AN ASSEMBLY, A STORAGE MODULE AND AN AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

An assembly includes a goods holder having a front side and a storage cell for storing the goods holder. At least a section of the front side is movable so as to allow access into the interior of the goods holder. The storage cell is provided with a locking mechanism configured to engage with the movable section of the front side of the stored goods holder so as to secure the movable section. The assembly is configured such that the goods holder stored in the storage cell is accessible from above by a remotely operated vehicle operating on a rail system.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. An assembly comprising: a goods holder comprising a front side, wherein at least a section of the front side is movable so as to allow access into the interior of the goods holder, a storage cell for storing the goods holder, said storage cell being provided with a locking mechanism configured to engage with the movable section of the front side of the stored goods holder so as to secure said movable section, wherein said assembly is configured such that the goods holder stored in the storage cell is accessible from above by means of a remotely operated vehicle operating on a rail system.

17. An assembly of claim 16, wherein said storage cell is provided with a sensor for detecting position of the movable section of the front side.

18. An assembly of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a movable bolt and an actuator which activates the bolt so that said bolt engages with the movable section of the front side.

19. An assembly of claim 18, wherein said storage cell further comprises a control unit for controlling operation of the actuator.

20. An assembly of claim 16, wherein said storage cell further comprises a detector for determining position of the goods holder when stored in the storage cell.

21. An assembly of claim 16, wherein said storage cell is laterally delimited by portions of vertically extending upright members and said locking mechanism is attached to the one, vertically extending upright member.

22. An assembly of claim 16, wherein said movable section is pivotable.

23. An assembly of claim 18, wherein said movable section comprises at least one horizontally extending blind hole for receiving the bolt.

24. An assembly of claim 23, wherein at least one horizontally extending through-hole for receiving the bolt is arranged in a first lateral side of the goods holder, said through-hole being aligned with the blind hole of said movable section when the movable section is secured.

25. An assembly of claim 24, wherein said movable section is a door hinged along an edge of the goods holder, said edge being associated with a second lateral side of the goods holder, said second lateral side being arranged opposite said first lateral side.

26. A storage module comprising a plurality of assemblies in accordance with claim 1, the goods holders being stored in storage cells being arranged in at least one stack.

27. A storage module of claim 26, wherein said module comprises a two-dimensional, vertically extending protective structure covering the front side of the goods holders stored in storage cells.

28. A storage module of claim 26, wherein said module is for coupling to a framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system, said automated storage and retrieval system comprising a storage volume consisting of storage columns.

29. An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a storage module of claim 11, said system further comprising a storage grid and a rail system arranged across the top of the automated storage and retrieval system, wherein goods holders may be bidirectionally transferred between the storage grid and the storage cells of the storage module by a remotely operated vehicle operating on the rail system.

30. A method of accessing the interior of a goods holder stored in a storage cell provided with a locking mechanism, the goods holder and the storage cell making up an assembly, said assembly being configured such that the goods holder stored in the storage cell is accessible from above by means of a remotely operated vehicle operating on a rail system, said method comprising: in response to a signal, disengaging said locking mechanism from a movable section of a front side of the goods holder so as to release said movable section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, where:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system belonging to prior art.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0046] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

[0047] FIG. 3b is a perspective view, seen from below, of a prior art container handling vehicle having an internally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0048] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a storage and pick-up module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the module of FIG. 4a further showing a protective structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 5a shows a goods holder of the present invention in closed state.

[0051] FIG. 5b shows a goods holder of the present invention in open state.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows details of a storage cell of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

[0054] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in accordance with the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3b, i.e. a number of upright members 102, wherein the framework structure 100 also comprises a first, upper rail system 108 in the X direction and Y direction.

[0055] The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102 where storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

[0056] The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it is understood that the framework structure can be considerably wider and/or longer and/or deeper than disclosed in FIG. 1. For example, the framework structure 100 may have a horizontal extent of more than 700700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

[0057] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a storage and pick-up module 200. The module 200 comprises a plurality of assemblies 30. Each assembly 30 comprises a goods holder 106 stored in a storage cell 101. The goods holders 106 are arranged in stacks so that these stacks extend vertically along a storage column 92 of the module 200. A remotely operated vehicle 500 for handling goods holders 106 is also shown. The vehicle 500 moves along the rails having the same function as the rails discussed in connection with FIG. 1. Normally, the module 200 is coupled to a framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system shown in FIG. 1. Still with reference to FIG. 1, such a system typically comprises a storage grid and a rail system arranged across the top of the automated storage and retrieval system. The goods holders 106 may be bidirectionally transferred between the storage grid and the storage cells 101 of the module 200. This transfer is carried out by the remotely operated vehicle 500.

[0058] Hereby, a simple solution for quickly replenishing the module 200 is achieved. More specifically, the remotely operated vehicles 500 operating on the rail system have access from above to the system as well as to the module 200. If a transfer of goods holder(s) 106, either from the module 200 to the rest of the system, or in the opposite direction, is required, the highly efficient, system-native remotely operated vehicles 500 are employed.

[0059] In the related context, the use of module 200 obviates the need for a dedicated product-staging areathe purchased products are immediately stored in a module 200 placed in an area that serves as a combined staging area and pick-up area. Hereby, customer waiting times are significantly reduced because once the goods holder is in the storage cell 101 of the module 200, it is immediately available for pickup. Also, by virtue of the module, all goods holders 106 are at all times accessible for customers such that high pick-up throughput may be achieved.

[0060] Typically, the module 200 is detachable and suitable for coupling, e.g. slotting, to a framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system shown in FIG. 1. By way of example, coupling of the module 200 to the automated storage and retrieval system may be effectuated by means of a forklift (not shown). As an alternative, the module 200 may be provided with wheels (not shown) so as to enable manual handling. Regardless of the method used, it is necessary to properly align the module with the system. This may be achieved in various ways well known to the person skilled in the art. By way of example, a detached module may advantageously be positioned outside of the warehouse in order to provide 24/7 access.

[0061] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the module 200 of FIG. 4a further showing a two-dimensional, vertically extending protective structure 90. The protective structure 90 covers front side of the goods holders stored in storage cells. The main purpose of the protective structure is to ensure customer safety in situations involving moving parts. More specifically, customers are prevented from inserting their hands into an empty storage cell while said cell is receiving the goods holder (introduced by the robot 500). The protective structure 90 may have different shapes and sizes. For the sake of brevity, the parts discussed above in connection with FIG. 4a are not further discussed in connection with FIG. 4b.

[0062] FIG. 5a shows a goods holder 106 of the present invention in closed state. The goods holder 106 comprises a front side 60. A section 55 of the front side 60 is movable, preferably pivotable, so as to allow access into the interior of the goods holder 106. An inlet 85 of a through-hole arranged in a first lateral side 86 of the goods holder 106 may also be seen. Further, recesses 89, for receiving gripper elements shown in connection with FIG. 3b, are arranged in a body of the goods holder 106. With reference to FIG. 4a, it is necessary to ensure that the movable section 55 is closed, i.e. in the state shown in FIG. 5a, prior to the goods holder being transferred between the storage grid and the storage cells of the module.

[0063] In one embodiment, goods holders 106 are made in polymer material and share a lot of structural properties with the traditional goods holders for use in the system of FIG. 1. In the context, goods holders 106 have the same size as the traditional goods holders. In another embodiment, the polymer goods holders have thicker walls and/or are structurally reinforced, alternatively made in metal such as steel.

[0064] FIG. 5b shows a goods holder 106 of the present invention in open state. The movable section 55 comprises a horizontally extending blind hole 82 for receiving a bolt of a locking mechanism discussed in connection with FIG. 6. A horizontally extending through-hole 84 for receiving said bolt is arranged in a first lateral side 86 of the goods holder. The through-hole 84 becomes aligned with the blind hole 82 of the movable section 55 when the movable section 55 is secured. In the shown embodiment, the movable section 55 is a door hinged along an edge 87 of the goods holder 106, said edge 87 being associated with a second lateral side 88 of the goods holder. The second lateral side 88 is arranged opposite the first lateral side 86. For the sake of brevity, the parts discussed above in connection with FIG. 5a are not further discussed in connection with FIG. 5b.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows details of a storage cell 101 for storing the goods holder 106. The storage cell 101 and the goods holder 106, tightly fit into said cell, make up an assembly 30. The storage cell 101 is provided with a locking mechanism 50 configured to engage with the movable section of the front side (shown in FIG. 5b) of the stored goods holder 106 so as to secure said movable section. The storage cell 101 is laterally delimited by portions of vertically extending upright members 102 and the locking mechanism 50 is attached to the one, vertically extending upright member 102.

[0066] The storage cell 101 is also provided with a sensor 70 for detecting position of the movable section of the front side. The locking mechanism 50 comprises a movable bolt 75 and an actuator 65 which activates the bolt 75 so that said bolt engages with the movable section of the front side provided that the sensor 70 determines that the section is in the correct position. For the sake of clarity, the movable bolt 75 is shown in activated state in FIG. 6. The storage cell 101 further comprises a control unit 80 for controlling operation of the actuator 65. A cable 93 carries control signals from the control unit 80 to the actuator 65 of the locking mechanism 50. Power required for movement of the bolt is supplied via power cable 91 (power source is not shown in FIG. 6).

[0067] Hereby, a fully automated solution, i.e. a solution that doesn't require attendance by an operator for product delivery, is obtained. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 4a, container handling vehicles stack goods holders filled with purchased products into storage cells of the module in a usual manner whereby locking mechanism associated with each storage cell is activated. The storage cells containing goods holders are located in an area accessible by customers-a so-called pick-up area. Thus, a customer desiring to collect purchased products only needs to access the pick-up area and deactivate the locking mechanism 50 in order to gain access to the interior of the goods holder and complete the pick-up. The deactivation is normally triggered by the customer using a suitable human-machine-interface in order to provide instructions to the control unit 80 controlling the locking mechanism 50 associated with the storage cell 101. Such an interface could be a terminal located on a front side of the module of FIG. 4a. As an alternative, the interaction between the customer and the control unit 80 is based on wireless communication and is initiated by the customer providing instructions via his/hers smart phone.

[0068] To ensure proper alignment of the bolt 75 and the through-hole of FIG. 5b, the storage cell 101 could comprise a detector (not shown) for determining position of the goods holder when stored in the storage cell.

[0069] In the preceding description, various aspects of the assembly comprising a goods holder and a storage cell for storing the goods holder according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiments. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the system, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0070] 1 Storage and retrieval system [0071] 30 Assembly [0072] 50 Locking mechanism [0073] 55 Section of the front side [0074] 60 Front side [0075] 65 Actuator [0076] 70 Sensor [0077] 75 Bolt [0078] 80 Control unit [0079] 82 Blind hole [0080] 84 Through hole [0081] 85 Inlet [0082] 86 First lateral side [0083] 87 Edge [0084] 88 Second lateral side [0085] 89 Recess [0086] 90 Protective structure [0087] 91 Power cable [0088] 92 Storage column of the module [0089] 93 Cable [0090] 100 Framework structure [0091] 101 Storage cell [0092] 102 Upright members of framework structure [0093] 102 Upright members of the module [0094] 104 Storage grid [0095] 105 Storage column [0096] 106 Storage container/Goods holder [0097] 106 Particular position of storage container [0098] 107 Stack of storage containers [0099] 108 Rail system [0100] 110 Parallel rails in first direction (X) [0101] 111 Parallel rails in second direction (Y) [0102] 112 Access opening [0103] 119 First port column [0104] 200 Module [0105] 201 Container handling vehicle belonging to prior art [0106] 201a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201 [0107] 201b Drive means/wheel arrangement, first direction (X) [0108] 201c Drive means/wheel arrangement, second direction (Y) [0109] 301 Cantilever-based container handling vehicle belonging to prior art [0110] 301a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 301 [0111] 301b Drive means in first direction (X) [0112] 301c Drive means in second direction (Y) [0113] 401 Container handling vehicle belonging to prior art [0114] 401a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 401 [0115] 401b Drive means in first direction (X) [0116] 401c Drive means in second direction (Y) [0117] 500 Remotely operated vehicle [0118] X First direction [0119] Y Second direction [0120] Z Third direction