Robotic service device and handling method
AssigneeOcado Innovation Limited
InventorsLars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Robert Rolf Stadie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.
Claims28
A grid frame for a storage system, the grid frame comprising:
- a top level comprising:
- a plurality of X-direction rails configured to engage a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels of a first load handling device to guide movement of the first load handling device in an X-direction along the top level, the plurality of X-direction rails comprising a first X-direction rail and a second X-direction rail, the first X-direction rail comprising a first part for travel on by the first pair of wheels and a second part for travel on by a pair of wheels of a second load handling device, the first part and the second part of the first X-direction rail each having a width that is at least a width of one of the first pair of wheels;
- and
- a plurality of Y-direction rails perpendicular to the plurality of X-direction rails and configured to engage a third pair of wheels and a fourth pair of wheels the first load handling device to guide movement of the first load handling device in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction along the top level, the plurality of Y-direction rails comprising a first Y-direction rail and a second Y-direction rail, the first Y-direction rail comprising a first part for travel on by the third pair of wheels and a second part for travel on by a pair of wheels of a third load handling device, the first part and the second part of the first Y-direction rail each having a width that is at least a width of one of the third pair of wheels;
- and
- a three-dimensional storage structure configured to store stacks of containers beneath the top level,
- wherein:
- the first X-direction rail, the second X-direction rail, the first Y-direction rail, and the second Y-direction rail define an opening above one of the stacks of containers, the opening being on an opposite side of the first part of the first X-direction rail from the second part of the first X-direction rail and being on an opposite side of the first part of the first Y-direction rail from the second part of the first Y-direction rail,
- the first X-direction rail has a first X-direction lip and a second X-direction lip that extend in the X-direction and protrude from the first X-direction rail on opposite sides of the first X-direction rail, and
- the first Y-direction rail has a first Y-direction lip and a second Y-direction lip that extend in the Y-direction and protrude from the first Y-direction rail on opposite sides of the first Y-direction rail.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.