ADJUSTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A height-adjustable storage container includes a lower container frame and an upper container frame. The lower container frame includes a base and four lower walls extending from the base. The upper container frame includes four upper walls. Each of the upper walls at least partially overlaps a respective one of the four lower walls. The storage container includes a connection structure for connecting the lower container frame and the upper container frame together, and which allows the relative positioning of the lower container frame and the upper container frame to be adjusted to change the height of the height-adjustable storage container.

Claims

1. A height-adjustable storage container comprising: a lower container frame comprising a base and four lower walls extending from the base; an upper container frame comprising four upper walls, wherein each of the upper walls at least partially overlaps a respective one of the four lower walls; wherein the storage container comprises a connection structure for connecting the lower container frame and the upper container frame together, and which allows the relative positioning of the lower container frame and the upper container frame to be adjusted to change the height of the height-adjustable storage container.

2. The height-adjustable storage container according to 1, wherein the connection structure comprises: a first tube attached to one of the lower container frame or upper container frame; a second tube being smaller than the first tube, attached to the other of the lower container frame or upper container frame, wherein the first tube is received at least partially over the second tube.

3. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 2, wherein the connection structure comprises: a third tube being larger than the first tube, wherein the second tube and third tube are arranged coaxially, with the second tube inside the third tube, wherein the first tube is received at least partially within a space formed between the second tube and the third tube.

4. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 2, comprising a rotatable fastener retained at least partially within a bore of the first tube, the fastener comprising threads which engage an inner threaded bore of the second tube.

5. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 4, wherein the first tube comprises an annular projection or annular groove for retaining the rotatable fastener, and the rotatable fastener comprises a corresponding annular groove or annular projection.

6. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 4, wherein the fastener comprises a tool interface at one or both ends of the rotatable fastener.

7. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 4, wherein the storage container comprises a retrievable locking pin for locking the lower container frame to the upper container frame.

8. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 1, wherein the connection structure comprises: a received wall portion being a portion of one of the lower container frame or upper container frame; a double-walled portion being a portion of the other of the lower container frame or upper container frame, the double-walled portion comprising two parallel walls spaced by a gap, the gap being sized to receive the received wall; a set of vertically spaced first through-holes in the double-walled portion; a set of vertically spaced second through-holes in the received wall; wherein relative motion of the upper container frame and lower container frame causes different through-holes in the double-walled portion and received portion to be brought into alignment; wherein the connection structure further comprises a fastener configured to pass through the aligned through-holes, to fix the relative position of the upper container frame and lower container frame.

9. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 8, wherein the storage container comprising a locking pin for engaging the fastener.

10. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 1, wherein the connection structure comprises a rack-and-pinion, with the rack being provided on one of the lower container frame and upper container frame, and the pinion being provided on the other of the lower container frame and upper container frame.

11. The height-adjustable storage container according to claim 1, wherein the lower container frame comprises a lower stacking interface and the upper container frame comprises an upper stacking interface; thereby allowing the height-adjustable storage container to be stacked above or below similar or identical storage containers; and wherein the upper container frame comprises an upper vehicle connection interface, thereby allowing the height-adjustable storage container to be lifted via the upper vehicle connection interface.

12. An automated storage and retrieval system for storing and retrieving product items stored in storage containers, wherein the system comprises: a framework with upright members and horizontal members; a storage volume comprising storage columns between the members, where the storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns; a rail system above the framework; a port wherein product items are retrieved from and/or supplied to the storage container; container handling vehicles moving along the rail system for transporting the storage containers between the storage columns and the port; wherein the system comprises: a tool configured to adjust the height of a height-adjustable storage container according to a filling level of the height-adjustable storage container.

13. The automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 12, where the tool is located at the port.

14. The automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 12, wherein the tool comprises: a filling level detector for detecting the filling level of the height-adjustable storage container; wherein the tool is configured to adjust the height of an adjustable storage container based on information from the filling level detector.

15. The automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 12, wherein the system further comprises a control system, wherein a parameter representative of the height of the height-adjustable storage container is stored within the control system for each height-adjustable storage container.

16. The automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 12, wherein the control system is configured to determine the storage column in which the storage container is to be stored in, based on the parameter representative of the height of the height-adjustable storage container.

17. The automated storage and retrieval system according to claim 12, wherein the height-adjustable storage container comprises: a lower container frame comprising a base and four lower walls extending from the base; an upper container frame comprising four upper walls, wherein each of the upper walls at least partially overlaps a respective one of the four lower walls; wherein the storage container comprises a connection structure for connecting the lower container frame and the upper container frame together, and which allows the relative positioning of the lower container frame and the upper container frame to be adjusted to change the height of the height-adjustable storage container.

18. A method of storing a height-adjustable storage container in an automated storage and retrieval system comprising: measuring the filling-level of the height-adjustable storage container of the automated storage and retrieval system; adjusting the height of the height-adjustable storage container at the port according to the measured filling-level.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] The following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, wherein:

[0091] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a prior art storage container.

[0095] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a storage container in a first state.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a storage container in a second state.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a top view of the first embodiment of a storage container.

[0098] FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of a connection structure provided in one corner of the storage container.

[0099] FIGS. 8b and 8c are cross sectional side views of the connection structure.

[0100] FIG. 8d is a side view of the fastening element of the connection structure.

[0101] FIG. 8e is a side view of an alternative fastening element.

[0102] FIG. 8f shows a cross sectional side view of an alternative connection structure.

[0103] FIGS. 8g and 8h illustrates alternative locations of the connection structure.

[0104] FIGS. 9a-c shows how the height of the storage container is adjusted at a port.

[0105] FIG. 9d shows an alternative adjustment of the height of the storage container.

[0106] FIG. 9e shows yet another alternative adjustment of the height of the storage container.

[0107] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate an alternative connection structure.

[0108] FIG. 11 shows an alternative connection structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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. 1-3, i.e. comprising a number of upright members 102 and a number of horizontal members 103, which are supported by the upright members 102, and further that the framework structure 100 comprises a rail system 108 in the X direction and Y direction.

[0111] The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102, 103, where storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

[0112] 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 700×700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

[0113] It is now referred to FIGS. 5 and 6. Here it is shown a height-adjustable storage container 6. In this embodiment, the storage container 6 comprises two main parts, a lower container frame 10 and an upper container frame 20.

[0114] The lower container frame 10 comprises a base 11 and four lower walls 12 extending from the base 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the first two lower walls are oriented in parallel with each other, while the other two lower walls are also oriented in parallel with each other and perpendicular to the first two walls. The base 11 is forming the floor of a storage compartment 40 within the storage container 6.

[0115] The upper container frame 20 comprises four upper walls 22. Each of the upper walls 22 is at least partially overlapping a respective one of the four lower walls 11, i.e. each one of the four upper walls 22 are provided in parallel with each one of the lower walls 11.

[0116] The storage container 6 further comprises a connection structure 30 for connecting the lower container frame 10 and the upper container frame 20 together. In the present embodiment, most of the connection structure 30 is integrated with the lower container frame 10 and the upper container frame 20, as the lower container frame 10 together with parts of the connection structure 30 are moulded as one, single part, and the upper container frame 20 together with other parts of the connection structure 30 is moulded as one, single part separate from the lower container frame 10. However, the connection structure 30 may also be separate parts connected or secured to from the lower and upper container frames 10, 20. In such a case, the storage container 6 is considered to have more than two main parts.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the storage container 6 comprises four connection structures 30 located in the corners of the respective container frames 10, 20.

[0118] The connection structure 30 allows the relative positioning of the lower container frame 10 and the upper container frame 20 to be adjusted to change the height of the height-adjustable storage container 6. In FIG. 5, the storage container 6 is considered to be in a full-height configuration, where the height is indicated as a maximum height Hmax. In FIG. 6, the storage container 6 is in a reduced-height configuration, where the height is indicated as a minimum height Hmin.

[0119] In FIG. 5, there is only a small overlap between the upper walls 22 and lower walls 12, while in FIG. 6, there is a large overlap between the upper walls 22 and lower walls 11. The height-adjustable storage container 6 may have several intermediate configurations between the reduced-height configuration and the full-height configuration, i.e. configurations where the height of the storage container 6 is between the minimum height Hmin and the maximum height Hmax.

[0120] In FIG. 5, it is further shown that the lower container frame 10 comprises a lower stacking interface LSI and the upper container frame 20 comprises an upper stacking interface USI. Hence, the height-adjustable storage container 6 can be stacked above or below other storage containers 6 in a stack 107 in one of the columns 105 of the framework structure 100 shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that the height-adjustable storage container 6 can be stacked above or below other height-adjustable storage containers and also above or below other fixed-height storage containers 106, for example the fixed-height storage container shown in FIG. 4.

[0121] The upper container frame 20 also comprises an upper vehicle connection interface CI, thereby allowing the height-adjustable storage container 6 to be lifted via the upper vehicle connection interface CI, for example by means of a container handling vehicle 201, 301.

[0122] The upper container frame 20 comprises a top opening 21 for retrieving product items 80 from or for inserting product items 80 into the compartment 40 of the storage container. Hence, the storage container is considered to be an open-top type of storage container.

[0123] In FIG. 7, it is shown how the four connection structures 30 are located in each corner of the storage container. The base area of the storage compartment 40 within the storage container 6 will typically be less than the base area of the storage compartment of a corresponding fixed height storage container (FIG. 4), but the base area is not considerably reduced.

[0124] One embodiment of the connection structure 30 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8a-8d. Here, it is shown that the connection structure 30 comprises a first tube 23 attached to the upper container frame 20 and a second tube 13 being smaller than the first tube, attached to the lower container frame 10. In addition, the connection structure 30 comprises a third tube 17 being larger than the second tube 23.

[0125] All the tubes 23, 13, 17 are circular tubes, where the outer diameter of the first tube is larger than the outer diameter of the first tube and where the outer diameter of the third tube is larger than the outer diameter of the second tube. As shown in FIG. 8b, a through bore 14 is provide in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the second tube 13. In the present embodiment, the bore 14 is provided with threads. A space or annulus 15 is defined radially between the second tube 23 and the third tube 17, allowing the first tube 23 to be slidingly engaged in a vertical direction within this annulus 15. The first tube 23 is received at least partially over the second tube 13, i.e. the first tube 23 is received within the annulus 15 from above.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 8a, the second tube 13 and the third tube 17 are connected to each other via a vertical element 13a provided in a vertical slit 23a in the first tube 23. The second tube 13 and the third tube 17 are also connected to each other via the base 11.

[0127] FIG. 8b shows the full-height configuration, where there is only a small overlap between the first and second tubes. FIG. 8c illustrates the reduced-height configuration, where there is a relatively larger overlap between the first and second tubes.

[0128] In FIG. 8b, it is shown that a fastener 32 retained at least partially within a bore 24 of the first tube 23. The first tube 23 comprises an annular projection 26 for retaining the fastener 32, and the fastener 32 comprises a corresponding annular groove 36.

[0129] In FIG. 8d, it is shown that the upper area 34 of the fastener 32, including the area of the annular groove 26, is non-threaded. Hence, the fastener 32 may be rotated with respect to the first tube 23, without any relative axial or vertical movement between the first tube 23 and the fastener 32.

[0130] The lower area comprises threads. This area is referred to as a threaded area 33. The threaded area engage the threaded bore 14 of the second tube 13. Hence, by rotating the fastener 32, the second tube 13 is moved in relation to the first tube 23.

[0131] The fastener comprises a tool interface 35 at one or both ends of the fastener. The tool interface 35 may be a screwdriver type of interface. In the present embodiment, the tool interface 35 is a Phillips screwdriver interface.

[0132] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8e, the fastener 32 comprises an annular projection 36. Here, the first tube 23 may comprises an annular groove.

[0133] The above connection structure 30 is providing that the lower container frame 10 is fixed with respect to the upper container frame 20 during normal handling of the storage container, i.e. that unintentional relative positioning between the lower container frame 10 and the upper container frame 20 is prevented when the storage container 6 is stacked above or below other storage containers in a stack, when the storage container 6 is lifted by container handling vehicles via its connection interface CI etc.

[0134] In alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8f, it is shown that an additional retrievable locking pin 37a can be used to lock the lower container frame 10 and the upper container frame 20 to each other. The locking pin 37a is pushed horizontally into openings provided in the first, second and third tubes. This locking pin 37a must be retrieved in order to enable adjustment of the height of the storage container 6.

[0135] Yet an alternative is also shown in FIG. 8f, where a retrievable locking pin 37b is pushed horizontally into openings provided in the first, second and third tubes and in addition into the fastener 32.

[0136] The use of one of or both of the locking pin 37a, 37b may be considered necessary if the load in the storage container is very heavy, to avoid unintentional height adjustment.

[0137] It should also be noted that the tool interface 35 may be retracted with respect to the outer surfaces of the storage container 6.

[0138] It is now referred to FIG. 8g, where it is shown that the lower and upper container frames 10, 20 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, i.e. with two parallel longer side walls and two parallel short walls. Here, the adjustable storage container 6 comprises two connection structures 30, each positioned adjacent to and centrally on the longer side walls of the storage container 6.

[0139] It is now referred to FIG. 8h. Here the adjustable storage container 6 comprises four connection structures 30, two positioned adjacent to and centrally on the longer side walls of the storage container 6 and two positioned adjacent to and centrally on the shorter side walls of the storage container 6.

[0140] It is now referred to FIG. 9a-9c, where a port 90 is shown. The port 90 is a location within the automated storage system 1 where product items 80 are retrieved from and/or supplied to the storage container 6, 106, either manually or automatically. The height of the storage container 6 will typically be adjusted after product items have been retrieved from and/or supplied to the storage container. However, it is also possible that the height is adjusted before product items have been retrieved from and/or supplied to the storage container.

[0141] In automated storage and retrieval systems 1 where the above height-adjustable storage container 6 is used, the control system 500 is typically configured to store a parameter representative of the height of the height-adjustable storage container 6 together with other information about each storage container. Hence, the presently adjusted height for each storage container will typically be known for each storage container arriving at the port. Hence, if product items are to be retrieved from the storage container, then no height adjustment is performed before arrival. However, if the storage container arriving to the port is adjusted to a height lower than a predetermined threshold height, and product items is to be supplied to the storage container, then the height may be adjusted before arrival to the port.

[0142] In FIG. 9a-9c, an assembly line or conveyor 91 is shown, where a storage container 6 containing a product item 80 is shown. The height of the product item 80 inside the storage container indicates a filling level FL (best shown in FIG. 9c). In FIG. 9a, the storage container 6 is adjusted to its maximum height Hmax.

[0143] In FIG. 9b, a tool 93 is shown schematically. The tool 93 is configured to adjust the height of a height-adjustable storage container 6 according to the filling level FL of the height-adjustable storage container 6. In FIG. 9b, the tool 93 comprises four screwdrivers for rotating the four fasteners 32 simultaneously. Here, as the filling level FL is lower than the height shown in FIG. 9a, and hence, the height is reduced to the height shown in FIG. 9c.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the filling level 93 is observed by an operator and by using a user interface, the tool 93 is controlled by the operator until the desired height is achieved. The tool 93 may comprise an observation window for observing the compartment 40 of the storage container while the tool 93 is used, to achieve that the height is adjusted to the desired level.

[0145] The tool 93 may be provided above a conveyor 91 transporting storage containers to the location where product items are retrieved from or supplied to the storage container and/or above a conveyor 91 transporting storage containers from the location where product items are retrieved from or supplied to the storage container.

[0146] It is now referred to FIG. 9d. Here, the tool 93 comprises a filling level detector 94 for detecting the filling level FL of the height-adjustable storage container 6. The tool 93 is here configured to adjust the height of an adjustable storage container 6 based on information from the filling level detector 94.

[0147] It is now referred to FIG. 9e. Here, the tool 93 is located below the conveyor and is accessing the fastener via the opening 14 (see FIGS. 8b and 8c). The conveyor 91 may here comprise apertures or openings allowing the screwdrivers to protrude up through the conveyor.

[0148] It should be noted that the tool may be integrated in prior art ports, such as the one described in WO2019206971, WO2018233886, WO2018233886A etc. It is also possible to integrate the tool 93 into a container handling vehicle, where the height is adjusted before the storage container is delivered to the port or after the storage container has retrieved the storage container from the port.

[0149] During or after the height has been adjusted after the visit to the port, the parameter representative of the height of the height-adjustable storage container 6 is updated within the control system 500. The height can be calculated based on data from the tool 93. Alternatively, the height can be measured.

[0150] After the height-adjustment, the control system 500 may be configured to determine the storage column 105 in which the storage container 6 is to be stored in, based on the parameter representative of the height-adjustable storage container 6.

[0151] It is now referred to FIG. 10a. Here, the connection structure 30 comprises a received wall portion being a portion of the lower container frame 10 and a double-walled portion being a portion of the upper container frame 20. The double-walled portion comprising two parallel walls spaced by a gap, the gap being sized to receive the received wall.

[0152] A set of vertically spaced first through-holes 28 is provided in the double-walled portion and a set of vertically spaced second through-holes 18 is provided in the received wall. Relative vertical motion of the upper container frame 10 and lower container frame 20 causes different through-holes 18, 28 in the double-walled portion and received portion to be brought into alignment.

[0153] The connection structure 30 further comprises a fastener 32A configured to pass through the aligned through-holes 18, 28, to fix the relative position of the upper container frame 10 and lower container frame 20.

[0154] This fastener 32A may be a pin without any threads. In FIG. 10b it is shown that the fastener may comprise a locking pin 37 to prevent unintentional release of the fastener. However, the fastener may be a threaded type of fastener or another type of fastener where the fastener itself is preventing unintentional release.

[0155] Hence, while the first embodiment above allows the height to be adjusted continuously between the reduced-height configuration and the full-height configuration, the embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10b allows the height to be adjusted in discrete steps between the reduced-height configuration and the full-height configuration.

[0156] It is now referred to FIG. 11. Here it is shown an embodiment similar to the one shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. However, instead of vertically inserting a fastener horizontally through openings, the connection structure 30 comprises a rack-and-pinion system, with the rack 39a being provided the lower container frame 10 and the rotatable pinion being rotatably connected to the upper container frame 20. The height is adjusted by rotating the pinion via an interface.

Alternative Embodiments

[0157] In the embodiments described above, it is clear that the connections structure 30 may be at least partially be integrated as parts of the walls 12, 22 of the respective lower and upper container frame structures 10, 20. For example, parts of the third tube 17 may form parts of the lower wall 11 and parts of the first tube 23 may form parts of the upper wall 22.

[0158] It should further be noted that the connection structures may be turned upside-down, i.e. that the first tube is connected to the lower container frame 10 and the second and third tubes are connected to the upper container frame 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 10a, 10b, the double-wall portion may be a part of the lower container frame 10 and the receiving portion may be a part of the upper container frame 20.

[0159] The upper frame may also comprise a cover, for preventing product items to fall out from the storage container. The cover does not prevent stacking of storage containers. The cover may be transparent or semi-transparent to observe how much the height of the storage container should be adjusted. The cover may be movably connected to the upper container frame.

[0160] According to the above, the storage container with adjustable height will improve storage efficiency of the above automated storage and retrieval systems. This storage container may be particularly useful for automated storage and retrieval systems located in smaller buildings, in basements of buildings, etc., where storage efficiency may be more crucial.

[0161] In the preceding description, various aspects of the storage container and the automated storage and retrieval system 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 embodiments, 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

[0162] Prior Art (FIGS. 1-4):

[0163] 1 Prior art automated storage and retrieval system

[0164] 6 Height-adjustable storage container

[0165] 10 Lower container frame

[0166] 11 Base

[0167] 12 Walls

[0168] 13 Second tube

[0169] 14 Bore

[0170] 15 Space

[0171] 17 Third tube

[0172] 18 Through holes

[0173] 20 Upper container frame

[0174] 22 Walls

[0175] 23 First tube

[0176] 24 Bore

[0177] 26 Groove

[0178] 28 Through holes

[0179] 30 Connection structure

[0180] 32 Fastener

[0181] 32A Fastener

[0182] 35 Tool interface

[0183] 37 Locking pin

[0184] 40 Compartment

[0185] 90 Port

[0186] 93 Tool

[0187] 94 Filling level detector

[0188] 100 Framework structure

[0189] 102 Upright members of framework structure

[0190] 103 Horizontal members of framework structure

[0191] 104 Storage grid

[0192] 105 Storage column

[0193] 106 Storage container

[0194] 106′ Particular position of storage container

[0195] 107 Stack

[0196] 108 Rail system

[0197] 110 Set of parallel rails in first direction (X)

[0198] 110a First rail in first direction (X)

[0199] 110b Second rail in first direction (X)

[0200] 111 Set of parallel rails in second direction (Y)

[0201] 111a First rail in second direction (Y)

[0202] 111b Second rail in second direction (Y)

[0203] 112 Access opening

[0204] 119 First port column (drop-off port column)

[0205] 120 Second port column (pick-up port column)

[0206] 201 Prior art central cavity storage container vehicle

[0207] 201a Vehicle body of the central cavity storage container vehicle 201

[0208] 201b First set of wheels, first direction (X)

[0209] 201c Second set of wheels, second direction (Y)

[0210] 301 Prior art cantilever storage container vehicle

[0211] 301a Vehicle body of the cantilever storage container vehicle 301

[0212] 301b First set of wheels, first direction (X)

[0213] 301c Second set of wheels, second direction (Y)

[0214] 304 Gripping device

[0215] 500 Control system

[0216] X First direction

[0217] Y Second direction

[0218] Z Third direction