US20180142947A1 - Storage containers and bins - Google Patents
Storage containers and bins Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180142947A1 US20180142947A1 US15/579,172 US201615579172A US2018142947A1 US 20180142947 A1 US20180142947 A1 US 20180142947A1 US 201615579172 A US201615579172 A US 201615579172A US 2018142947 A1 US2018142947 A1 US 2018142947A1
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- Prior art keywords
- container
- storage system
- bins
- sides
- bin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/263—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for ventilating the contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/14—Linings or internal coatings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/0464—Storage devices mechanical with access from above
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/0492—Storage devices mechanical with cars adapted to travel in storage aisles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/06—Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level
- B65G1/065—Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level with self propelled cars
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
- B65G1/1373—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
- F25D13/02—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/005—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled using containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
- B65G2201/02—Articles
- B65G2201/0235—Containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
- F25D13/06—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0664—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the side
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/04—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by conveyors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates to storage containers, bins and devices. More specifically but not exclusively, it relates to storage containers and bins used in robotic picking systems for picking objects from storage systems having storage bins in stacks, the stacks being located within a grid structure.
- Some commercial and industrial activities require systems that enable the storage and retrieval of a large number of different products.
- One known type of system for the storage and retrieval of items in multiple product lines involves arranging storage bins or containers in stacks on top of one another, the stacks being arranged in rows. The storage bins or containers are removed from the stacks and accessed from above by load handling devices, removing the need for aisles between the rows and thereby allowing a large number of bins or containers to be stored in a given space.
- a container for storing at least one item within in a storage system comprising: a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces; a set of uprights, the uprights supporting the tracks, the uprights and tracks together defining a framework; and a plurality of said containers being located beneath the tracks and within the framework, a portion of said containers occupying a space below a grid space; characterised in that the container comprises four sides and a base, at least two of the sides of the container comprising a series of apertures.
- the present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides a container arrangement providing structural integrity whilst allowing fluids to pass therethrough as required.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a frame structure for housing a plurality of stacks of bins in a known storage system
- FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of part of the frame structure of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are schematic perspective views, from the rear and front respectively, of one form of robotic load handling device for use with the frame structure of FIGS. 1 and 2
- FIG. 3( c ) is a schematic perspective view of the known load handler device in use lifting a bin;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a known storage system comprising a plurality of load handler devices of the type shown in FIGS. 3( a ), 3( b ) and 3( c ) , installed on the frame structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 , together with a robotic service device in accordance with one form of the invention;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of one form of bin or container for use within the storage system of FIGS. 1 to 4 , the container or bin comprising a substantially box type structure having an open top, a base and four sides;
- FIG. 6 a shows a schematic perspective view of one form of bin or container in accordance with the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin comprise slots;
- FIG. 6 b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the invention, in which four sides of the container or bin comprise slots;
- FIG. 7 a shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin comprise holes;
- FIG. 7 b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, in which four sides of the container or bin comprise holes;
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, in which four sides and the base of the bin or container comprise holes;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the base of the bin or container comprises holes;
- FIG. 10 a is a schematic perspective view of a stack of bins or containers of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b ;
- FIG. 10 b is a schematic perspective view of nine stacks of bins or containers in accordance with the invention, showing the alignment of the holes in the bins or containers of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.
- stackable storage containers are stacked on top of one another to form stacks 12 .
- the stacks 12 are arranged in a frame structure 14 in a warehousing or manufacturing environment.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the frame structure 14
- FIG. 2 is a top-down view showing a single stack 12 of bins 10 arranged within the frame structure 14 .
- Each bin 10 typically holds a plurality of product or inventory items 28 , and the inventory items within a bin 10 may be identical, or may be of different product types depending on the application. Furthermore, the bins 10 may be physically subdivided to accommodate a plurality of different inventory items 28 .
- bins 10 will be used to denote containers intended for the storage of inventory items 28
- delivery containers DT will be used to denote containers filled or intended to be filled to fulfil customer orders placed by customers. It will be appreciated that this terminology is used for ease of reference and explanation within this document. However, it should be noted that the bins 10 and the containers DT may be of the same shape and configuration. Furthermore, delivery containers DT may be stored in bins 10 within the storage system or any part thereof.
- the frame structure 14 comprises a plurality of upright members 16 that support horizontal members 18 , 20 .
- a first set of parallel horizontal members 18 is arranged perpendicularly to a second set of parallel horizontal members 20 to form a plurality of horizontal grid structures supported by the upright members 16 .
- the members 16 , 18 , 20 are typically manufactured from metal.
- the bins 10 are stacked between the members 16 , 18 , 20 of the frame structure 14 , so that the frame structure 14 guards against horizontal movement of the stacks 12 of bins 10 , and guides vertical movement of the bins 10 .
- the top level of the frame structure 14 includes rails 22 arranged in a grid pattern across the top of the stacks 12 .
- the rails 22 support a plurality of robotic load handling devices 30 .
- a first set 22 a of parallel rails 22 guide movement of the load handling devices 30 in a first direction (X) across the top of the frame structure 14
- a second set 22 b of parallel rails 22 arranged perpendicular to the first set 22 a , guide movement of the load handling devices 30 in a second direction (Y), perpendicular to the first direction.
- the rails 22 allow movement of the load handling devices 30 in two dimensions in the X-Y plane, so that a load handling device 30 can be moved into position above any of the stacks 12 .
- Each load handling device 30 comprises a vehicle 32 which is arranged to travel in the X and Y directions on the rails 22 of the frame structure 14 , above the stacks 12 .
- a first set of wheels 34 consisting of a pair of wheels 34 on the front of the vehicle 32 and a pair of wheels 34 on the back of the vehicle 32 , are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set 22 a of rails 22 .
- a second set of wheels 36 consisting of a pair of wheels 36 on each side of the vehicle 32 , are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set 22 b of rails 22 .
- Each set of wheels 34 , 36 can be lifted and lowered, so that either the first set of wheels 34 or the second set of wheels 36 is engaged with the respective set of rails 22 a , 22 b at any one time.
- the wheels 34 can be driven, by way of a drive mechanism (not shown) housed in the vehicle 32 , to move the load handling device 30 in the X direction.
- a drive mechanism housed in the vehicle 32
- the first set of wheels 34 are lifted clear of the rails 22
- the second set of wheels 36 are lowered into engagement with the second set of rails 22 a .
- the drive mechanism can then be used to drive the second set of wheels 36 to achieve movement in the Y direction.
- one or more robotic load handling devices 30 can move around the top surface of the stacks 12 on the frame structure 14 , as shown in FIG. 4 under the control of a centralised control utility (not shown).
- Each robotic load handling device 30 is provided with lifting means 38 for lifting one or more bins 10 from the stack 12 to access the required products.
- the body of the vehicle 32 comprises a cavity 40 , the cavity 40 being of a size capable of holding a bin 10 .
- the lifting means 38 comprises winch means and a bin gripper assembly 39 . The lifting means lifts a bin 10 from the stack 12 to within the cavity 40 within the body of the vehicle 32 .
- the robotic load handling devices 30 remove bins 10 containing inventory items 28 (not shown) therein and transport the bins 10 to picking stations (not shown) where the required inventory items 28 are removed from the bins 10 and placed into bins 10 comprising delivery containers DT. It is important to note that a delivery container DT may fit within a bin 10 .
- the bins 10 may comprise inventory items 28 or may comprise delivery containers DT.
- the delivery containers DT may comprise at least one bag 52 , the inventory items 28 being picked directly in to a bag 52 at a pick station (not shown).
- the empty bins 10 or the bins comprising delivery containers DT or the bins comprising delivery containers DT and bags 52 may all be stored within the stacks 12 . It will be appreciated that all the bins 10 have substantially the same external shape and configuration.
- FIG. 4 shows a typical storage system as described above, the system having a plurality of load handling devices 30 active on the grid above the stacks 12 .
- FIGS. 1 and 4 show the bins 10 in stacks 12 within the storage system. It will be appreciated that there may be a large number of bins 10 in any given storage system and that many different items 28 may be stored in the bins 10 in the stacks 12 , each bin 10 may contain different categories of inventory items 28 within a single stack 12 .
- the storage system comprises a series of bins 10 that may further comprise delivery containers DT with customer orders contained therein or may further comprise bins 10 with inventory items 28 awaiting picking contained therein.
- bins 10 and combinations thereof may be contained in the storage system and be accessed by the robotic load handling devices 30 as described above.
- FIG. 5 shows one form of bin 10 for use within the storage system of FIGS. 1 to 4 .
- the bin 10 comprises a substantially box type structure having an open top, a base and four sides.
- a plurality of the bins 10 of FIG. 5 may be stacked in a self-supporting stack 12 , a plurality of stacks 12 being disposed within the framework 14 as described above.
- a bin 110 comprises a box-type structure as shown in FIG. 5 having an open top and slots disposed in two opposite side walls of the bin 110 .
- the slots in the bin 110 enable the same amount of storage volume to be utilised, whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the bin 110 yet reducing the weight of the bin 110 in comparison with the container 10 of FIG. 5 .
- providing apertures in the containers DT or bins 10 also reduces the cost of each container DT or bin. In a storage system comprising hundreds of thousands of containers and bins this can represent a significant saving.
- FIG. 7 a shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin 210 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin comprise holes 50 and
- FIG. 7 b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin 210 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, in which four sides of the bin 210 comprise holes 50 .
- using holes 50 or other suitably shaped cut outs in the sides of the bin 210 maintains structural integrity whilst reducing the weight of the bin 210 in comparison to the bin 10 of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin 310 accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, in which four sides and the base of the bin 310 comprise holes 50 . Again this reduces further the weight of the bin 310 compared with that of the bin 10 of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the base of the bin 410 comprises holes.
- FIG. 10 a is a schematic perspective view of a stack 112 of bins 110 of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b , the self-stacking nature of the bins 110 being demonstrated. It will be appreciated that the top edges of all of the bins described above may comprise a shaped portion arranged to co-operate with the base of the bin stacked above.
- FIG. 10 b is a schematic perspective view of nine stacks 12 of bins 110 , showing the alignment of the holes in the bins 110 of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b . It will be appreciated that when in stacks 12 , the bins 110 of FIG. 10 a are arranged so to be substantially separated by a predetermined amount. The framework 14 will be disposed between the stacks 12 as shown with reference to the known storage system of FIGS. 1 to 4 , accordingly a separation is required between the stacks 12 .
- the framework 14 disposed between the stacks 12 of bins 110 may be formed from a solid metallic structure such as aluminium or steel. Alternatively any other form of framework may be utilised.
- the framework 14 may be solid or may be formed from a contoured extrusion.
- Cooling systems such as that described in UK Patent Application No GB1509661.3 (Ocado Innovation Limited) require air to flow within the storage system and through the bins 10 and stacks 12 of bins 10 .
- the system described in this UK Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference and discloses a storage system comprising one or more heater and/or one or more chiller for generating temperature controlled gas, one or more fan for circulating the temperature controlled gas through the storage system; and a plenum for receiving the temperature controlled gas.
- holes 50 or apertures in the bins 10 combined with the air flow through the storage system, enables the temperature of the items in the bins 10 to be maintained at a uniform temperature across the storage system. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the holes 50 and apertures enabling improved air flow through the system may additionally enable better control of humidity within the storage system.
- Each of the bins 10 described in the embodiments described above advantageously allows air to flow through the bins 10 when stacked in stacks 12 within the framework 14 .
- the holes 50 , slots 40 or other form of apertures in the bins 10 are arranged so as to be aligned between bins 10 when the stacks 12 are arranged within the framework 14 .
- any air flow through the storage system will take the path of least resistance. Therefore, in order to ensure that cooled air flows through the bins 10 to cool the contents the uprights of the framework 14 must be solid so the air can only flow through the bins 10 .
- each side of each bin 10 comprises of solid material having no holes disposed therein.
- each bin 10 should remain solid to prevent leakage of fluids from within each bin 10 but the sides of each bin 10 should be provided with suitably positioned apertures to allow fluid to flow therethrough in the event of a fluid deployment.
- the distance 60 from the bottom of the bin 10 to the bottom of the lowest hole 50 or aperture is 195 mm. It will be appreciated that this distance has been calculated for a specific storage system of the type described above and that this distance may be different for different storage systems having differently sized bins 10 or for differently sized storage systems of the type in FIGS. 1 to 4 .
- the distance 60 from the bottom of the bin 10 to the bottom of the lowest hole 50 or aperture is 190 mm, the total height of the bin 10 being 360 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of the portion of the sides of the bin 10 having no holes or apertures to the total height of the bin 10 is 190:360 or 0.53. Preferably, the bottom 190 mm of any side of a bin 10 is free from apertures or holes 50 .
- a bin 10 of height 400 mm must have at least 212 mm of hole 50 or aperture free structure forming the sides of the bin 10 .
- bins in such storage systems may be defined by the specific purpose of the storage system. Accordingly, it is advantageous to be able to calculate the absolute position above the base of the bin 10 of the lowest hole 50 or aperture 60 . Using the above ratio this can be easily calculated.
- the arrangement of the holes 50 or apertures in the side of the bin 10 may be of any design as long as the bottom half of the bin 10 is free from any form of hole 50 or aperture.
- delivery containers DT may also comprise holes, slots or apertures.
- the holes, slots or apertures positioned in the delivery container DT are arranged so as to align with the holes, slots or apertures in the bins 10 when the delivery container DT is located within a bin 10 . In this way, the air flow through the system is still enabled.
- the delivery container DT may be an actual delivery container for onward transmission to the customer or be a bin 10 with “post pick” items destined for delivery to somewhere else, for instance to an alternative fulfillment centre.
- the term delivery container DT is used to distinguish bins 10 for storing goods or items for picking from delivery containers DT.
- bins 10 and containers DT may be of a similar or substantially the same shape and configuration, the function of the bin or container defining the category of container or bin rather than any change in the actual shape or size.
- the delivery container DT may be contained within a bin 10 to ensure that the robotic load handling devices can handle the movement of all bins whether in the stacks 12 of the main storage system or in a nominal robotic picking area.
- a portion of the bins 10 in the storage system may comprise delivery containers DT preloaded with empty bags in preparation for use items to be placed therein.
- the surfaces of the sides of the bins 10 and containers DT may comprise structural webs and guidance ribs.
- the webs ensure the structural integrity of the container DT or bin 10
- the guidance ribs enable the container or bin to interact with the framework 14 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to storage containers, bins and devices. More specifically but not exclusively, it relates to storage containers and bins used in robotic picking systems for picking objects from storage systems having storage bins in stacks, the stacks being located within a grid structure.
- This application claims priority from UK Patent Application Nos. GB1509661.3 filed on 3 Jun. 2015 and GB1604096.6 filed on 10 Mar. 2016 the content of all these applications hereby being incorporated by reference.
- Some commercial and industrial activities require systems that enable the storage and retrieval of a large number of different products. One known type of system for the storage and retrieval of items in multiple product lines involves arranging storage bins or containers in stacks on top of one another, the stacks being arranged in rows. The storage bins or containers are removed from the stacks and accessed from above by load handling devices, removing the need for aisles between the rows and thereby allowing a large number of bins or containers to be stored in a given space.
- Methods of handling containers or bins stacked in rows are well known in the art. PCT Publication No. WO2015/185628A (Ocado) describes a storage and fulfillment system in which stacks of bins or containers are arranged within a frame structure. The bins or containers are accessed by load handling devices operative on tracks located on the top of the frame structure. The load handling devices lift bins or containers out from the stacks, multiple load handling devices co-operating to access bins or containers located in the lowest positions of the stack. One form of robotic load handling device is described in PCT Patent Publication No. WO2015/019055 (Ocado) where each robotic load handler only covers one grid space of the frame work structure, thus allowing higher density of load handlers and thus higher throughput of a given size system.
- In some implementations of such container or bin handling systems, there can be a very large number of robotic load handling devices running on a single grid, the grid containing a large number of bins or containers in stacks. The significant number of containers used within the system can lead to overheating at the centre of the system. Additionally, it may be advantageous to cool the containers and their contents whilst stored within the system.
- According to the invention there is provided a container for storing at least one item within in a storage system, the storage system comprising: a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces; a set of uprights, the uprights supporting the tracks, the uprights and tracks together defining a framework; and a plurality of said containers being located beneath the tracks and within the framework, a portion of said containers occupying a space below a grid space; characterised in that the container comprises four sides and a base, at least two of the sides of the container comprising a series of apertures.
- Preferred features of the invention are defined in the claims.
- In this way, the present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides a container arrangement providing structural integrity whilst allowing fluids to pass therethrough as required.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a frame structure for housing a plurality of stacks of bins in a known storage system; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of part of the frame structure ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic perspective views, from the rear and front respectively, of one form of robotic load handling device for use with the frame structure ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , andFIG. 3(c) is a schematic perspective view of the known load handler device in use lifting a bin; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a known storage system comprising a plurality of load handler devices of the type shown inFIGS. 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) , installed on the frame structure ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , together with a robotic service device in accordance with one form of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of one form of bin or container for use within the storage system ofFIGS. 1 to 4 , the container or bin comprising a substantially box type structure having an open top, a base and four sides; -
FIG. 6a shows a schematic perspective view of one form of bin or container in accordance with the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin comprise slots; -
FIG. 6b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the invention, in which four sides of the container or bin comprise slots; -
FIG. 7a shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin comprise holes; -
FIG. 7b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, in which four sides of the container or bin comprise holes; -
FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a further form of bin or container in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, in which four sides and the base of the bin or container comprise holes; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the base of the bin or container comprises holes; -
FIG. 10a is a schematic perspective view of a stack of bins or containers ofFIGS. 7a and 7b ; and -
FIG. 10b is a schematic perspective view of nine stacks of bins or containers in accordance with the invention, showing the alignment of the holes in the bins or containers ofFIGS. 7a and 7 b. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , stackable storage containers, known asbins 10, are stacked on top of one another to formstacks 12. Thestacks 12 are arranged in aframe structure 14 in a warehousing or manufacturing environment.FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of theframe structure 14, andFIG. 2 is a top-down view showing asingle stack 12 ofbins 10 arranged within theframe structure 14. Eachbin 10 typically holds a plurality of product or inventory items 28, and the inventory items within abin 10 may be identical, or may be of different product types depending on the application. Furthermore, thebins 10 may be physically subdivided to accommodate a plurality of different inventory items 28. - In the description below,
bins 10 will be used to denote containers intended for the storage of inventory items 28, whilst delivery containers DT will be used to denote containers filled or intended to be filled to fulfil customer orders placed by customers. It will be appreciated that this terminology is used for ease of reference and explanation within this document. However, it should be noted that thebins 10 and the containers DT may be of the same shape and configuration. Furthermore, delivery containers DT may be stored inbins 10 within the storage system or any part thereof. - The
frame structure 14 comprises a plurality ofupright members 16 that supporthorizontal members horizontal members 18 is arranged perpendicularly to a second set of parallelhorizontal members 20 to form a plurality of horizontal grid structures supported by theupright members 16. Themembers bins 10 are stacked between themembers frame structure 14, so that theframe structure 14 guards against horizontal movement of thestacks 12 ofbins 10, and guides vertical movement of thebins 10. - The top level of the
frame structure 14 includesrails 22 arranged in a grid pattern across the top of thestacks 12. Referring additionally toFIGS. 3 and 4 , therails 22 support a plurality of roboticload handling devices 30. Afirst set 22 a ofparallel rails 22 guide movement of theload handling devices 30 in a first direction (X) across the top of theframe structure 14, and asecond set 22 b ofparallel rails 22, arranged perpendicular to thefirst set 22 a, guide movement of theload handling devices 30 in a second direction (Y), perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, therails 22 allow movement of theload handling devices 30 in two dimensions in the X-Y plane, so that aload handling device 30 can be moved into position above any of thestacks 12. - Each
load handling device 30 comprises avehicle 32 which is arranged to travel in the X and Y directions on therails 22 of theframe structure 14, above thestacks 12. A first set ofwheels 34, consisting of a pair ofwheels 34 on the front of thevehicle 32 and a pair ofwheels 34 on the back of thevehicle 32, are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of thefirst set 22 a ofrails 22. Similarly, a second set ofwheels 36, consisting of a pair ofwheels 36 on each side of thevehicle 32, are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of thesecond set 22 b ofrails 22. Each set ofwheels wheels 34 or the second set ofwheels 36 is engaged with the respective set ofrails - When the first set of
wheels 34 is engaged with the first set ofrails 22 a and the second set ofwheels 36 are lifted clear from therails 22, thewheels 34 can be driven, by way of a drive mechanism (not shown) housed in thevehicle 32, to move theload handling device 30 in the X direction. To move theload handling device 30 in the Y direction, the first set ofwheels 34 are lifted clear of therails 22, and the second set ofwheels 36 are lowered into engagement with the second set ofrails 22 a. The drive mechanism can then be used to drive the second set ofwheels 36 to achieve movement in the Y direction. - In this way, one or more robotic
load handling devices 30 can move around the top surface of thestacks 12 on theframe structure 14, as shown inFIG. 4 under the control of a centralised control utility (not shown). Each roboticload handling device 30 is provided with lifting means 38 for lifting one ormore bins 10 from thestack 12 to access the required products. - The body of the
vehicle 32 comprises acavity 40, thecavity 40 being of a size capable of holding abin 10. The lifting means 38 comprises winch means and abin gripper assembly 39. The lifting means lifts a bin 10 from thestack 12 to within thecavity 40 within the body of thevehicle 32. - In this way, multiple products can be accessed from multiple locations in the grid and stacks at any one time.
- The robotic
load handling devices 30 removebins 10 containing inventory items 28 (not shown) therein and transport thebins 10 to picking stations (not shown) where the required inventory items 28 are removed from thebins 10 and placed intobins 10 comprising delivery containers DT. It is important to note that a delivery container DT may fit within abin 10. Thebins 10 may comprise inventory items 28 or may comprise delivery containers DT. Furthermore, the delivery containers DT may comprise at least one bag 52, the inventory items 28 being picked directly in to a bag 52 at a pick station (not shown). - The
empty bins 10 or the bins comprising delivery containers DT or the bins comprising delivery containers DT and bags 52 may all be stored within thestacks 12. It will be appreciated that all thebins 10 have substantially the same external shape and configuration. -
FIG. 4 shows a typical storage system as described above, the system having a plurality ofload handling devices 30 active on the grid above thestacks 12. -
FIGS. 1 and 4 show thebins 10 instacks 12 within the storage system. It will be appreciated that there may be a large number ofbins 10 in any given storage system and that many different items 28 may be stored in thebins 10 in thestacks 12, each bin 10 may contain different categories of inventory items 28 within asingle stack 12. - In one system described above and further in UK Patent Application Number GB1410441.8—Ocado Innovation Limited, hereby incorporated by reference, the storage system comprises a series of
bins 10 that may further comprise delivery containers DT with customer orders contained therein or may further comprisebins 10 with inventory items 28 awaiting picking contained therein. Thesedifferent bins 10 and combinations thereof may be contained in the storage system and be accessed by the roboticload handling devices 30 as described above. -
FIG. 5 shows one form ofbin 10 for use within the storage system ofFIGS. 1 to 4 . Thebin 10 comprises a substantially box type structure having an open top, a base and four sides. A plurality of thebins 10 ofFIG. 5 may be stacked in a self-supportingstack 12, a plurality ofstacks 12 being disposed within theframework 14 as described above. - In storage facilities of the type described with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , it will be appreciated that there may be a large number ofbins 10, in some cases hundreds of thousands. - In a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 6a , abin 110 comprises a box-type structure as shown inFIG. 5 having an open top and slots disposed in two opposite side walls of thebin 110. - The slots in the
bin 110 enable the same amount of storage volume to be utilised, whilst maintaining the structural integrity of thebin 110 yet reducing the weight of thebin 110 in comparison with thecontainer 10 ofFIG. 5 . Advantageously, providing apertures in the containers DT orbins 10 also reduces the cost of each container DT or bin. In a storage system comprising hundreds of thousands of containers and bins this can represent a significant saving. -
FIG. 7a shows a schematic perspective view of a further form ofbin 210 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which two sides of the container or bin compriseholes 50 andFIG. 7b shows a schematic perspective view of a further form ofbin 210 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, in which four sides of thebin 210 comprise holes 50. - As with the first embodiment of the invention, using
holes 50 or other suitably shaped cut outs in the sides of thebin 210 maintains structural integrity whilst reducing the weight of thebin 210 in comparison to thebin 10 ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a further form ofbin 310 accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, in which four sides and the base of thebin 310 comprise holes 50. Again this reduces further the weight of thebin 310 compared with that of thebin 10 ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the base of thebin 410 comprises holes. -
FIG. 10a is a schematic perspective view of a stack 112 ofbins 110 ofFIGS. 7a and 7b , the self-stacking nature of thebins 110 being demonstrated. It will be appreciated that the top edges of all of the bins described above may comprise a shaped portion arranged to co-operate with the base of the bin stacked above. -
FIG. 10b is a schematic perspective view of ninestacks 12 ofbins 110, showing the alignment of the holes in thebins 110 ofFIGS. 7a and 7b . It will be appreciated that when instacks 12, thebins 110 ofFIG. 10a are arranged so to be substantially separated by a predetermined amount. Theframework 14 will be disposed between thestacks 12 as shown with reference to the known storage system ofFIGS. 1 to 4 , accordingly a separation is required between thestacks 12. - The
framework 14 disposed between thestacks 12 ofbins 110 may be formed from a solid metallic structure such as aluminium or steel. Alternatively any other form of framework may be utilised. Theframework 14 may be solid or may be formed from a contoured extrusion. - It will be appreciated that in a storage system comprising a large number of
bins 10 cooling, or air flow may be required or there is the potential of damage or overheating to goods or items stored inbins 10 the centre of the storage system. Cooling systems such as that described in UK Patent Application No GB1509661.3 (Ocado Innovation Limited) require air to flow within the storage system and through thebins 10 andstacks 12 ofbins 10. The system described in this UK Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference and discloses a storage system comprising one or more heater and/or one or more chiller for generating temperature controlled gas, one or more fan for circulating the temperature controlled gas through the storage system; and a plenum for receiving the temperature controlled gas. - Furthermore, should a portion of the storage system require cooling to a lower temperature, for example to enable storage of items requiring chilling, such as fruit and vegetables, it is more important that the air flow through the system cools the items to be stored. Whilst the embodiments herein are described with reference to cooling the storage system, it will be appreciated that, using the same method described, the items stored in the storage system may be heated in a similar manner. Furthermore, whilst the description above refers to air flow, it will be appreciated that any suitable gas may be circulated to heat or cool the system as required.
- It will further be appreciated that the provision of
holes 50 or apertures in thebins 10 combined with the air flow through the storage system, enables the temperature of the items in thebins 10 to be maintained at a uniform temperature across the storage system. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that theholes 50 and apertures enabling improved air flow through the system may additionally enable better control of humidity within the storage system. - Each of the
bins 10 described in the embodiments described above advantageously allows air to flow through thebins 10 when stacked instacks 12 within theframework 14. Furthermore, theholes 50,slots 40 or other form of apertures in thebins 10 are arranged so as to be aligned betweenbins 10 when thestacks 12 are arranged within theframework 14. - When the
stacks 12 ofbins 10 are arranged within theframework 14 as shown inFIG. 10b , any air flow through the storage system will take the path of least resistance. Therefore, in order to ensure that cooled air flows through thebins 10 to cool the contents the uprights of theframework 14 must be solid so the air can only flow through thebins 10. - With regard to the
bins 10 shown inFIGS. 7a, 7b, 10a and 10b , it will be noted that theholes 50 are arranged on the sides of thebins 10 such that they are positioned such that a predetermined amount each side of each bin 10 comprises of solid material having no holes disposed therein. By arranging theholes 50 or other apertures in each bin 210 in such a manner, should a spillage occur within a givenbin 210, no liquid will escape in tobins 210 positioned at lower points in thestack 12. - Furthermore, storage systems such as those described above require sprinkler systems to be disposed above the system and in the event of a fire, the sprinkler system will deploy. The use of apertures or holes 50 within the totes ensures that
bins 210 do not completely fill with water or other material deployed by the sprinkler. It will be appreciated that should thebins 10 not compriseholes 50 or apertures, the weight of each bin 10 may significantly increase which could lead to a failure of thebins 10 or more catastrophically, any structure on which the storage system is positioned. - Given these two conflicting requirements, it will be appreciated that a bottom portion of each bin 10 should remain solid to prevent leakage of fluids from within each bin 10 but the sides of each bin 10 should be provided with suitably positioned apertures to allow fluid to flow therethrough in the event of a fluid deployment.
- In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 7a and 7b , thedistance 60 from the bottom of thebin 10 to the bottom of thelowest hole 50 or aperture is 195 mm. It will be appreciated that this distance has been calculated for a specific storage system of the type described above and that this distance may be different for different storage systems having differentlysized bins 10 or for differently sized storage systems of the type inFIGS. 1 to 4 . - In a further embodiment similar to that shown in
FIGS. 7a and 7b , thedistance 60 from the bottom of thebin 10 to the bottom of thelowest hole 50 or aperture is 190 mm, the total height of thebin 10 being 360 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of the portion of the sides of thebin 10 having no holes or apertures to the total height of thebin 10 is 190:360 or 0.53. Preferably, the bottom 190 mm of any side of abin 10 is free from apertures or holes 50. - It will be appreciated that should
bins 10 of an overall height greater than 360 mm be used, thedistance 60 from the bottom of thebin 10 to the bottom of thelowest hole 50 may be increased in accordance with this ratio. For example, abin 10 of height 400 mm must have at least 212 mm ofhole 50 or aperture free structure forming the sides of thebin 10. - It will be appreciated that the dimensions of bins in such storage systems may be defined by the specific purpose of the storage system. Accordingly, it is advantageous to be able to calculate the absolute position above the base of the
bin 10 of thelowest hole 50 oraperture 60. Using the above ratio this can be easily calculated. - It will be appreciated that tooling and manufacturing issues and tolerances may prevent the exact ratio being used. Therefore, a ratio of 1:2 may be used. Furthermore, the arrangement of the
holes 50 or apertures in the side of thebin 10 may be of any design as long as the bottom half of thebin 10 is free from any form ofhole 50 or aperture. - It will be appreciated that the above embodiments have been described in terms of
bins 10 comprising holes, slots or apertures. However, delivery containers DT may also comprise holes, slots or apertures. Preferably, the holes, slots or apertures positioned in the delivery container DT are arranged so as to align with the holes, slots or apertures in thebins 10 when the delivery container DT is located within abin 10. In this way, the air flow through the system is still enabled. - It should be noted that the delivery container DT may be an actual delivery container for onward transmission to the customer or be a bin 10 with “post pick” items destined for delivery to somewhere else, for instance to an alternative fulfillment centre. The term delivery container DT is used to distinguish
bins 10 for storing goods or items for picking from delivery containers DT. However, it will be appreciated thatbins 10 and containers DT may be of a similar or substantially the same shape and configuration, the function of the bin or container defining the category of container or bin rather than any change in the actual shape or size. - It will also be appreciated that the delivery container DT may be contained within a
bin 10 to ensure that the robotic load handling devices can handle the movement of all bins whether in thestacks 12 of the main storage system or in a nominal robotic picking area. - Moreover, it will be appreciated that a portion of the
bins 10 in the storage system may comprise delivery containers DT preloaded with empty bags in preparation for use items to be placed therein. - Whilst the containers DT and
bins 10 are represented in the appended Figures as simple box-shaped structures it will be appreciated that the surfaces of the sides of thebins 10 and containers DT may comprise structural webs and guidance ribs. The webs ensure the structural integrity of the container DT orbin 10, the guidance ribs enable the container or bin to interact with theframework 14. - It will further be appreciated that whilst many of the above embodiments are described with reference to a remote or separate robotic picking area, it is possible that the main storage system be used as a robotic picking area at the same time as functioning as a conventional picking and storage system.
- Whilst the foregoing embodiments are described with reference to
bins 10 and containers used in storage systems such as those used as part of an online retail enterprise, it will be appreciated that such storage systems may be used for alternative applications such as parcel sortation and storage, vertical mechanised greenhouses, and other applications. In these applications it may be advantageous to have apertures and holes 50 within the containers orbins 10 used. In these cases, as sprinkler systems are likely to be in use in the systems, a similar positioning ofholes 50 or apertures is envisaged. In the case of greenhouse applications, it has been shown that airflow directed across plants being grown may be advantageous to the strength and growth characteristics of the plant. Therefore, selective positioning ofholes 50 or apertures insuch bins 10 in the manner described above may be advantageous.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
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GBGB1509661.3A GB201509661D0 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2015-06-03 | Temperature controlled storage system |
GBGB1604096.6A GB201604096D0 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-03-10 | Storage containers and bins |
GB1604096.6 | 2016-03-10 | ||
PCT/EP2016/062631 WO2016193418A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-03 | Storage containers and bins |
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KR102646044B1 (en) | 2024-03-11 |
CN108064213A (en) | 2018-05-22 |
CA2988019A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
EP3303184A1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
JP7326411B2 (en) | 2023-08-15 |
AU2016273338B2 (en) | 2020-06-11 |
US11667456B2 (en) | 2023-06-06 |
WO2016193418A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
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GB201609749D0 (en) | 2016-07-20 |
IL256022B (en) | 2021-09-30 |
GB201509661D0 (en) | 2015-07-15 |
EP3303186A1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
CA2988019C (en) | 2023-10-24 |
KR20180014747A (en) | 2018-02-09 |
GB2542227A (en) | 2017-03-15 |
GB201604096D0 (en) | 2016-04-20 |
AU2016273338A1 (en) | 2018-01-18 |
IL256022A (en) | 2018-01-31 |
WO2016193419A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
JP2018519227A (en) | 2018-07-19 |
CN116040187A (en) | 2023-05-02 |
JP2022033928A (en) | 2022-03-02 |
JP6991965B2 (en) | 2022-01-13 |
US20180170650A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
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