiment, the vertical member 30vr is movably engaged and guided in an internal vertical recess 20r of the storage container 20. The vertical member 30vr of the holder 30 and / or the storage container 20 may be provided with stoppers, shown as 20st and 30st in Figure 9c, to prevent the holder 30 from being pulled out completely from the storage container 20. Figure 9 shows the maximum pull of the holder 30 relative to the storage container 20.

[0074] Preferably, the holder 30 can be retrofitted to a known storage container 106. (Operation of the storage container assembly)

[0075] The operation of the storage container assembly 10 is described here.

[0076] Figures 5 and 9a are referenced here. Here, the first state S1 is shown, in which the delivery container 40 is held in the holder 30, and the holder 30 containing the delivery container 40 is held in the storage container 20.

[0077] Refer to Figures 5 and 9b, which show the second state S2. Here, the delivery container 40 is held within the holder 30. As indicated by arrow A in Figure 9b, the holder 30 is lifted out of the storage container 20 together with the delivery container 40. This is called a nested lift of the holder 30 from the storage container 20, as the outer surface of the holder 30 here slides along the inner surface of the storage container 20.

[0078] Refer here to Figures 7 and 9c, which show a third state S3. As indicated by arrow B in Figure 9c, the delivery container 40 is guided out through a lateral access opening 30so in the holder 30. The delivery container 40 is slidably moved relative to the holder 30, here by the base 40a being slidably engaged with the lower frame 30bf, or by the guide feature 40gm of the delivery container 40 being slidably engaged with the guide feature 30gm of the vertical member 30vr of the holder 30.

[0079] As a result, the delivery container 40 can be retrieved and inserted into the holder 30, similar to how it is drawn out.

[0080] It should be noted that the lateral access openings 30so appear only when the holder 30 is lifted out of the storage container 20, i.e., in the second state S2 and the third state S3. In the first state S1, both lateral access openings 30so are blocked by the wall 20c of the storage container 20.

[0081] As is clear from the drawing, movement in direction A is vertical movement, while movement in direction B is horizontal movement.

[0082] The holder 30 can be reloaded with the same or different delivery containers 40 before the holder 30 is held nested inside the storage container 20. The storage container assembly is now considered to be back in the first state.

[0083] Alternatively, the holder 30 may be nested within the storage container 20 without the delivery container 40. Here, the storage container 20 with the holder 30 can be used in the same way as the known storage container 106 until it is necessary to use the storage container with the holder to receive the delivery container 40 again. In yet another alternative, the holder 30 may also be removed from the storage container 20 before the storage container is used as the known storage container 106. (Unloading and / or loading station 80)

[0084] Referring here to Figures 10a and 10b, the unloading and / or loading station 80 is schematically shown. The storage container 20, holder 30 and delivery container 40 of the storage container assembly 10 are also shown.

[0085] The unloading and / or loading station 80 has a first position 81, which may be a position on a conveyor or other type of carrier for the storage container 20 that allows the holder to be pulled up or pushed up from the storage container 20. In this first position, the holder 30 is pulled up or pushed up from the storage container 20 in direction A by a first actuator 61. The same first actuator 61 may be used to lower the holder 30 back into the storage container 20. Note that for the holder 30 to be pushed up from the storage container 20, the base of the storage container 20 may provide one or more holes that allow the actuator 61 to push the holder 30 up.

[0086] The unloading and / or loading station 80 includes a second position 82, which may be a position on a conveyor or other type of carrier for receiving the delivery container 40 from the holder 30. A second actuator 62 is used here to pull (or push) the delivery container 40 out of the holder 30. The same actuator 62 may be used to reinsert a different or the same delivery container 40 into the holder 30.

[0087] For example, the delivery container may be a corrugated cardboard box, and the flaps of the cardboard box are temporarily folded laterally to contact the outer surface of the cardboard box. Here, the delivery container has a top opening, allowing products to be inserted into the delivery container at the port. Once all products are inserted into the delivery container, the delivery container may be transported to the unloading and / or loading station 80. In a second position 82, the flaps may be folded to cover the top opening, and the flaps may be secured in this position by tape, adhesive, or a flap property (e.g., a tuck-top flap). Alternatively, a lid may be secured to the delivery container. This closing process may be performed automatically.

[0088] The sealed delivery container can then be inserted into the holder 30, and further into a storage container, and transported into a stack for storage, or transported to a shipping or dispatch location.

[0089] Refer to Figure 10c here. The unloading and / or loading station 80 here has a third position 83 in addition to the first and second positions 81, 82. Here, the second actuator 62 is used to push the first delivery container 40 into the holder 30 from the third position P3 in direction B. The second delivery container 40, which was previously positioned in the holder 30, is now pushed out of the holder 30 to the second position P2 by the first delivery container 40.

[0090] In the preceding description, various aspects of storage container assemblies and automated storage and retrieval systems have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. For explanatory purposes, specific numbers, systems, and configurations have been described to provide a complete understanding of the system and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be constrained. Various modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments, and other embodiments of systems that are obvious to those skilled in the art with respect to the disclosed subject matter, are considered to be within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Conventional automated storage and recovery system 10 Storage Container Assembly 20 storage containers 20 delivery containers 20a base 20b, 20c Four walls 20o top opening 20r Vertical Guide 30 holders 30bf lower frame 30gm horizontal guide 30so side access opening 30tf upper frame 30vr vertical member 30 to upper opening 40 delivery containers 40a base 40b, 40c Four walls 40gm Guide Features 40° Upper opening 61 First actuator 62 Second actuator 80 Unloading and / or loading station 81 First position 82 Second position 83 Third Position 100 Frame structure 102 Upright members of a frame structure 103 Horizontal members of a frame structure 104 Storage Grid 105 Storage column 106 Storage Containers 106' Specific location of storage container 107 stacks 108 Rail System 110 Parallel rails in the first direction (x) 111 Parallel rail in the second direction (y) 112 Access openings 119 First port column 120 Second port column 201 Conventional Container Handling Vehicles 201a Body of container handling vehicle 201 201b Drive mechanism / wheel configuration, first direction (x) 201c Drive mechanism / wheel configuration, second direction (y) 301 Conventional cantilever container handling vehicle 301a Body of container handling vehicle 301 301b Driving means for the first direction (x) 301c Second direction (y) driving means 304 Gripping device 500 Control Systems CI connection interface S1 First state S2 Second state S3 Third State SI stacking interface X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. A storage container assembly (10) for an automated storage and retrieval system (1), wherein the storage container assembly (10) comprises: - A storage container (20), wherein the storage container (20) comprises a base (20a) and four walls (20b, 20c) extending upward from the edge of the base (20a), thereby defining an upper opening (20o) of the storage container (20), - A delivery container (40) comprising a base (40a) and four walls (40b, 40c) extending upward from the edge of the base (40a), - Holder (30) for the delivery container (40) and Equipped with, A storage container assembly (10) wherein the holder (30) is held nested within the storage container (20) and can be pulled up from the opening (20o) of the storage container (20) and has a lateral access opening (30so) that appears when the holder (30) is pulled up from the storage container (20), the delivery container (40) can be guided in and out with respect to the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30), and the delivery container (40) can be slidably held within the holder (30) for storage within the storage container (20).

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

3. The storage container assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the holder (30) comprises an upper frame (30tf) and a lower frame (30bf), and the plurality of vertical members (30vr) are connected to one another and held in a vertically aligned row by the upper frame (30tf) and the lower frame (30bf).

4. The storage container assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the upper frame (30tf) and the lower frame (30bf) are rectangular.

5. The storage container assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder (30) is provided with horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) for guiding the delivery container (40) inward and outward with respect to the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30).

6. The storage container assembly (10) according to claim 5, as dependent on claim 3, wherein the horizontal guide (30 gm; 30 bf) is provided by the lower frame (30 bf) that guides the base (40a) of the delivery container (40).

7. The horizontal guides (30gm; 30bf) are provided by guide features (30gm) provided as part of each of the vertical members (30vr), the guide features (30gm) being movably engaged with corresponding guide features (40gm) provided as part of two of the walls (40b) of the delivery container (40), as described in claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent on claim 2.

8. The storage container assembly (10) is in the following state: - A first state (S1) in which the delivery container (40) is held within the holder (30), and the holder (30) is nested within the storage container (20); - A second state (S2) in which the delivery container (40) is held within the holder (30) and the holder (30) is nested and lifted out of the storage container (20) together with the delivery container (40); and - A third state (S3) in which the delivery container (40) is guided at least partially horizontally outward from the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30). A storage container assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-7, configured to be such as:

9. An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a frame structure (100), wherein the frame structure (100) is - Upright member (102), - A storage volume comprising a storage column (105) provided between the upright members (102), wherein storage containers (106) are stacked in a stack (107) within the storage column (105), - A rail system (108) provided on the upper part of the upright member (102), - Container handling vehicles (201, 203) arranged to move along the rail system (108) and Equipped with, The aforementioned automatic storage and recovery system (1) is - An automated storage and retrieval system (1) in which a storage container assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is stacked in the stack (107) and is handled by the container handling vehicles (201, 203) in the same manner as the storage container (106).

10. The system (1) further comprises a loading and / or unloading station (80), and the loading and / or unloading station (80) is - A first actuator (61) for raising the holder (30) in a nested manner relative to the storage container (20), - A second actuator (62) for moving the delivery container (40) relative to the holder (30) and The automatic storage and retrieval system (1) according to claim 9, comprising:

11. A method for unloading a delivery container (40) from a storage container (20) or loading a delivery container (40) onto the storage container (20) of an automated storage and retrieval system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the method is: - A step of moving the storage container (20) from its storage location to an unloading and / or loading station (80), - A step of lifting the holder (30) through the upper opening (20o) of the storage container (20), - A step of guiding the delivery container (40) inward and outward with respect to the lateral access opening (30so) of the holder (30) Methods that include...

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