HK1212310B - Storage system - Google Patents

Description

Storage system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics and storage systems.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage system comprising a first grid structure of storage units, each arranged for housing a vertical stack of storage bins, said first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure and a bin lift arranged to transport bins in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and the transfer station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage unit at a top level of the first grid structure and to transfer the storage bin to a bin lift device. Furthermore, a bin lift arrangement is arranged to receive a bin from a vehicle at a top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the transfer station.

Background

The applicant's known automated storage system is of the type mentioned in the introduction. The automated storage system includes a three-dimensional storage grid containing storage bins stacked on top of each other to a certain height. The storage grid is constructed as aluminum columns interconnected by top rails. A large number of vehicles or robots are arranged on the overhead track. Each vehicle is equipped with an elevator for picking, moving and placing bins stored in the storage grid.

Such a storage system in the background art is shown in fig. 1. The storage system 10 includes storage units of a grid structure 20. Each cell is arranged for accommodating a vertical stack of storage bins 30. The grid structure has a top level.

The storage system 10 further comprises a vehicle 40, which vehicle 40 is arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure and is further arranged to receive bins from storage units located at the top level of the grid structure. As shown, the storage system 10 may include a plurality of vehicles 40 of this type.

The storage system 10 also includes a bin lift device 50. The bin lift 50 is arranged to receive bins from the first vehicle 40 at the top level of the first grid structure and to transport the bins in a vertical direction down to a delivery station or port 60. As shown, the storage system 10 may include a plurality of lifting devices 50 and ports 60 of this type.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage system that is improved in at least one of performance, capacity, space utilization and flexibility.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention has been defined in the patent claims.

More specifically, the invention provides a system as set forth in the introduction, which system further comprises a second grid structure of the storage unit located on a different vertical level than the first grid structure, and a second vehicle arranged to move horizontally at a top level of the second grid structure, the second vehicle further being arranged to receive a storage bin from the storage unit at the top level of the second grid structure and to transport said storage bin to the bin lift. The bin lift arrangement is further arranged to transfer the bins in a vertical direction between the top levels of the first and second grid structures.

Possible features, including exemplary aspects, structures, and operations of various embodiments, are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers can indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, of a storage system according to the background art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, showing certain aspects of the storage system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating certain aspects of a storage system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift arrangement at the top of the upper grid structure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift arrangement at the top of the intermediate grid structure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift and transfer station;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of a dual bin lift at the top of an upper grid structure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the double bin lift and two transfer stations;

fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the principles of network communication between storage system components.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away schematic perspective view of a storage system according to the background art, to which reference has been made in the background section.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, showing certain aspects of the storage system;

the storage system comprises a first upper grid structure of storage units arranged on an upper level 80. Each storage unit is arranged for accommodating a vertical stack of storage bins. The first grid structure has a top level 20.

The first vehicle 40 is arranged to move at the top level 20 of the upper grid structure and is arranged to receive a storage box from the storage unit at the top level 20. As illustrated by fig. 2, a plurality of such vehicles may be arranged at the top level 20 of the upper grid structure.

At least one vertical bin lift device is disposed in the system. One such bin lift arrangement is shown at 56. The bin lift arrangement is arranged to receive a bin from a vehicle on the top level 20 of the upper grid structure and is arranged to transport the bin in a vertical direction down to a transfer station 66, which in this example is arranged at a ground floor in the building where the storage system is installed. The inter-grid bin lift 56 is arranged to transport bins to an operator of a transfer station 66 arranged on the ground floor 26. The transfer station 66 may also receive a bin from an operator and transfer the bin to the inter-grid bin elevator 56.

The storage system further comprises a lower grid structure of the storage unit located at a different vertical level than the first grid structure. In this example, the lower grid structure has a top level 22 and is arranged below the upper grid structure. The lower grid structure may for example be a main storage grid structure.

Vehicles of the previously described type are arranged to move at the top level of the upper and lower grille structures. Each vehicle is arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage unit at the top level of the respective grid structure.

Each inter-grid box lifting device, such as the inter-grid box lifting device 56, is arranged to receive a storage bin from a vehicle at the top level of the upper grid structure and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level of the lower grid structure. The inter-grid bin elevator 56 is also arranged to transfer the storage bins in a vertical direction to the transfer station 66.

The inter-grid bin lift 56 is also arranged to receive a storage bin from a vehicle at the top level 22 of the lower grid structure and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level 20 of the upper grid structure.

The system may further comprise at least one additional inter-grate bin lifting device, which is not necessarily connected to the transfer station, and which is arranged to receive a storage bin from the vehicle at the top level of either the upper or lower grate structure and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level of either the upper or lower grate structure.

The system may also include any number of bin lifts that do not extend between grills at different levels (i.e., are not inter-grill bin lifts), but merely provide access to the transfer station from one particular grill.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, each of the bin lifts (such as the bin lift 56) is connected to a transfer station 66, which is arranged below the lowest grid structure, since the lower grid structure is at a higher vertical level than the transfer station 66. Alternatively or additionally, however, any number of bin lifting devices may be connected to the transfer station mounted on any side of the grid structure at the water level of any grid structure. The transfer station may in some cases even be located at a level above the top of the uppermost grid structure.

When the vehicle transports the storage bin to the bin lift, the bin lift exchanges the bin with the previously used bin, and the vehicle transports the bin back to the storage location.

The storage system may further comprise an additional vehicle arranged to move at the top level 20 of the upper grid structure and arranged to receive a storage bin from the storage unit at the top level of the upper grid structure.

The storage system may further comprise an additional vehicle arranged to move at the top level 22 of the lower grid structure and arranged to receive a storage bin from the storage unit at the top level of the lower grid structure.

Each vehicle typically has two sets (pairs) of wheels which enable the vehicle to move horizontally on rails extending along two axes on top of each grid structure 20, 22. The axes may be mutually perpendicular. This allows all vehicles to reach any position on top of the relevant grid structure.

Each vehicle is equipped with an elevator for picking up, moving and placing the storage bins stored in the respective grid structure. The robot communicates with the control system via a wireless connection and is automatically charged when necessary (typically at night).

The storage system may further comprise an additional grid structure of storage units. More specifically, the storage system may comprise a grid structure of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more storage units, each arranged on a respective vertical level.

The storage system may further comprise additional vehicles arranged to move at the top level of any possible further grid structure comprised in the system (e.g. a third grid structure) and arranged to receive storage bins from the storage units at the top level of the grid structure.

For example, each grid structure may be constructed as an aluminum (or other possible material) structure assembled with rectangular storage units. Each storage unit has a space for a plurality of storage bins, which are stored on top of each other. The different height and shape configurations may enable the grid structure to surround columns and other obstacles.

On top of each grid structure 20, 22 there is a track arranged in two dimensions allowing the movement of a vehicle designated for that particular grid.

The storage box is a basic module in which goods are stored. For example, the storage bin may be embodied at two different heights and may be manufactured in different materials (such as polypropylene or high density polyethylene) to achieve specific characteristics. In a particular aspect, an antistatic box can be used to house electronic components. In an example, the box may have a length of 600mm x a width of 400mm and a height of 210mm or 310 mm.

In an aspect, at least one of the grid structures may be a consolidation grid. A consolidation grid is a grid used for intermediate storage, for example, for storing a plurality of bins containing goods intended for a particular sequence.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating certain aspects of a storage system.

The storage system in this embodiment comprises a first upper grid structure of storage units arranged on an upper level 80. Each storage unit is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins. The first grid structure has a top level 20.

A first vehicle (not shown) is arranged to move on the top level 20 of the first grid structure and is arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage unit on this top level 20. A plurality of such vehicles may be arranged at the top level 20 of the first grid structure.

At least one vertical bin lift device is disposed in the system. Although multiple bin lifts may be employed, only one such bin lift is shown at 56. The bin lift 56 is arranged to receive a bin from a vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure 20 and to transfer the bin vertically down to a transfer station 66, which in this example is arranged on the ground level in the building in which the storage system is installed. The inter-grid bin lift 56 is arranged to deliver bins to an operator at a delivery station 66 disposed on the ground floor 26 in the building. The transfer station 66 may also receive a bin from an operator and transfer the bin to the inter-grid bin elevator 56.

The storage system further comprises a second intermediate grid structure of the storage unit on a different vertical level than the first grid structure. In this example, the second intermediate grid structure has a top level 22 and is arranged below the first grid structure.

The storage system further comprises a lower third grid structure of the storage unit on a different vertical level than the first and second grid structures. In this example, the third lower grid structure has a top level 24 and is arranged below the second grid structure. The third grid structure may be a main storage grid structure.

Vehicles of the previously described type are arranged to move on the top level of the second and third grid structures. The vehicles are arranged to receive storage bins from the storage units at the top level of the respective grid structures.

Each inter-grid box lifting device, such as the inter-grid box lifting device 56, is arranged to receive a storage box from a vehicle at a top level of the first grid structure and to transfer the storage box in a vertical direction to a top level of the second grid structure. The inter-grid bin elevator 56 is also arranged to transfer the storage bins in a vertical direction to the transfer station 66.

The inter-grid bin lift 56 is also arranged to receive a storage bin from the vehicle at the top level of the second grid structure and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level of the first grid structure.

The inter-grid bin lift 56 is further arranged to receive a storage bin from the vehicle at the top level of any of the first, second or third grid structures and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level of any of the first, second or third grid structures.

The system may further comprise at least one additional inter-grid bin lifting device, which does not have to be connected to the transfer station, and which is arranged to receive a storage bin from a vehicle at the top level of any of the first, second or third grid structures and to transfer the storage bin in a vertical direction to the top level of any of the first, second or third grid structures.

The system may also include bin lifting devices, such as bin lifting device 50, that do not extend between grills on different levels (i.e., are not inter-grill bin lifting devices), but merely provide access to the transfer station 60 from one particular grill.

The transfer station may be mounted on all sides of the grid structure or even below the lowermost grid structure if the grid structure is on a higher vertical level than the transfer station. The transfer station may even be located at a level above the top of the uppermost grid structure.

When the vehicle transports the storage bin to the bin lift, the bin lift exchanges the bin with a previously used bin, and the vehicle transports the bin back to the storage location.

The storage system may further comprise additional vehicles arranged to move on the top level 20 of the first grid structure and arranged to receive storage bins from the storage units on the top level of the first grid structure.

The storage system may further comprise additional vehicles arranged to move on the top level 22 of the second grid structure and arranged to receive storage bins from the storage units on the top level of the second grid structure.

The storage system may further comprise additional vehicles arranged to move on the top level of any further grid structure, such as the third grid structure 24, and arranged to receive storage bins from the storage units on the top level of the grid structure.

The storage system may further comprise an additional grid structure of storage units. More specifically, the storage system may comprise a grid structure of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more storage units, each arranged on a different vertical level.

For example, each grid structure may be constructed as an aluminum (or other possible material) structure assembled with rectangular storage units. Each storage unit has a space for a plurality of storage boxes, which are stored on top of each other. Different height and shape configurations may be used to enable the grid structure to surround columns and other obstacles.

On top of each grid structure 20, 22, 24 there is a track arranged in two dimensions allowing the movement of a vehicle designated for that particular grid.

The storage box is a basic module in which goods are stored. For example, the storage bin may be embodied at two different heights and may be manufactured in different materials (such as polypropylene or high density polyethylene) to achieve specific characteristics. In a particular aspect, an antistatic box can be used to house electronic components. In an example, the box may have a length of 600mm x a width of 400mm and a height of 210mm or 310 mm.

In one aspect, at least one of the grid structures may be a collation grid. A consolidation grid is a grid used for intermediate storage, for example, for storing a plurality of bins containing goods intended for a particular sequence.

Each vehicle has two sets of wheels which enable the vehicle to move horizontally on rails extending along two axes on top of each grid structure 20, 22, 24. The two axes may be perpendicular to each other. This allows all vehicles to reach any position on top of the relevant grid structure.

Each vehicle is equipped with an elevator for picking up, moving and placing the storage bins stored in the respective grid structure. The robot communicates with the control system via a wireless connection and is automatically charged when necessary (typically at night).

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift device. The bin lift 50 comprises a movable carriage for the bin 30, arranged to slide in a vertical frame comprising at least two (possibly four) vertical columns arranged at respective corners of the bin when positioned to be supported by the movable carriage. The bin lifting device is also arranged to be raised or lowered by suitable lifting means.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift arrangement 30 at the top of the upper grid structure. The upper ends of the columns of the vertical frames are interconnected by an upper frame which constitutes the upper horizontal plane 20 of the grid structure. The upper frame has a shape and size corresponding to the box 30, which is raised or lowered by the box lifting and lowering device 50.

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the bin lift arrangement at the top of the intermediate grid structure. The bin lift 50 has features corresponding to those shown in figure 5, and the frame 70 constitutes the upper horizontal surface 22 of the intermediate grid structure. Furthermore, the two columns of the bin lift device 50 extend further up to another grid structure at a higher level, e.g. the upper grid structure 20.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating certain aspects of the bin lift and transfer station. The transfer station 60 or port is disposed at a lower end portion of the cassette lifting device 30. The transfer station 60 serves the purpose of transferring the bins to and from the operator of the system. For example, the transfer station may be arranged on a ground floor.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of a dual bin lift at the top of a grid structure. The double bin lift device comprises two bin lift devices 50, 52 as already described with reference to the bin lift device 50 described above, which may be arranged at opposite sides of a column or structural support column 80.

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing certain aspects of the double bin lift and two transfer stations. The double bin lift device comprises two bin lift devices as already described with reference to fig. 8 and two transfer stations 60, 62 arranged at opposite sides of a column or structural support column 80.

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the principles of network communication between storage system components.

Each vehicle 40, 42 is remotely controlled, for example, via a radio-based wireless communication connection. To this end, an access point 110 is provided as a wireless route to provide communication between the control unit 100 (e.g., a computer) and each vehicle 40, 42. The access points may be arranged entirely in the vicinity of the system, or dispersed access points may be employed for different parts of the storage, etc.

Further, each vehicle is provided with a wireless communication device configured to provide wireless communication. Each vehicle is also provided with a source of electrical energy, such as a rechargeable battery, to supply electrical effects to the motor or motors incorporated in each vehicle.

The control unit 100 is also operatively connected to a control device controlling the delivery station 66.

The control unit 100 is also operatively connected to a console device and a viewing device.

The control unit 100 includes an interface network and a client network that are configured to provide communication with a database (e.g., an SQL database) and further with a computing device or apparatus during use.

The foregoing detailed description has been presented for purposes of understanding the principles of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. Various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (13)

1. A storage system, the storage system comprising:

a first grid structure of storage units, each arranged for accommodating a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level,

a first vehicle arranged to move horizontally at a top level of the first grid structure, an

A bin lift device arranged to transport the storage bin in a vertical direction between a top level of the grid structure and the transfer station,

wherein the first vehicle is further arranged for receiving a storage bin from a storage unit at a top level of the first grid structure and transporting the storage bin to the bin lift arrangement,

wherein the bin lift is arranged to receive a bin from a vehicle at a top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the transfer station,

characterized in that the storage system further comprises

A second grid structure of the storage unit, the second grid structure being located at a different vertical level than the first grid structure, an

A second vehicle arranged to move horizontally at a top level of the second grid structure,

wherein the second vehicle is further arranged for receiving a storage bin from a storage unit at a top level of the second grid structure and transporting the storage bin to the bin lift arrangement,

wherein the bin lift device is further arranged to transport bins in a vertical direction between a top level of the first grid structure and a top level of the second grid structure, and

wherein the second grid structure is arranged below the first grid structure.

2. The storage system as set forth in claim 1,

wherein the first and second grid structures are arranged on different floors or interlayers in a building.

3. The storage system according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the bin lift arrangement is arranged to receive a bin from a vehicle at a top level of the second grid structure and to convey the bin to the transfer station.

4. The storage system of claim 3,

the second grid structure is arranged below the first grid structure and the transfer station is arranged below the level of the second grid structure.

5. The storage system of claim 4,

the transfer station is disposed on a ground floor in a building.

6. The storage system according to claim 1 or 2,

the storage system further comprises additional vehicles arranged to move at the top level of the first grid structure and arranged to receive storage bins from storage units at the top level of the first grid structure.

7. The storage system according to claim 1 or 2,

the storage system further comprises additional vehicles arranged to move at the top level of the second grid structure and arranged to receive storage bins from storage units at the top level of the second grid structure.

8. The storage system according to claim 1 or 2,

the storage system further comprises at least one additional grid structure of storage units, which is arranged on a different vertical level than the vertical level of the other grid structures in the storage system.

9. The storage system of claim 8,

the first lattice structure is an upper lattice structure and the second lattice structure is a middle lattice structure, and wherein the at least one additional lattice structure comprises a lower lattice structure.

10. The storage system as set forth in claim 8,

wherein at least one of the grid structures is a collation grid.

11. The storage system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inter-grid box lifting device is further arranged to receive a storage box from a vehicle at the top level of the second grid structure and to convey the storage box in a vertical direction to the top level of the first grid structure.

12. The storage system of claim 11, further comprising at least one additional inter-grid box lifting device arranged to receive a storage box from a vehicle at a top level of the first grid structure and to convey the storage box in a vertical direction to a top level of the second grid structure.

13. The storage system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit and a network communication device configured to provide wireless communication between the control unit and the vehicle.