Storage containers, bins and devices
A mechanised container for use in a robotic storage and picking system is described. The container includes a base openable to deposit at least one item from the container in to a further container positioned by a load handling device beneath the first container. Each item can be stored in such mechanised containers in stacks within a robotic storage and picking system.
1. 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 rails or tracks, the uprights and rails or tracks together defining a framework;
a first container for storing at least one item within the storage system; and
a delivery container arranged within the framework and configured in the system to be filled with items and removed from the framework for delivery to a customer; wherein the first container includes:
a configuration for placement beneath the rails or tracks and within the storage system framework, a part of said first container being configured to occupy a space below a grid space;
means for transferring at least one item, once placed in the first container, from the first container directly to the delivery container, the means for transferring at least one item including a portion of the first container movable from a first closed position to a second open position such the at least one item once placed within the first container is moveable from the first container to the delivery container; and
at least one load handling device, the load handling device having lifting means for lifting the first container from beneath the grid and transporting it to a position above the delivery container, the load handling device including a sensor for monitoring accuracy of positioning of the at least one inventory item in the second container on its deposition from the first container.
2. The storage system according to claim 1 , the portion of the first container comprising:
a base portion of the first container.
3. The storage system according to claim 2 , the base portion of the first container comprising:
at least two shutters, configured to roll from the first closed position to the second open position, each shutter being independently operable with respect to another shutter.
4. The storage system according to claim 2 , the base portion of the first container comprising:
at least one panel, each at least one panel being pivotally movable from the first closed position to the second open position.
5. The storage system according to claim 2 , the base portion of the first container comprising:
an arcuate panel movable from the first closed position to the second open position.
6. The storage system according to claim 2 , the first container comprising:
at least one hopper for storing free flowing items.
7. The storage system according to claim 6 , the first container comprising:
a rotating panel movable from the first closed position to the second open position beneath each at least one hopper.
8. The storage system according to claim 1 in which the portion of the first container is configured to move from the first closed position to the second open position on command from a centralised control utility.
9. The storage system according to claim 1 in which the first container comprises:
a sensor to verify the portion has moved from the closed position to the open position and to verify when the at least one item has been deposited correctly from the first container to the delivery container.
10. The storage system according to claim 1 , the first container comprising:
dispensing means for dispensing at least one item from said dispensing means through an open portion of the first container.
11. The storage system according to claim 10 , the dispensing means comprising:
at least one cartridge, each at least one cartridge having a plurality of items for dispensing from the first container.
12. The storage system according to claim 10 , comprising:
a sensor to verify the portion of the first container has moved from the first closed position to the second open position and to verify when the at least one item has been deposited correctly from the first container to the delivery container.
13. The storage system according to claim 10 in which the portion of the first container is configured to move from the first closed position to the second open position on command from a centralised control utility.
14. The storage system according to claim 1 , wherein load handling device includes:
means for communicating a signal to the first container to activate the portion of the first container to move from the first closed position to the second open position.
15. The storage system according to claim 1 , the load handling device being configured to be movable under the control of a centralised control utility.
16. A method of dispensing items from a container, the container forming part of a storage system, the storage system having a series of containers located in stacks within a framework beneath a grid system, the container having a movable base portion, the method comprising:
storing at least one item within the container;
positioning the container above a delivery container, and moving the base portion from a first closed position to a second open position, the delivery container arranged in the framework and configured in the system to be filled with items and removed from the framework for delivery to a customer; and
monitoring the at least one item as it is deposited in the delivery container to ensure it is positioned in the correct location.
17. A method according to claim 16 , comprising:
moving the base portion from the open position to the closed position and moving the at least one item to a stack in the storage system.