Patent Description:
<FIG> and <FIG> disclose a typical prior art automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> with a framework structure <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> disclose a prior art container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> operating the system <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

The framework structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of upright members <NUM> and optionally a plurality of horizontal members <NUM> supporting the upright members <NUM>. The members <NUM>, <NUM> may typically be made of metal, e.g. extruded aluminium profiles.

The framework structure <NUM> defines a storage grid <NUM> comprising storage columns <NUM> arranged in rows, in which storage columns <NUM> storage containers <NUM>, also known as bins, are stacked one on top of another to form stacks <NUM>.

Each storage container <NUM> may typically hold a plurality of product items (not shown), and the product items within a storage container <NUM> may be identical, or may be of different product types depending on the application.

The storage grid <NUM> guards against horizontal movement of the storage containers <NUM> in the stacks <NUM>, and guides vertical movement of the storage containers <NUM>, but does normally not otherwise support the storage containers <NUM> when stacked.

The automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> comprises a container handling vehicle rail system <NUM> arranged in a grid pattern across the top of the storage <NUM>, on which rail system <NUM> a plurality of container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> (as exemplified in <FIG> and <FIG>) are operated to raise storage containers <NUM> from, and lower storage containers <NUM> into, the storage columns <NUM>, and also to transport the storage containers <NUM> above the storage columns <NUM>. The horizontal extent of one of the grid cells <NUM> constituting the grid pattern is in <FIG> and <FIG> marked by thick lines.

Each grid cell <NUM> has a width which is typically within the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, and a length which is typically within the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>. Each grid opening <NUM> has a width and a length which is typically <NUM> to <NUM> less than the width and the length of the grid cell <NUM> due to the horizontal extent of the rails <NUM>,<NUM>.

In this way, the rail system <NUM> defines grid columns <NUM> above which the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> can move laterally above the storage columns <NUM>, i.e. in a plane which is parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

Each prior art container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> comprises a vehicle body and a wheel arrangement of eight wheels <NUM>,<NUM> where a first set of four wheels enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> in the X direction and a second set of the remaining four wheels enable the lateral movement in the Y direction. One or both sets of wheels in the wheel arrangement can be lifted and lowered, so that the first set of wheels and/or the second set of wheels can be engaged with the respective set of rails <NUM>, <NUM> at any one time.

Each prior art container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> also comprises a lifting device (not shown) for vertical transportation of storage containers <NUM>, e.g. raising a storage container <NUM> from, and lowering a storage container <NUM> into, a storage column <NUM>. The lifting device comprises one or more gripping / engaging devices (not shown) which are adapted to engage a storage container <NUM>, and which gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices with respect to the vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> can be adjusted in a third direction Z which is orthogonal the first direction X and the second direction Y.

Conventionally, and also for the purpose of this application, Z=<NUM> identifies the uppermost layer of the grid <NUM>, i.e. the layer immediately below the rail system <NUM>, Z=<NUM> the second layer below the rail system <NUM>, Z=<NUM> the third layer etc. In the exemplary prior art grid <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> and <FIG>, Z=<NUM> identifies the lowermost, bottom layer of the grid <NUM>. Consequently, as an example, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the storage container identified as <NUM>' in <FIG> can be said to occupy grid location or cell X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>, Z=<NUM>. The container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> can be said to travel in layer Z=<NUM> and each grid column <NUM> can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

Each container handling vehicle <NUM> comprises a storage compartment or space (not shown) for receiving and stowing a storage container <NUM> when transporting the storage container <NUM> across the rail system <NUM>. The storage space may comprise a cavity arranged centrally within the vehicle body, e.g. as is described in <CIT>.

Alternatively, the container handling vehicles <NUM> may have a cantilever construction, as is described in NO317366.

The container handling vehicles <NUM> may have a footprint, i.e. an extent in the X and Y directions, which is generally equal to the lateral extent of a grid cell <NUM>, i.e. the extent of a grid cell <NUM> in the X and Y directions, e.g. as is described in <CIT>.

The term "lateral" used herein may mean "horizontal".

Alternatively, the container handling vehicles <NUM> may have a footprint which is larger than the lateral extent of (lateral area defined by) a grid column <NUM>, e.g. as is disclosed in <CIT>.

The rail system <NUM> may be a single track system, as is shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the rail system <NUM> may be a double track system, as is shown in <FIG>, thus allowing a container handling vehicle <NUM> having a footprint <NUM>,<NUM>' generally corresponding to the lateral area defined by a grid column <NUM> to travel along a row of grid columns <NUM> even if another container handling vehicle <NUM> is positioned above a grid column <NUM> neighboring that row. Both the single and double track system, or a combination comprising a single and double track arrangement in a single rail system <NUM>, forms a grid pattern in the horizontal plane P comprising a plurality of rectangular and uniform grid locations or grid cells <NUM>, where each grid cell <NUM> comprises a grid opening <NUM> being delimited by a pair of rails 110a,110b of the first rails <NUM> and a pair of rails 111a, 111b of the second set of rails <NUM>. In <FIG> the grid cell <NUM> is indicated by a dashed box.

Consequently, rails 110a and 110b form pairs of neighboring rails defining parallel rows of grid cells running in the X direction, and rails 111a and 111b form pairs of neighboring rails defining parallel rows of grid cells running in the Y direction.

As shown in <FIG>, each grid cell <NUM> has a width Wc which is typically within the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, and a length Lc which is typically within the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>. Each grid opening <NUM> has a width Wo and a length Lo which is typically <NUM> to <NUM> less than the width Wc and the length Lc of the grid cell <NUM>.

In the X and Y directions, neighboring grid cells <NUM> are arranged in contact with each other such that there is no space there-between.

In a storage grid <NUM>, a majority of the grid columns <NUM> are storage columns <NUM>, i.e. grid columns <NUM> where storage containers <NUM> are stored in stacks <NUM>. However, a grid <NUM> normally has at least one grid column <NUM> which is used not for storing storage containers <NUM>, but which comprises a location where the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> can drop off and/or pick up storage containers <NUM> so that they can be transported to a second location (not shown) where the storage containers <NUM> can be accessed from outside of the grid <NUM> or transferred out of or into the grid <NUM>. Within the art, such a location is normally referred to as a "port" and the grid column <NUM> in which the port is located may be referred to as a "delivery column" <NUM>,<NUM>. The drop-off and pick-up ports of the container handling vehicles are referred to as the "upper ports of a delivery column" <NUM>,<NUM>. While the opposite end of the delivery column is referred to as the "lower ports of a delivery column".

The storage grids <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> comprise two delivery columns <NUM> and <NUM>. The first delivery column <NUM> may for example comprise a dedicated drop-off port where the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> can drop off storage containers <NUM> to be transported through the delivery column <NUM> and further to an access or a transfer station (not shown), and the second delivery column <NUM> may comprise a dedicated pick-up port where the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> can pick up storage containers <NUM> that have been transported through the delivery column <NUM> from an access or a transfer station (not shown). Each of the ports of the first and second delivery column <NUM>,<NUM> may comprise a port suitable for both pick up and drop of storage containers <NUM>.

The second location may typically be a picking or a stocking station where product items are removed from or positioned into the storage containers <NUM>. In a picking or a stocking station, the storage containers <NUM> are normally never removed from the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM>, but are returned into the storage grid <NUM> once accessed. For transfer of storage containers out or into the storage grid <NUM>, there are also lower ports provided in a delivery column, such lower ports are e.g. for transferring storage containers <NUM> to another storage facility (e.g. to another storage grid), directly to a transport vehicle (e.g. a train or a lorry), or to a production facility.

For monitoring and controlling the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> (e.g. monitoring and controlling the location of respective storage containers <NUM> within the storage grid <NUM>; the content of each storage container <NUM>; and the movement of the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> so that a desired storage container <NUM> can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> colliding with each other), the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> comprises a control system (not shown) which typically is computerized and which typically comprises a database for keeping track of the storage containers <NUM>.

A conveyor system comprising conveyors may be employed to transport the storage containers between the lower port of the delivery column <NUM>,<NUM> and the access station.

If the lower port of the delivery column <NUM>,<NUM> and the access station are located at different levels, the conveyor system may comprise a lift device for transporting the storage containers <NUM> vertically between the port and the access station.

The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer storage containers between different grids, e.g. as is described in <CIT>.

Further, <CIT>, disclose an example of a prior art access system having conveyor belts (Figs. 5a and 5b in <CIT>) and a frame mounted rail (<FIG> in <CIT>) for transporting storage containers between delivery columns and work stations where operators can access the storage containers.

When a storage container <NUM> stored in the grid <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> is instructed to retrieve the target storage container <NUM> from its position in the grid <NUM> and to transport it to or through the delivery column <NUM>. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> to a grid location above the storage column <NUM> in which the target storage container <NUM> is positioned, retrieving the storage container <NUM> from the storage column <NUM> using the container handling vehicle's lifting device (not shown), and transporting the storage container <NUM> to the delivery column <NUM>. If the target storage container <NUM> is located deep within a stack <NUM>, i.e. with one or a plurality of other storage containers positioned above the target storage container <NUM>, the operation also involves temporarily moving the above-positioned storage containers prior to lifting the target storage container <NUM> from the storage column <NUM>. This step, which is sometimes referred to as "digging" within the art, may be performed with the same container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> that is subsequently used for transporting the target storage container <NUM> to the delivery column, or with one or a plurality of other cooperating container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> may have container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers <NUM> from a storage column <NUM>. However, the removed storage containers may alternatively be relocated to other storage columns <NUM>.

When a storage container <NUM> is to be stored in the grid <NUM>, one of the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> is instructed to pick up the storage container <NUM> from the delivery column <NUM> and to transport it to a grid location above the storage column <NUM> where it is to be stored. After any storage containers positioned at or above the target position within the storage column stack <NUM> have been removed, the container handling vehicle <NUM>,<NUM> positions the storage container <NUM> at the desired position. The removed storage containers may then be lowered back into the storage column <NUM>, or relocated to other storage columns <NUM>.

A problem associated with known automated storage and retrieval systems <NUM> is that the area surrounding the pick-up and drop-off ports may become congested with container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> instructed to drop off or pick up storage containers <NUM>. This may seriously impede the operation of the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM>. In small systems this situation may possibly be alleviated by adding delivery columns to the grid, as this will allow the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> to be distributed among a larger number of ports of delivery columns in order to avoid congestion. However, if ports and columns are added, the conveyor system infrastructure must normally be increased. This requires space, which may not necessarily be available. Also, adding conveyor system infrastructure is costly.

Another problem with prior art automated storage and retrieval systems <NUM> is that the separate drop-off ports and pick-up ports of the delivery columns <NUM>,<NUM> require the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> to move to a storage column <NUM> after drop-off to retrieve a new storage container <NUM>. Likewise, the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> have to be empty of a storage container <NUM> when they are sent to a pick-up port <NUM> to pick up a storage container. This results in an inefficiency and causes increased congestion around the ports, as container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> are moving around on the grid without a storage container <NUM> as payload. In addition, the delivery columns <NUM>,<NUM> may take up space on the grid <NUM> which could be used for other purposes such as the movement of container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM>.

It is known, for example from <CIT>, to provide the above automated storage and retrieval system with a robot device comprising a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof, for moving product items between storage containers <NUM>. The robot device can be fixed to the grid or it can be fixed to the ceiling of the building in which the grid is located. The robot device in this prior art is used to move product items between storage containers <NUM> located on the top level of the grid and storage containers <NUM> located on a conveyor belt of a conveyor system.

Also here, the area surrounding the robot device may become congested with container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> instructed to drop off or pick up storage containers <NUM>. Moreover, adding conveyor system infrastructure is costly.

<CIT> discloses an automated storage and retrieval system with a robot device for picking product items where the robot device is fixed to a robot vehicle, thereby forming a picking vehicle. Container handling vehicles are moved adjacent to this picking vehicle and the picking vehicle moves product items between the containers held by the container handling vehicles. The container handling vehicles comprise a top opening allowing the picking vehicle to access the container from above.

It is also known from the above publication that product items are picked from a container into a plurality of end-customer shipping packages located in the destination container. The destination container with these shipping packages is then transported to a port where the shipping packages are retrieved from the container, before they are closed, and possibly addressed and stamped. This is typically a manual operation.

<CIT> describes a storage and display device comprising a base wall and a side wall that are connected together and operable to move between a folded and an expanded configuration, the expanded configuration defining an interior region for the storage of product between the side wall and the base wall, and the side wall and the base wall are arranged to provide a top opening and a side opening to the interior region. The device comprises at least one locking arm arrangement comprising a pair of connected locking arms each having a side wall engaging locking surface and together operable to move between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration in the expanded configuration of the device. The locking arm arrangement strengthens and provides considerable stability and rigidity to the device in the expanded configuration by preventing sideways movement or wobble of the side wall when of the device in the expanded configuration. The present invention provides a re-usable storage and display device for the transport and display of product, such as in a retail environment.

One object of the present invention is to provide a storage container which enables automatic and more efficient unloading and loading of product items out from and into the storage container in such automated storage and retrieval systems.

A further object is to provide a storage container where loading and unloading may take place while the storage container is being transported by a vehicle, and where loading and unloading may take place when the storage container is not being transported by a vehicle.

The present invention is set out in independent claim <NUM>, with some optional features set out in the claims dependent thereto.

The present invention relates to a storage container for storing product items in an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the storage container comprises:.

wherein the storage container is provided with a restraint which is arranged to restrain movement of the one or more items from exiting through one of the side openings during transportation of the storage container to the unloading or loading stati on.

In one aspect, the term "unloading" refers to pushing one or more product items out from the storage container by means of an unloading member of an unloading device located at the unloading station. The term unloading may also refer to the tipping or tilting of the storage container to cause the product item to slide out from the storage container through one of the side openings.

In one aspect, the term "loading" refers to pushing one or more product items into the storage container by means of a loading member of a loading device located at the loading station, similar to the unloading member of the unloading device. The term loading may also refer to product items sliding into the storage container through one of the side openings. The product items may for example slide down an inclined surface into the storage container.

It should also be noted that the term "station" is to be interpreted broadly. For example, the storage container may or may not be carried by a vehicle when unloading or loading is performed at the unloading or loading "station". Hence, a port is considered to be a station where loading or unloading of the storage container may take place.

In one aspect, the side openings have a width equal to the width of the storage container minus the thickness of the second side walls. Hence, the side openings are as wide as the base surface inside the storage container.

In one aspect, the restraint comprises a lip protruding upwardly from the base at a lower edge of one of the side openings.

In one aspect, there can be one lip at the lower edge of each of the side openings.

Alternatively, the lower edge of the side openings is formed by the base surface of the base.

In one aspect, the lip is continuous, intermittent or broken.

In one aspect, the lip is movably connected to the base, and where the lip is configured to be in one of the following positions:.

In one aspect, the lip is inclined or curved in a direction perpendicular to the first parallel side walls to allow product items to be pushed over the upwardly protruding member at the unloading or loading station.

In one aspect, the restraint comprises a friction increasing material for increasing friction between the one or more product items and the upper surface of the base.

In one aspect, the friction increasing material may be a coating deposited to parts of, or the entire, upper surface of the base. The coating may be stuck, printed, sprayed, painted or in other ways applied the upper surface of the base.

In one aspect, the friction increasing material may be a granular material deposited to parts of, or the entire, upper surface of the base.

In one aspect, the friction increasing material may be a filler material filled into a cavity provided in the upper surface of the base.

In one aspect, the friction increasing material may be integrated in the material of the upper surface of the base.

The friction increasing material may be provided during the manufacturing of the storage container, for example as part of a two-component injection molding process. Alternatively, the friction increasing material may be applied in a subsequent step after the manufacturing of the storage container.

In one aspect, the restraint comprises a profile provided in the upper surface of the base.

In one aspect, the profile provided in the upper surface of the base is made of the same material as the base itself.

In one aspect, the profile may comprise grooves, ridges, pedestals, steps, or other raised shapes or combination of such shapes.

According to the invention the restraint comprises an elevatable floor movably connected to the storage container between:.

In the above aspects, the elevatable floor is in the lower position during transportation to the unloading or loading station, while the elevatable floor is elevated to its upper position at the unloading or loading station. The opposite is also possible. In one such aspect, friction reducing members may be positioned in the apertures of the elevatable floor, while the elevatable floor itself may comprise a friction increasing material. Here, the elevatable floor is in the upper position during transportation to the unloading or loading station, while the elevatable floor is lowered to its lower position at the unloading or loading station.

In the lower position, the elevatable floor may be lower than the upwardly protruding lip and in the upper position, the elevatable floor may be vertically aligned with, or higher than the upwardly protruding lip.

In one aspect, the elevatable floor is tiltable to allow the one or more product items to slide out from the storage container.

In one aspect, the elevatable floor is movably connected to the base of the storage container by means of one or a plurality of legs, wherein the one or plurality of legs are accessible from below the storage container.

In one aspect, the elevatable floor is configured to be in the lower position due to gravity. Alternatively, the elevatable floor may be biased to be in the lover position, for example by means of a spring.

In one aspect, as the legs are accessible from below the storage container, an actuator may be used to move the elevatable floor from the lower position to the upper position. The actuator may be part of the storage container itself, for example integrated into the base. Alternatively, the actuator may be integrated in the container handling vehicle and/or the delivery vehicle. In yet an alternative, the actuator may be provided as part of the unloading or loading station.

In one aspect, the one or plurality of legs comprises a stop for limiting the vertical movement of the elevatable floor in relation to the base.

In one aspect, the top opening is configured to allow product items to be inserted into and/or retrieved from the storage container. Hence, product items may be loaded or unloaded also through this top opening.

In one aspect, the two first parallel side walls or the two second parallel side walls comprises an upper vehicle connection interface. The upper vehicle connection interface may be formed by one or more cut-outs or apertures into the upper area of these walls, into which a gripping device of a container handling vehicle or a lifting frame of an unloading station can be engaged.

In one aspect, the storage container is made of moulded plastic. In one aspect, the storage container comprises an array of moulded ribs, allowing the load of the product items carried by the base to be transferred into the side walls and further to the top of the side walls where the upper vehicle connection interface is provided The storage container further comprises lower and upper stacking interfaces for allowing the storage container to be stacked in a stack together with other storage containers. The lower and upper stacking interfaces are configured to prevent relative horizontal movement between two adjacent storage containers stacked above each other.

The following drawings depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention.

With reference to <FIG> the storage grid <NUM> of each storage structure <NUM> constitutes a framework <NUM> of in total <NUM> grid columns <NUM>, where the width and length of the framework corresponds to the width and length of <NUM> and <NUM> grid columns <NUM>, respectively. The top layer of the framework <NUM> is a rail system <NUM> onto which a plurality of container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> are operated.

The framework <NUM> of the storage system <NUM> is constructed in accordance with the above mentioned prior art framework <NUM> described above, i.e. a plurality of upright members <NUM> and a plurality of horizontal members <NUM> which are supported by the upright members <NUM>, and further that the horizontal members <NUM> includes a container handling vehicle rail system <NUM> of parallel rails <NUM>,<NUM> in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, arranged across the top of storage columns <NUM>. The horizontal area of a single grid cell <NUM>, i.e. along the X and Y directions, may be defined by the distance between adjacent rails <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively (see also <FIG>). In <FIG> and <FIG>, such a grid cell <NUM> is marked on the rail system <NUM> by thick lines.

The container handling vehicle rail system <NUM> allows the container handling vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> to move horizontally between different grid locations, where each grid location is associated with a grid cell <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG> the storage grid <NUM> is shown with a height of eight cells. It is understood, however, that the storage grid <NUM> can in principle be of any size. In particular it is understood that storage grid <NUM> can be considerably wider and/or longer than disclosed in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the grid <NUM> may have a horizontal extent of more than 700x700 grid cells <NUM>. Also, the grid <NUM> can be considerably deeper than disclosed in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the storage grid <NUM> may be more than twelve grid cells deep.

The storage container vehicles <NUM>,<NUM> may be of any type known in the art, e.g. any one of the automated container handling vehicles disclosed in <CIT>, in NO317366 or in <CIT>.

The rail system <NUM> may be a single track system, as is shown in <FIG>, a double track system, as is shown in <FIG>, or a combination of the single and double track systems.

Details of the various track systems are disclosed this specification under the section of background and prior art.

In <FIG>, a control system of the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> is shown as a box <NUM> provided in communication with the vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is now referred to <FIG>. Here, it is shown an unloading station <NUM> for an automated storage and retrieval system <NUM>.

The unloading station <NUM> comprises an unloading device generally indicated with arrow <NUM> and a destination conveyor generally indicated with arrow <NUM>.

It is also shown a remotely operated vehicle in the form of a delivery vehicle <NUM>. The delivery vehicle <NUM> comprises a vehicle body <NUM> and a wheel arrangement <NUM> connected to the vehicle body <NUM>. The wheel arrangement <NUM> is configured to move the remotely operated vehicle <NUM> along the rail system <NUM> of the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> or along a corresponding rail system <NUM> located below or adjacent to the grid <NUM>. The wheel arrangement <NUM> is considered to be prior art and will not be described further in detail herein.

The delivery vehicle <NUM> comprises a container carrier <NUM> located above the wheel arrangement <NUM>. It should be noted that the delivery vehicle <NUM> in the present embodiment is different from the above vehicles <NUM>, <NUM> in that the vehicle <NUM> itself does not comprise a lifting device for lowering and elevating a storage container with respect to the grid <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the vehicle <NUM> is of a type adapted to receive a storage container <NUM> from above or to return a storage container <NUM> upwardly - by means of a separate lifting device. The lifting device used for this operation can for example be a lifting device of the prior art vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, provided that the vehicle <NUM> is located below one of the vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>. Another example of such a lifting device will also be described further in detail below.

In the present embodiment, the container carrier <NUM> comprises two first parallel side walls 36S1 each having a side opening 36SO and two second parallel side walls 36S2 perpendicular to the first side walls 36S1. The two second sidewalls 36S2 do not have side openings. In addition, the container carrier comprises a floor 36F and a top opening 36TO for receiving and delivering a storage container <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO is horizontally aligned with the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> when the storage container <NUM> is provided in the container carrier <NUM>.

The storage container <NUM> is here similar to the prior art storage containers <NUM> described above, with one difference - the storage container <NUM> comprises two side openings 6SO in its two first parallel side walls 6S1. As shown in <FIG>, the storage container has a floor 6F and a top opening 6TO.

The unloading device <NUM> will now be described. The unloading device <NUM> comprises a base structure <NUM> which may be fixed to grid <NUM> or to the rail system <NUM>. The unloading device <NUM> further comprises a first unloading member 42a having a first contact surface 43a and a second unloading member 42b having a second contact surface 43b. The contact surfaces 43a, 43b are adapted to the item <NUM>. For the planar cardboard box in <FIG>, the contact surfaces 43a, 43b are planar.

The unloading device <NUM> further comprises a first actuator 44a configured to move the first unloading member 42a in relation to the base structure <NUM> and a second actuator 44b configured to move the second unloading member 42b in relation to the base structure <NUM>.

In addition, the unloading device <NUM> comprises a control system for controlling the first and/or second actuator 44a, 44b. This control system may be the control system <NUM> of the automated storage and retrieval system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is also controlling the movement of the vehicles with respect to the unloading device <NUM>.

It should be noted that there can be one such unloading member <NUM> or there can be three or more such unloading members <NUM>. In an automated storage and retrieval system <NUM>, there may be several such unloading stations <NUM>, where some unloading stations <NUM> have one unloading member <NUM> to be used for larger items <NUM>, while other unloading stations <NUM> have several unloading members <NUM> to be used for smaller items <NUM>. Moreover, the contact surface <NUM> of some unloading members <NUM> may be designed for one specific type of item <NUM>.

It should also be noted that the unloading members 42a, 42b of <FIG> may be moved in parallel when unloading larger items and may be moved one by one when unloading smaller items.

The purpose of the unloading device <NUM> is to move an item <NUM> stored in the storage container <NUM> through the side opening 36SO of the container carrier <NUM> and through the side opening 6SO of the storage container <NUM> and further to the destination conveyor <NUM>. As the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO is horizontally aligned with the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> when the storage container <NUM> is provided in the container carrier <NUM>, the item <NUM> can easily be pushed out through the side openings 6SO and 36SO.

In the first embodiment, the first and second actuators 44a, 44b are linear actuators moving the unloading members 42a, 42b linearly. The linear movement may be in the horizontal plane.

The destination conveyor <NUM> will now be described. The destination conveyor <NUM> here comprises a belt conveyor <NUM> which in one ends receives an item <NUM> and conveys it to its second end, which hereinafter is referred to as a target destination TD.

In <FIG>, an item <NUM> in the form of a shipping package containing two product items 5a is shown at the target destination TD. Here, before arrival to the unloading station <NUM>, product items 5a have been picked from storage containers <NUM> stored in the grid <NUM> into the shipping package <NUM> provided in the storage container <NUM>, which then has been transferred to the unloading station <NUM> by means of the vehicle <NUM> for unloading of the shipping package to the destination conveyor <NUM>.

It should be noted that the shipping package <NUM> here is a cardboard box which is one example of a shipping package which may be used to ship product items 5a. Other examples of such shipping packages are boxes or bags made of plastic or paper, lined envelopes etc. The unloading station <NUM> can be used independent of how the product items were picked into the shipping packages, the picking operation may be an automated picking process or a manual picking process. Hence, in some cases, no picking operation takes place before the storage container <NUM> is moved to the unloading station.

It should also be mentioned that some product items 5a do not need a further shipping package <NUM> before shipping. One such example is shown in <FIG>. Here, two product items 5a have been prepackaged into respective shipping packages and stored in a storage container <NUM> and/or storage container <NUM> before arrival into the automated storage and retrieval system. Here, the product items 5a may be unloaded directly from the storage container <NUM> to the destination conveyor. Hence, the term "item" is here referring to both product items 5a and shipping packages <NUM> containing one or several such product items 5a.

Is should be noted that the destination conveyor <NUM> may comprise a roller conveyor or other types of conveying means for conveying the item to the target destination TD. Moreover, it should be noted that the target destination TD is the target destination of the unloading station <NUM>. The item <NUM> may be transferred to further destinations, for example a station where the shipping packages are closed, addressed and/or prepared for dispatch by postal services or delivery services, to pickup points etc..

In <FIG>, the distance D between the contact surfaces 43a, 43b in their deactivated position and the destination conveyor <NUM> is slightly larger than the width W of the vehicle <NUM>, thereby allowing the vehicle <NUM> to move between the destination conveyor <NUM> and the unloading device <NUM> while at the same time helping to avoid items <NUM> being able to fall onto the floor below the unloading station <NUM>.

In addition, the height of the belt conveyor <NUM> is aligned with the height of the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM>.

The operation of the unloading station <NUM> will now be described. In <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> with a storage container <NUM> containing one item <NUM> is controlled by the control system <NUM> to move to the unloading station <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> has stopped at an unloading position between the destination conveyor <NUM> and the unloading device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the unloading members 42a, 42b have moved linearly in parallel into the side openings 36SO and 6SO, thereby pushing the item <NUM> out from the storage container <NUM> and the container carrier <NUM> and onto the belt conveyor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the unloading members 42a, 42b have moved back to its initial position while the conveyor belt is moving the item <NUM> towards its target destination TD.

Then, in a final step shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is moving away from the unloading station <NUM> and the item <NUM> has reached its target destination TD.

One advantage of the unloading station <NUM> of the first embodiment described above is that it is relatively simple. One small disadvantage with the first embodiment may be that there is a risk that items <NUM> may slide out through the side openings 6SO, 36SO during acceleration and deceleration, in particular in the Y-direction shown in <FIG>. This can be avoided by keeping the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle <NUM> relatively low. Another way of overcoming this advantage is to provide the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> with a material which increases the friction between the floor 6F and the items <NUM>. The second embodiment described below provides yet an alternative solution to this disadvantage.

It is now referred to <FIG>. The unloading station <NUM> is here similar to the unloading station <NUM> of the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described herein in detail.

In the present embodiment, the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO is not horizontally aligned with the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> when the storage container <NUM> is provided in the container carrier <NUM>. Instead, the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO is provided at a height H1 above the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, if the item <NUM> provided in the storage container <NUM> are sliding due to acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle <NUM>, the lower edge 36SOE will prevent the item <NUM> from sliding further out through of the side opening 36SO of the container carrier <NUM>. Thus, it is avoided that product items fall out of the container during shipping or transportation of the container.

In the present embodiment, the unloading station <NUM> comprises a container lifting device <NUM> for lifting of the storage container <NUM> up from the vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lifting height of the storage container <NUM> corresponds to the height H1, i.e. the container lifting device <NUM> is configured to lift the storage container <NUM> till a height where the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> is horizontally aligned with the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO. In the lifted position shown in <FIG>, the item <NUM> can be easily pushed out through the side openings 6SO and 36SO by means of the unloading device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, it is shown that the container lifting device <NUM> comprises a first frame structure <NUM> fixed to the base structure <NUM> of the unloading device <NUM> and protruding upwardly with respect to the grid <NUM>. It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, the first frame structure <NUM> could be fixed to the grid <NUM> or to another fixed structure close to the unloading device <NUM>.

The container lifting device <NUM> comprises a container lifting frame <NUM> with a connection interface CI for connection to and disconnection from the storage container <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the container lifting frame <NUM> is of the same type of the container lifting frame <NUM> of container handling vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The container lifting frame <NUM> is fixed below a second frame structure <NUM>, where the second frame structure <NUM> is movable up and down in relation to the first frame structure <NUM> by means of a lifting mechanism <NUM>. The lifting mechanism <NUM> may be an electric motor, a linear electric or electrohydraulic actuator etc..

In the present embodiment, the height of the unloading members 42a, 42b above the grid <NUM> may be adapted to the height of the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO by increasing the height of the base structure <NUM>. Also, the height of the destination conveyor <NUM> may be adapted to the height of the lower edge 36SOE.

In <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> has stopped at an unloading position between the destination conveyor <NUM> and the unloading device <NUM>. The lifting frame <NUM> is here in an elevated position.

In <FIG>, the lifting frame <NUM> has been lowered and the connection interface CI is connected to the storage container <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the lifting frame <NUM> has lifted the storage container upwardly a height H1, corresponding to <FIG>.

When the item <NUM> has been pushed out and onto the destination conveyor <NUM>, the unloading members 42a, 42b will return to their initial position, the lifting frame <NUM> will be lowered and the connection interface CI will be disconnected from the storage container <NUM>. After elevating the lifting frame <NUM> without the storage container <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM> may move away from the unloading station <NUM>. As described above, the destination conveyor <NUM> will move the item <NUM> to its target destination TD.

It is now referred to <FIG>. The unloading station <NUM> is here similar to the unloading station <NUM> of the second embodiment, and only the differences will be described herein in detail.

In the present embodiment, the container carrier <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> is not provided with openings. Here, the storage container <NUM> is lifted to a height H2 as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG> by means of the container lifting device <NUM>, in order to horizontally align the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> with an upper edge 36UE of the container carrier <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, if the item <NUM> provided in the storage container <NUM> are sliding due to acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle <NUM>, the item <NUM> will not fall out of the storage container <NUM> as there are no side openings in the container carrier <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the height of the unloading members 42a, 42b above the grid <NUM> are adapted to the height of the upper edge 36UE by increasing the height of the base structure <NUM>. Also the height of the first frame structure <NUM> and the second frame structure <NUM> are changed due to the different lifting height H2 of the present embodiment. Also the height of the destination conveyor <NUM> has been adapted to the height of the upper edge 36UE.

In <FIG>, the lifting frame <NUM> has lifted the storage container upwardly a height H2, corresponding to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the unloading members 42a, 42b have moved linearly in parallel into the side opening 6SO, thereby pushing the item <NUM> out from the storage container <NUM> and onto the belt conveyor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the unloading members 42a, 42b have returned to their initial position.

Later, lifting frame <NUM> will be lowered and the connection interface CI will be disconnected from the storage container <NUM>. After elevating the lifting frame <NUM> without the storage container <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM> may move away from the unloading station <NUM>. As described above, the destination conveyor <NUM> will move the item <NUM> to its target destination TD.

It is now referred to <FIG>. This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, i.e. the unloading station <NUM> does not comprise a container lifting device <NUM>. However, the floor 6F is here provided at a height H1 below the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO of the container carrier <NUM>, as in the second embodiment.

Here, the storage container <NUM> comprises an inclined member <NUM> provided between the floor 6F and the lower edge 36SOE, allowing the item <NUM> to be pushed by means of the unloading members 42a, 42b along the floor 6F and upwardly along the inclined member <NUM> and further out of the side opening 36SO, as shown in <FIG>.

The embodiments described in relation to the Figures solve at least some of the objectives, including that product items and shipping packages are handled with care - i.e. they are not damaged during the unloading of the container.

It is now referred to <FIG>. Here, the unloading device <NUM> does not comprise a container lifting device <NUM> or unloading members <NUM>. Here, the unloading device <NUM> is provided as a tilting or pivoting device <NUM> mounted between the vehicle body <NUM> and the container carrier <NUM>. In <FIG>, it is shown that the container carrier <NUM> can be tilted with a tilting angle TA with respect to horizontal plane. The tilting angle TA can for example be up to <NUM>°. This will cause the item <NUM> to slide out from the container <NUM> and the container carrier <NUM> and onto the belt conveyor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the container carrier <NUM> is similar to the one in <FIG>, where the lower edge 36SOE of the side opening 36SO is aligned with the floor 6F of the storage container <NUM> when the storage container <NUM> is provided in the container carrier <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the container carrier <NUM> is similar to the one in <FIG>, i.e. with an inclined member <NUM> provided between the floor 6F and the lower edge 36SOE.

It should be noted that in this and other embodiments above, the container floor 6F may be manufactured of or may be equipped with a material providing a desired friction with respect to the item <NUM>, to enable that the item slides out from the container <NUM> and the container carrier <NUM> at the desired location only.

It should also be noted that the unloading device <NUM> may comprise a combination of the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment, i.e. having both a tilting or pivoting device <NUM> provided on the vehicle <NUM> and one or more reciprocating unloading members <NUM>.

In the description above, the unloading station <NUM>, the unloading device <NUM> and the delivery vehicle <NUM> have been described in detail. It should be noted that in some of the above embodiments, unintentional exit of product items out through the side opening of the storage container during transportation was prevented by the delivery vehicle <NUM>.

More specifically, the lower edge side opening container carrier 36SOE in <FIG> prevented such unintentional exit out through the side opening during transportation. The entire side wall of the container carrier <NUM> in <FIG> prevented such unintentional exit of product items out through the side opening of the storage container during transportation.

Moreover, in all of the above embodiments, the storage container <NUM> is carried by the delivery vehicle during unloading of product items. However, the storage container should also allow unloading of product items in a similar way without being carried by such delivery vehicles. In addition, loading should be possible as well.

It is now referred to <FIG>. Here, the storage container <NUM> is shown to comprise a base 6B, two first parallel side walls 6S1 and two second parallel side walls 6S2 perpendicular to the two first parallel side walls. The base 6B is also shown with an upper base surface 6F, also referred to as the floor 6F.

The storage container <NUM> comprises a top opening 6TO. The top opening 6TO is configured to allow product items <NUM>; 5a to be inserted into and/or retrieved from the storage container <NUM>. Hence, product items may be loaded or unloaded also through this top opening 6TO.

The storage container further comprises two side openings 6SO, to allow one or more items to be unloaded from the storage container <NUM> or loaded into the storage container through one of the side openings 6SO at an unloading station <NUM> or at a loading station 10a. The unloading station <NUM> for unloading storage container when the storage container is carried by the delivery vehicle is described in detail above. Similar principles may be used when unloading storage containers not being carried by any vehicle. Examples of the loading station is shown in <FIG> and will be described further in detail below.

The side openings 6SO are equal in size and are aligned with each other. In <FIG> it is shown that they have a width Wso equal to the width W6 of the storage container <NUM> minus the thickness Ts2 of each of the second side walls 6S2. Hence, the side openings 6SO are as wide as the base surface 6F inside the storage container <NUM>. In <FIG>, the lower edge of the side openings 6SO are formed by the base surface 6F of the base 6B.

The two first parallel side walls 6S1 or the two second parallel side walls 6S2 comprises an upper vehicle connection interface 6CI. The upper vehicle connection interface 6CI may be formed by one or more cut-outs or apertures into the upper area of these walls, into which a lifting frame <NUM> (<FIG>) of a container handling vehicle <NUM>, <NUM> or a lifting frame <NUM> of an unloading station, can be engaged.

The storage container is preferably made of moulded plastic with an array of moulded ribs, allowing the load of the product items carried by the base 6B to be transferred into the side walls and further to the top of the side walls where the upper vehicle connection interface 6CI is provided. The storage container may also be made of plastic reinforced with metal profiles inside or outside of the plastic material. It is also possible to make the entire storage container of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The storage container <NUM> further comprise lower and upper stacking interfaces LSI, USI for allowing the storage container to be stacked in a stack together with other storage containers. The lower and upper stacking interfaces LSI, USI are configured to prevent relative horizontal movement between two adjacent storage containers stacked above each other.

The storage container <NUM> is further provided with a restraint which is arranged to restrain movement of the product items <NUM>; 5a from exiting through one of the side openings 6SO during transportation of the storage container <NUM> to the unloading or loading station <NUM>; 10a.

Embodiments and examples of such a restraint will be described below.

It is now referred to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

Here, the restraint comprises a protrusion or lip <NUM> protruding upwardly from the base 6B at a lower edge of one of the side openings 6SO. Preferably, there are one lip <NUM> at the lower edge of each of the side openings 6SO.

In <FIG>, the first direction of movement is indicated with arrow X. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the second direction of movement is indicated with arrow Y, being perpendicular to the first direction X.

During acceleration and retardation of the storage container, the product item within the storage container may move relative to the base surface 6F due to lack of sufficient friction between the product item and the base surface 6F. In <FIG>, it is shown that the product item <NUM> has slipped and moved relative to the storage container towards the lip <NUM> on the right side. The lip <NUM> has here stopped further movement of the product item and hence has restrained movement of the product item <NUM> from exiting through the side opening.

14a the height of the lip <NUM> is indicated as height H1. This height may be from <NUM> and up <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may have a square or rectangular cross sectional shape, a triangular or rounded cross sectional shape. For example, the lip <NUM> may be inclined or curved in a direction perpendicular to the first parallel side walls 6S1 to allow product items <NUM>; 5a to be pushed or tipped over the lip <NUM> at the unloading or loading station. This is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The lip <NUM> may be provided as one continuous lip between the two second side walls 6S2, or it may be intermittent or broken, i.e. it is provided as a plurality of spaced apart lip sections. The height may also vary along the length of the lip.

In a further embodiment the lip <NUM> is movably connected to the base 6B, where the lip <NUM> is configured to be in one of the following positions:.

The lip <NUM> may be biased to its elevated position, where an actuator is used to bring the lip to its lower position at the unloading or loading station.

It is now referred to <FIG>. The storage container is here similar to the first embodiment described above - and only differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described in detail herein.

In this embodiment, the restraint comprises a friction increasing material 6mat for increasing friction between the one or more product items and the upper surface 6F of the base 6B.

The friction increasing material 6mat may be a coating deposited to parts of, or the entire, upper surface 6F of the base 6B. The coating may be stuck, printed, sprayed, painted or in other ways applied the upper surface of the base 6B. The friction increasing material 6mat may be a granular material deposited to parts of, or the entire, upper surface 6F of the base 6B. Hence, the friction increasing material 6mat may be form an even surface, or an un-even surface.

In the above embodiment, the friction increasing material 6mat is relatively thin.

As shown in <FIG>, it is also possible to provide the friction increasing material 6mat as a filler material filled into a cavity 6cav provided in the upper surface of the base 6B.

The friction increasing material 6mat may be provided during the manufacturing of the storage container, for example as part of a two-component injection molding process. Alternatively, the friction increasing material may be applied in a subsequent step after the manufacturing of the storage container.

In one aspect, the friction increasing material 6mat may be integrated in the material of the upper surface 6F of the base 6B.

It should be noted that this friction increasing material type of restraint can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the lip-type of restraint <NUM>. In <FIG> it is shown that the storage container has both types of restraint.

It is now referred to <FIG>. The storage container is here similar to the first embodiment described above - and only differences between the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be described in detail herein.

In this embodiment, the restraint comprises a three-dimensional surface structure or profile 6pro provided in the upper surface 6F of the base 6B. The profile provided in the upper surface 6F of the base 6B is here made of the same material as the base 6B itself, which in the present embodiment is moulded plastic. In <FIG> it is shown that the profile comprises grooves and ridges.

Alternatively, the profile may comprise pedestals, steps, or other raised shapes or combination of such shapes.

It should be noted that this profile-type of restraint can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the friction increasing material type of restraint. For example, a friction increasing coating may be deposited onto the profiled base surface 6F of the container in <FIG>.

It should further be noted that this profile-type of restraint can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the lip type of restraint <NUM>.

In <FIG> it is shown that the container has both the profile type of restraint and the lip type of restraint.

It is now referred to <FIG> and <FIG> which show a storage container according to the invention. The storage container is here similar to the first embodiment described above - and only differences between the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described in detail herein.

In this embodiment, the restraint comprises an elevatable floor 6PS movably connected to the storage container <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the elevatable floor 6PS comprises a plate-shaped structure with downwardly protruding legs <NUM> provided through apertures in the base 6B. Hence, the legs <NUM> are accessible from below the storage container <NUM>. The legs <NUM> may comprise a stop 6ST for limiting the vertical movement of the elevatable floor 6PS in relation to the base 6B.

The elevatable floor 6PS may have to positions;.

In the above embodiment, the elevatable floor 6PS is provided at an height H1 below the upper base surface 6F in the lower position, and the upper base surface 6F is provided on both sides of the elevatable floor 6PS. This height H1 is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Hence, the base or upper base surface 6F itself is restraining the movement of the product items out through one of the side openings. In the upper position, the elevatable floor 6PS is vertically aligned with, or provided higher than the upper base surface 6F.

Here, the upper base surface 6F together with the elevatable floor 6PS forms a restraint.

The elevatable floor will be in the lower position during transportation to the unloading or loading station, while the elevatable floor is elevated to its upper position at the unloading or loading station.

The upper base surface 6F may be provided with a lip <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the elevatable floor 6PS is configured to be in the lower position due to gravity. Alternatively, the elevatable floor 6PS may be biased to be in the lover position, for example by means of a spring.

As the legs are accessible from below the storage container <NUM>, an actuator may be used to move the elevatable floor 6PS from the lower position to the upper position, as shown in <FIG>. The actuator may be part of the storage container itself, for example integrated into the base 6B. Alternatively, the actuator may be integrated in the container handling vehicle and/or the delivery vehicle. In yet an alternative, the actuator may be provided as part of the unloading or loading station.

One aspect of this embodiment is shown in <FIG>. Here it is possible for an actuator to tilt the elevatable floor 6PS and hence cause the product item <NUM> to slide out from the storage container. Here, at least some of the legs does not comprise stops 6ST.

Some aspects of this embodiment will now be described.

According to the invention the elevatable floor 6PS comprises apertures and the storage container <NUM> comprises friction increasing members positioned in the apertures. These friction increasing members are typically secured to the base 6B. In the lower position, the elevatable floor 6PS is vertically aligned with, or lower than the friction increasing members. Here, the product items are in contact with the friction increasing members. In the upper position, the elevatable floor 6PS is higher than the friction increasing members. Now, the product items are only in contact with the elevatable floor 6PS. Here, the friction coefficient between the product item and the friction increasing members are higher than the friction coefficient between the product item and the elevatable floor.

Alternatively, friction reducing members may be positioned in the apertures of the elevatable floor, while the elevatable floor itself may comprise a friction increasing material. Here, the friction coefficient between the product item and the friction reducing members are lower than the friction coefficient between the product item and the elevatable floor. In this aspect, the elevatable floor will be in the upper position during transportation to the unloading or loading station, and the product item will be in contact with the friction increasing material of the elevatable floor. The elevatable floor is lowered to its lower position at the unloading or loading station, and the product item is then only in contact with the friction reducing members to simplify unloading or loading.

The above restraint is in particular arranged to restrain movement of the product items during movement of the storage container in the second direction Y.

The two second parallel side walls 6S2 have no openings. Hence, these walls may also be considered to be arranged to restrain movement of the product items <NUM>; 5a during movement of the storage container <NUM>, in particular in the first direction X.

It is now referred to <FIG>. Here it shown a loading station 10a where product items are loaded into the storage container along an inclined surface. The storage container may slide or roll or in other ways move along this inclined surface and into the storage container. The product item will enter the left side opening of <FIG> and stop its movement towards the restraint in the form of the lip <NUM> provided on the right side, i.e. the opposite side of the left side opening.

Ït is now referred to <FIG>. Here, a loading station 10a based on the same principles as the unloading station <NUM> described above, is shown. The loading station 10a comprises a loading device 40a with a loading member <NUM> for pushing the product item <NUM> from a temporary storage TS into the storage container. The temporary storage may be a conveyor or another type of temporary storage.

As shown in <FIG> and several of the other embodiments, product items can be unloaded from and loaded into the storage container without the storage container being carried by a vehicle.

In the above description, the term "unloading" refers to pushing one or more product items out from the storage container <NUM> by means of an unloading member <NUM> of an unloading device <NUM> located at the unloading station <NUM>. The term unloading may also refer to the tipping or tilting of the storage container <NUM> to cause the product item to slide out from the storage container through one of the side openings 6SO.

In the above description, the term "loading" refers to pushing one or more product items into the storage container <NUM> by means of a loading member <NUM> of a loading device 40a located at the loading station 10b, similar to the unloading member <NUM> of the unloading device <NUM>. The term loading may also refer to product items sliding into the storage container through one of the side openings 6SO. The product items may for example slide down an inclined surface into the storage container.

In the above description, the term "station" is to be interpreted broadly. For example, the storage container may or may not be carried by a vehicle when unloading or loading is performed at the unloading or loading "station". Hence, a port is considered to be a station where loading or unloading of the storage container may take place.

Claim 1:
Storage container (<NUM>) for storing product items (<NUM>; 5a) in an automated storage and retrieval system (<NUM>), wherein the storage container (<NUM>) comprises:
- a base (6B);
- two first parallel side walls (6S1);
- two second parallel side walls (6S2) perpendicular to the two first parallel side walls;
- a top opening (6TO);
- two side openings (6SO), to allow one or more items to be unloaded from the storage container (<NUM>) or loaded into the storage container through one of the side openings at an unloading station (<NUM>) or at a loading station (10a);
wherein the storage container (<NUM>) is provided with a restraint which is arranged to restrain movement of the one or more items (<NUM>; 5a) from exiting through one of the side openings (6SO) during transportation of the storage container (<NUM>) to the unloading or loading station (<NUM>; 10a);
where the restraint comprises an elevatable floor (6PS) movably connected to the storage container (<NUM>) between:
- a lower position, arranged to restrain movement of the one or more items from exiting through one of the side openings during transportation of the storage container to the unloading or loading station; and
- an upper position, arranged not to restrain movement of one or more items from exiting through one of the side openings at the unloading or loading station, and where the elevatable floor (6PS) comprises apertures and where the storage container (<NUM>) comprises friction increasing members positioned in the apertures, where:
- in the lower position, the elevatable floor (6PS) is vertically aligned with, or lower than the friction increasing members;
- in the upper position, the elevatable floor (6PS) is higher than the friction increasing members.