Abstract

An automated storage system for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure, which defines a storage volume, and a port which selectively connects the storage volume to the ambient space for deposit and retrieval of items. The system also includes a plurality of containers for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of containers in the storage volume. The containers feature a base, an envelope extending from the base, and an opening opposing the base and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base and envelope for containing at least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure. Finally, the system includes a one-sided attachment interface between the container and the support structure for removably attach the container to the support structure in the storage position, in which the opening of the container is above the base.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 1/16 - Special arrangements of articles in storage spaces
• B65G 1/04 - Storage devices mechanical
• B25J 15/06 - Gripping heads with vacuum or magnetic holding means
• B25J 15/00 - Gripping heads
• B65D 25/22 - External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
• G07F 11/16 - Delivery means

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container (150) for an automated storage system (100). The container has a base (151) which extends across an area that has a center point and an imaginary center axis that extends through the center point. The container also has a casing (152) with a bottom end connected to the base (151) and a top end opposing the bottom end and defining an opening for accessing the container (150). The casing (152) extends from the base (151) in a direction which has a component parallel to the center axis. A rim (153) extends from the second end of the casing (152) away from the center axis. A bottom-facing skirt (154) extends from the rim (153), whereby a gripping space (156) is formed between the casing (152), rim (153) and skirt (154) of the container (150).

IPC Classes  ?

• A47B 96/06 - Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves
• B25J 15/00 - Gripping heads
• B65D 5/42 - Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
• B65D 25/22 - External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
• B65G 1/02 - Storage devices
• G07F 11/04 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
• G07F 11/16 - Delivery means
• G07F 11/46 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
• G07F 11/62 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a module (100) for constructing at least a part of an enclosure (10) of an automated storage system (1). The module (100) has a first end element (110A), a second end element (110B) disposed at a distance from the first end element (110A), and a shell (150) which connects the first end element (110A) and the second end element (110B) along a first dimension (X) and defines an inner volume. The shell (150) comprises a sandwich structure built onto and between the first end element (110A) and the second end element (110B).

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 90/02 - Wall construction
• B65G 1/02 - Storage devices
• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles

Abstract

An automated storage system (100) for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure (110), which defines a storage volume (101), and a port (111) which selectively 5connects the storage volume (101) to the ambient space (300) for deposit and retrieval of items (210). The system also includes a plurality of containers (120) for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of 0containers in the storage volume. The containers (120) feature a base (121), an envelope (122) extending from the base (121), and an opening (123) opposing the base (121) and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base (121) and envelope (122) for containing at 5least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure. Finally, the system (100) includes a one-sided attachment interface (126, 131) between the container 0(120) and the support structure (130) for removably attach the container (120) to the support structure (130) in the storage position, in which the opening (123) of the container (120) is above the base (121).

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/04 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
• G07F 11/16 - Delivery means
• B65D 25/22 - External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
• B65G 1/02 - Storage devices
• B65G 1/04 - Storage devices mechanical