Express bin lift for automated storage system

A platform for transporting storage containers between a plurality of vertically arranged storage grids in a multi-level storage system, the grids of the storage system being vertically arranged with respect to each other, each grid of the multi-level storage system being of a type comprising a plurality of upright members and horizontal members defining a framework structure in a form of a grid section of storage columns containing storage containers arranged in stacks, and having automated container handling vehicles operating on a rail system on a top level of the grid section, the rail system comprising perpendicular horizontal tracks upon which the vehicles can travel in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the intersection of the perpendicular tracks further defining cells above grid columns,

• wherein the platform is vertically movable along one or more vertical rails arranged outside and functionally adjacent to vertically aligned faces of the grid sections, the platform is horizontally adjustable in relation to the one or more vertical rails in an amount sufficient to accommodate a horizontal misalignment between the rail systems of the respective grid sections, and
• wherein the storage system comprises a plurality of grids arranged vertically above one another on different vertical levels, each of the grids provided with its own dedicated mechanical lifting device, and each of the plurality of grids having at least one face in essential vertical alignment with each other, and further wherein the platform is movable in a horizontal direction in an amount sufficient to compensate for any horizontal misalignment between the grids, such that containers transported from one level may be retrieved by the dedicated mechanical lifting device on a different level.

A method for transporting storage containers in an automated storage grid system of a type comprising a plurality of upright members and horizontal members defining a framework structure in a form of a grid of storage columns containing storage containers arranged in stacks, and having automated container handling vehicles operating on a rail system on a top level of the grid, the rail system comprising perpendicular horizontal tracks upon which the vehicles can travel in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the intersection of the perpendicular tracks further defining cells above grid columns, wherein the method comprises:

• arranging a vertically moveable platform adjacent to a face of the grid,
• arranging a dedicated mechanical lifting device for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa,
• designating a first number of a cells for placement of storage containers awaiting movement from the grid to the platform,
• designating a second number of cells for placement of storage containers awaiting retrieval by container handling vehicles,
• causing the container handling vehicles to place storage containers on cells,
• causing the dedicated mechanical lifting device to remove any containers from the platform and place said containers on cells,
• causing the dedicated mechanical lifting device to lift the storage containers from cells and place the containers on the platform, and
• causing the platform to lower the containers to a lower level in the grid system, and
• wherein the storage grid system comprises a plurality of grids arranged vertically above one another on different vertical levels, each of the grids provided with its own dedicated mechanical lifting device, and each of the plurality of grids having at least one face in essential vertical alignment with each other, and further wherein the platform is movable in a horizontal direction in an amount sufficient to compensate for any horizontal misalignment between the grids, such that containers transported from one level may be retrieved by the dedicated mechanical lifting device on a different level.

A method for adjusting a horizontal position of a transportation platform of a type in a multi-level storage system where the platform travels vertically along one or more vertical rails, wherein the method comprises

• arranging the platform to be vertically movable along the vertical rails, wherein the platform comprises a vertically movable frame member to which is connected to a horizontally movable carriage member, wherein the carriage member further comprises one or more alignment guides preferably in the form of wheels connected to the carriage member at a position whereby the alignment wheels travel along a surface of the vertical rails during vertical movement of the platform,
• arranging, on the vertical rails, one or more alignment brackets, the alignment brackets comprising an upper and lower sloped surface and protruding from a side of the vertical rails a distance corresponding to an intended horizontal adjustment distance for the platform,
• causing the alignment wheel or wheels to, during vertical movement of the frame member, contact and roll up sloped surface of the protruding alignment bracket mounted on the vertical rail, thereby causing the carriage member to move in a horizontal direction in relation to the frame member, and
• wherein the storage system comprises a plurality of grids arranged vertically above one another on different vertical levels, each of the grids provided with its own dedicated mechanical lifting device, and each of the plurality of grids having at least one face in essential vertical alignment with each other, and further wherein the platform is movable in a horizontal direction in an amount sufficient to compensate for any horizontal misalignment between the grids, such that containers transported from one level may be retrieved by the dedicated mechanical lifting device on a different level.