US 2019/0239640 A1 · MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR AN AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

An automated system structure is disclosed which may be quickly and efficiently assembled using a number of storage modules. Storage modules may be comprised of a pair of shelf modules, each comprising a number of defined storage locations for storing totes, cartons, trays or other containers. The shelf modules may themselves be modular units comprising a number of horizontal storage levels affixed to a pair of vertical support assemblies at each end of the shelf modules. The pair of shelf modules may be accurately spaced from each other by mounting the shelf modules to tie beams at the bottom and tie plates at the top.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A structure for an order fulfillment facility, the structure comprising:

a plurality of storage modules, the plurality of storage modules each comprising a pair of spaced apart shelf modules, each of the spaced apart shelf modules comprising storage shelves for storing inventory containers,
wherein the plurality of storage modules are configured to be assembled vertically and horizontally with respect to each other.

A structure for an order fulfillment facility, the structure comprising:

first and second storage modules configured to be positioned end-to-end with each other, the first storage module, comprising:
a first end having a first support plate at a bottom of the first storage module;
a second end opposite the first end and having a second support plate at the bottom of the first storage module;
and
a first set of storage locations for storing inventory containers;
the second storage module comprising:
a third end having a third support plate at a bottom of the second storage module;
a fourth end opposite the second end and having a fourth support plate at the bottom of the second storage module;
and
a second set of storage locations for storing inventory containers;
and
a first tie beam configured to support the first end of the first storage module, wherein one of the first tie beam and first support plate comprises a first locating pin, and the other of the first tie beam and first support plate comprises a first locating hole, the first locating pin configured to be received through the first locating hole to align the first support plate to the first tie beam;
a second tie beam configured to support the second end of the first storage module and the third end of the second storage module, wherein one of the second tie beam and second support plate comprises a second locating pin, and the other of the second tie beam and second support plate comprises a second locating hole, the second locating pin configured to be received through the second locating hole to align the second support plate to the second tie beam, and
wherein one of the second tie beam and third support plate comprises a third locating pin, and the other of the second tie beam and third support plate comprises a third locating hole, the third locating pin configured to be received through the third locating hole to align the third support plate to the third tie beam, and to align the third support plate to the second support plate.

11 more elements

A structure for an order fulfillment facility, the structure comprising:

first and second storage modules configured to be positioned one-on-top of each other, the first storage module, comprising:
a first end, comprising:
a first support plate at a bottom of the first storage module, and
a first tie plate at a top of the first storage module;
a second end opposite the first end, comprising:
a second support plate at the bottom of the first storage module, and
a second tie plate at a top of the second storage module;
and
a first set of storage locations for storing inventory containers;
a first tie beam configured to support the first end of the first storage module, wherein one of the first tie beam and first support plate comprises a first locating pin, and the other of the first tie beam and first support plate comprises a first locating hole, the first locating pin configured to be received through the first locating hole to align the first support plate to the first tie beam;
a second tie beam configured to support the second end of the first storage module, wherein one of the second tie beam and second support plate comprises a second locating pin, and the other of the second tie beam and second support plate comprises a second locating hole, the second locating pin configured to be received through the second locating hole to align the second support plate to the second tie beam;
the second storage module comprising:
a third end, comprising a third support plate at a bottom of the second storage module,
a fourth end opposite the third end and comprising a fourth support plate at the bottom of the fourth storage module, and
a first set of storage locations for storing inventory containers;
wherein one of the first tie plate and third support plate comprises a third locating pin, and the other of the first tie plate and third support plate comprises a third locating hole, the third locating pin configured to be received through the third locating hole to align the third support plate to the first tie plate;
and
wherein one of the second tie plate and fourth support plate comprises a fourth locating pin, and the other of the second tie plate and fourth support plate comprises a fourth locating hole, the fourth locating pin configured to be received through the fourth locating hole to align the fourth support plate to the second tie plate.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

16/269,933Filed 7 Feb 2019

Priority

8 Feb 2018

Published

8 Aug 2019

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

A47B 47/0091
Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements: modular arrangements of similar…
A47B 47/0083
Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements: with four vertical uprights
A47B 87/008
Linkable independent elements with the same or similar cross-section: rectangular cabinets or racks in a side-by-side arrangement
B65G 1/02
Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines: storage devices

Modular structure for an automated storage and retrieval system

Life of this patent

Modular structure for an automated storage and retrieval system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23