Automated storage system
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A method of operating a bin storage system comprising a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins on the bin storage system, wherein each of the plurality of robot vehicles comprisesa vehicle body,a cavity arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage column,a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity,arranged for travelling in a first and second directions along the bin storage system,a lifting device arranged to lift a storage bin from the storage column to an end position within the cavity;
- andwherein the method comprises the steps of;
positioning the cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles above one of the storage columns,descending the lifting device of the robot vehicle into the storage column, lifting the lifting device of the robot vehicle from the storage column,using the plurality of rolling members of the robot vehicle, moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system prior to the lifting device comes to the end position within the cavity.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention concerns an automated storage system and remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X). The inventive vehicle is characterized in that the second section comprises a cavity arranged centrally within the vehicle body. This cavity has at least one bin receiving opening facing towards the underlying storage columns during use. In addition, at least one of the two sets of vehicle rolling means is arranged fully within the vehicle body.
11 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of operating a bin storage system comprising a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins on the bin storage system, wherein each of the plurality of robot vehicles comprises
a vehicle body, a cavity arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage column, a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity, arranged for travelling in a first and second directions along the bin storage system, a lifting device arranged to lift a storage bin from the storage column to an end position within the cavity; -
and wherein the method comprises the steps of; positioning the cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles above one of the storage columns, descending the lifting device of the robot vehicle into the storage column, lifting the lifting device of the robot vehicle from the storage column, using the plurality of rolling members of the robot vehicle, moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system prior to the lifting device comes to the end position within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A robot vehicle for transporting storage bins in a bin storage system, comprising
a. a vehicle body, b. a cavity arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage column, c. a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity, arranged for travelling in a first and second direction along the bin storage system, d. a lifting device arranged to lift a storage bin from the storage column to an end position within the cavity; - and
wherein the plurality of rolling members is arranged to move the robot vehicle along the bin storage system prior to the lifting device comes to the end position within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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19. An automated storage system, comprising
a. a three-dimensional storage structure, comprising i. a plurality of pillars which are positioned with internal distances and in a rectangular arrangement, wherein the rectangular arrangement of the pillars define storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, ii. supporting rails arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the pillars, said supporting rails arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the supporting rails defining openings for the storage columns, b. a plurality of remotely controlled robot vehicles, said robot vehicles comprising i. a vehicle body, ii. a cavity arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage column, iii. a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity, arranged for travelling along the storage structure in the first and second directions, whereby the robot vehicle can move along the storage structure to position the cavity within the cross-sectional area of the storage column to receive the storage bin into the cavity for further transport along the storage structure.
Specification