Container for an automated storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for an automated storage system, the container holding at least one air flow generator and a sensor, and further comprising a control unit. The at least one air flow generator comprising a channel and a fan, wherein the fan is arranged within the channel for generating an air flow in the channel in a first direction, wherein the control unit is connected to the sensor and the at least one air flow generator, and wherein the sensor is configured to provide a first signal for identifying an object in the proximity of the sensor to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to provide a second signal to the air flow generator for activating the air flow generator in response to the first signal.

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to a container for an automated storage system, more particular to a container for a top loaded cube based storage system. Description of the related art Top loaded cube based storage system are automated storage and retrieval systems in which products are stored in containers stacked in a dense grid structure. A top loaded cube based storage system is a vertical storage solution in which items or containers are stacked within a cubic or grid-like structure and accessed from the top. These systems are often automated, using robotic mechanisms, such as robots, or cranes to handle the loading and retrieval of items efficiently. An exemplary top loaded cube based storage system is a system as defined in WO 98 / 49075 Al and WO 2014 / 090684 Al. Robots move on rails on the grid structure, navigating in two directions (X and Y-axes). Exemplary Robots are defined in WO 2019 / 101366 Al. Theses storage systems are designed to optimize space, they are commonly used in warehouses, cold storage facilities, and automated retail setups, where compactness and automation are key priorities. The Robots retrieve the containers by lifting them with a claw mechanism, temporarily moving other containers if needed to access the target. Retrieved containers are delivered to workstations for order picking or replenishment. The robot then returns the container to the grid or reshuffles containers to optimize storage. The robots are battery-powered, recharge automatically, and are coordinated by software for efficient, simultaneous operations. The robots rely on sensors to track and determine their exact position and avoid derailing or collisions. The position of the robot may be detected by integrated tracking devices tracking the number of crossings passed in x- and y directions relative to the tracks laid out as a grid structure. Exemplary sensors are defined in WO 2018 / 082972 Al. During the operation, dust or other unwanted pollutants accumulate on these sensors. When sensors are polluted, they can no longer maintain accurate positioning, causing the system to stop. Keeping the sensors clean is crucial for maintaining their accuracy, reliability and coordinated performance. In such cases, the affected robot must be removed, and the sensors need to be manually cleaned by qualified personnel to restore proper functionality. To keep the sensors clean, some robots may also have small brushes near the sensors to minimize buildup during operation. As an alternative, pneumatic systems are used, using compressors providing compressed air through pneumatic lines to the cleaning devices. This requires a system of pneumatic lines to be installed throughout the storage facility. Such a compressor consumes a large amount of energy and is therefore expensive to operate. Furthermore, such a system of pneumatic lines difficult to monitor and the maintenance of such a system of pneumatic lines is very difficult and time consuming. A leak in the system is not only difficult to find. It also reduces the efficiency, the performance of the system and even increases energy consumption. Furthermore, cleaning protocols have to be scheduled, such that a robot can be cleaned at a specific time. Alternatively, the pneumatic system can run continuously and the sensors of the robots can be cleaned when they reach a specific location. Summary of the invention The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a device for cleaning sensors of a robot which is energy efficient, easy to monitor and maintain, convenient to handle, easy to install and does not compromise the efficiency of the storage system. Solutions of the problem are described in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further improvements of the invention. A first embodiment relates to a container for an automated storage system, the automated storage system may be a top loaded cube based storage system. The top loaded cube based storage system may comprise several profiles, forming a grid structure. The top loaded cube based storage system may comprise vertical and horizontal profiles forming storage cells in the grid. The storage cells may have a rectangular or square cross section. Preferably, the storage cells may have a rectengular cross section. The container holds at least one air flow generator and a sensor. The container further comprises a control unit. The container may be a storage container, a bin or a box. The container may be a storage container for a top loaded cube based storage system. The container may be rectangular or square. The container may be made of plastic, preferably durable plastic, e.g. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene carbonate (PP-C) or polypropylene PP-ESD. The container may have a base and four sidewalls. The container may have two longitudinal sidewalls and two narrow sided sidewalls. The longitudinal sidewalls may be longer than the narrow sided sidewalls. In one embodiment, the sidewalls may have the same length. The sidewalls may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the sidewalls may be referred to as the inner surface of the container. The outer surface of the side walls may be referred to as the outer surface of the container. The base may have an upper surface and a lower surface. The container may have an inner volume. The inner volume may be defined by the sidewalls and the base. The container may have an inner volume of 45 liters to 100 liters. The container may have an inner volume of 45 to 50 liters, 70 to 76 liters or 95 to 100 liters. The container may have an exterior width of 44 to 45 cm, preferably 44,9cm, and an exterior length of 64 to 65 cm, preferably 64,9cm. The container may have a height of 22cm, 33cm or 42,5cm. A container may be a physical object designed to hold, enclose or accommodate different types of inventory. The at least one air flow generator comprises a channel and a fan. The fan is arranged within the channel for generating an air flow in the channel in a first direction. The at least one air flow generator may be a turbomachine. In the air flow generator, energy may be transferred by means of rotor blades that may be profiled in such a way that the flow around the rotor blades creates a pressure difference between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The at least one air flow generator may be an externally driven turbomachine conveying a gas, preferably air, with a fan or rotor through which an axial flow passes and which rotates in a housing. The air flow generator may be an axial compressor. The fan may be a rotor or rotor assembly comprising rotor blades. The fan may be an impeller. The air flow may be accelerated within the air flow generator. The fan may be actuated may an electrical motor. The first direction may be the flow direction of the at least one air flow generator. Flow direction refers to the direction that a fluid, such as air, moves through a system or an environment. The at least one air flow generator may further comprise a housing with an inlet portion on a first side and a nozzle on an opposing side. The inlet portion may comprise an inlet opening and the nozzle may comprise an outlet opening. The channel may extend through the housing, connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening, and providing a flow path. The rotor blades of the fan may be profiled in such a way that the air flow around the rotor blades creates a pressure difference between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The housing and the nozzle may be formed as one part, may be monolithic or formed integrally. The housing may be formed using an additive manufacturing technique, such as 3D-printing, or may be formed using an injection molding technique. Other manufacturing techniques may also be possible. The air may be drawn into the channel by the fan, enter the channel through the inlet opening and leave the channel through the outlet opening. The nozzle may be designed to control and direct the air flow. The nozzle may be designed to produce a particular flow shape. The nozzle may be a short tube with a taper and / or constriction. The nozzle may narrow the flow path. By narrowing the flow path, the nozzle may accelerate the air. The nozzle may be configured to speed up and / or direct a flow of fluid, such as air. The nozzle of the at least one air flow generator may be curved. The curve may optimize the flow dynamics of the air passing through it. The nozzle may help guide the fluid smoothly, minimizing turbulence, energy losses, and improving efficiency. The curvature may further optimize the guiding, further improve the efficiency, minimize turbulence and energy loss, and speed up the air flow. The housing of the at least one air flow generator may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The channel may have a channel wall. The channel wall may limit the channel in a radial direction. The channel wall may be the inner surface of the housing. The control unit is connected to the sensor and the at least one air flow generator. The sensor is configured to provide a first signal for identifying an object in the proximity of the sensor to the control unit. The control unit is configured to provide a second signal to the air flow generator for activating the air flow generator in response to the first signal. The control unit may be connected to the sensor by an electric contact and the control unit may be connected to the at least one air flow generator by an electric contact. The electrical contact may be a cable connection or a transmission line. The control unit may be arranged at or in the container. The control unit may be arranged at or in the air flow generator or the sensor. The control unit may be a relay, a semiconductor switch or a microcontroller. The sensor may be an optical sensor or a capacitive sensor. The sensor may be an inductive sensor. An inductive sensor has the advantage that it is more reliable and easier to maintain than an optical sensor. Dust and other pollutants may accumulate on the optical sensor and impair the proper function of the optical sensor; furthermore, an optical sensor has to be frequently cleaned to proper ensure function. The maintenance of the optical sensors also interferes with efficiency of the storage system, since the system has to be stopped for the maintenance of the optical sensor. The sensor may be connected to a mount. The sensor may be connected to the container via an adjustable mount. The sensor may be connected to the container by a positive connection or frictional contact. A positive connection refers to a type of mechanical or structural connection where components are physically interlocked, preventing relative motion without the need for external forces such as friction. Frictional contact occurs when two surfaces are in contact and resist relative motion due to friction. The object may be a robot. When the object is located above the container, the sensor may identify the object and provide a first signal to the control unit. The first signal may trigger a switch, which then sends a second signal to the airflow generator, activating the air flow generator. The object may have at least one sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the object may have for sensors. The at least one air flow generator is only activated when an object is positioned above the container. Hence, the at least one air flow generator therefore does not have to be switched on and off manually and no cleaning protocol is re quired. The air flow generator works autonomously and independently, without compromising the work- and energy efficiency of the storage system. The robot may be a shuttle vehicle for storage and retrieval, preferable for a top loaded cube based storage system. A top loaded cube based storage system is a storage system in which the storage is carried out vertically. The containers may be accessed by the robot lowering a special gripping device. The robot may be battery-operated and may be guided across a grid by specially programmed routing software. The grid may comprise horizontal and vertical profiles. The grid may comprise horizontal profiles in X- and Y directions. The horizontal and vertical profiles may form storage cells. The routing software may be a material flow computer or warehouse management system. The robot may be movable in four directions (forwards, backwards, right, left). The robot may comprise eight wheels. The robot may comprise two wheels on each side. The robot may be guided in travelling rails along a grid. The robot may pick up a target container and transport it to the desired picking location, which may be a port, where the goods and container may be lowered to the picking location. The communication between the systems involved, may be accomplished by a local network. The systems involved may be a warehouse management, system a material flow computer, a host system, and a dispatch system. The robots may be addressed via a radio link. The robot may have at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the robot may have four sensors. The sensors may be tracking sensors. These sensors may detect the transition of the robot from one position the grid to another, e.g. from cell to cell. The sensors may detect grid positions and align robots for accurate retrieval and storage. The sensors may furthermore prevent collisions with other robots and obstacles. The sensors may measure the distance and are therefore essential for essential for smooth functionality. The at least one air flow generator is only activated when a robot is positioned above the container. The at least one air flow generator is arranged such that the outlet opening is arranged at a sensor to be cleaned. The number of air flow generators may correspond to the number of sensors to be cleaned. The at least one air flow generator may be configured to convey air from inside the container or within a radius of lm of the container through the channel. The at least one air flow generator may be configured to convey air from the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening. This way it can be avoided to install a system of pneumatic lines throughout the storage facility, minimizing the amount of energy consumed, making the maintenance easier and monitor easier and improving the reliability and performance. Furthermore, the container can be implemented in every location in the grid, without the need to install or relocate a pneumatic line. The inlet opening may have a first cross section and the outlet opening may have a second cross section. The second cross section may be smaller than the first cross section. The inlet opening may have a circular cross section; the outlet opening may have an elliptical cross section. The inlet opening may have a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter of the inlet opening may be perpendicular to the second diameter of the inlet opening. The first diameter of the inlet opening may be equal to the second diameter of the inlet opening. The outlet opening may have a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter of the outlet opening may be perpendicular to the second diameter of the outlet opening. The first diameter of the outlet opening may be smaller than the second diameter of the inlet opening. The first diameter of the inlet opening may be parallel to the first diameter of the outlet opening. The second diameter of the inlet opening may be parallel to the second diameter of the outlet opening. The first diameter of the outlet opening may be smaller than the first diameter of the inlet opening. The outlet opening may be narrower than the inlet opening. The at least one air flow generator may be at least partially arranged inside the container. Alternatively, the at least one air flow generator may be at be arranged inside the container. The at least one air flow generator may be at least partially arranged inside the inner volume of the container. The inlet portion of the at least one air flow generator may be located inside the container and the nozzle may be at least partially arranged inside the container. The outlet opening of the at least one air flow generator may be located outside the container. The at least one air flow generator may be connected to the container. The at least one air flow generator may be connected to the inner surface of the container. The at least one air flow generator may be detachably connected to the container. The at least on air flow generator may be mounted to the container. The at least on airflow generator may be adjustably mounted to the container. The at least on air flow generator may be adjustably mounted to the inner surface of the container. The at least one air flow generator may comprise a mounting device. The at least one air flow generator may be connected to the container by a mounting device. The mounting device may be connected to the housing of the at least one air flow generator. The mounting device may comprise a first part and a second part. The first part of the mounting device may be detachably connected to the second part of the mounting device. The second part of the mounting device may be displaceable relative to the first part of the mounting device. The first part of the mounting device may be connected to the housing. The first part of the mounting device may be integral with the housing. The first part of the mounting device may be non-detachably connected to the housing. Alternatively, the first part of the mounting device may be detachably connected to the housing. The first part of the mounting device may be connected to the second part of the mounting device by positive connection or frictional contact, such as a dovetail joint. The second part of the mounting device may be movable relative to the first part of the mounting device. The first part of the mounting device may be movable along the second part of the mounting device. The at least one air flow generator may be movable along the second part of the mounting device. Alternatively, the mounting device may be made of one part. This has the advantage that the air flow generator can be precisely adjusted according to the locations of the sensors to be cleaned. The container may comprise at least one groove. The container may comprise at least one groove in the inner surface of the container. The at least one groove may be a vertical groove. The at least one groove may be a vertical groove along a sidewall of the container. The at least one groove may be a vertical groove starting from or near the base and extending along a sidewall of the container. The container may have at least four grooves; the container may have 1 to 25 grooves. The grooves may be distributed over the sidewalls of the container. Preferably, the container may have 20 grooves. In one embodiment, the longitudinal sidewalls may comprise seven grooves each. The narrow sided sidewalls may comprise three grooves each. The at least one air flow generator may be attachable to the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be attached to the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be mounted to the at least one groove. The at least air flow generator may be connected to the container, preferably by a positive connection or a frictional contact. The mounting device of the at least one airflow generator may be at least partially located inside the at least one groove. The second part of the mounting device of the at least one airflow generator may be at least partially located inside the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be displaceable along the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be inserted into the at least one groove. The mounting device may be at least partially inserted into the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be adjustable in a vertical direction along the at least one groove. The sensor may be attached to at least one groove. The mount of the sensor may be inserted into at least one groove. The mounting device may be adjustable in a horizontal direction. The at least one air flow generator may be adjustable in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction with respect to the container. The at least one air flow generator may be adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the container by displacing the mounting device and / or the air flow generator along the at least one groove. The at least one air flow generator may be adjustable in a horizontal direction by displacing the first part of the mount with respect to the second part of the mounting device. This has the advantage that the air flow generator can be precisely adjusted according to the locations of the sensors to be cleaned, improving the efficiency of the air flow generator and the container. The at least one air flow generator may comprise a filter arranged at the inlet portion. The filter may be arranged between the fan and the inlet opening. The filter may remove unwanted particles and pollutants and therefore improve the durability of the air flow generator. The at least one air flow generator and / or the control unit may comprise a means for configuring the speed of the fan. Preferably, the air flow generator may comprise a means for configuring the speed of the fan. The means for configuring the speed of the fan may be a potentiometer, a microcontroller or a voltage controller. The means for configuring the speed of the fan may be arranged in or at the housing. The housing may comprise an adjoining extension. The means for configuring the speed of the fan may be located in the adjoining extension. Hence, the energy consumed by the air flow generator may be adjusted, avoiding excessive energy consumption and improving the efficiency. A cap may be located at the inlet opening of the hosing. The cap may surround the inlet opening and / or cover the adjoining extension on its inlet facing side The at least one air flow generator may comprise a means for connecting a cable to the air flow generator. The container may comprise a casing. The casing may be located at or on the upper surface of the base of the container. The casing may be a housing that protects electrical components. The casing may house the control unit, an inverter and / or a transformer. The control unit may also be located on the casing. The casing may protect the components from pollutants and improve their durability. The container further may comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the air flow generator and / or the control unit. Power may be supplied to the air flow generator and / or the control unit by a power supply. The power supply may be a power grid. The air flow generator and / or the control unit may be connected to a power grid, e.g. the local power grid. The inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power supply. The air flow generator and / or the control unit and / or inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power grid by a socket. The air flow generator and / or the control unit and / or inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power grid by a plug socket connection. In one embodiment, the power supply may be a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. The battery may be located inside the container. The at least one air flow generator, the sensor, the control unit may be referred to as a sensor cleaning system. The sensor cleaning system may also comprise the casing. The sensor cleaning system may be connected to the power supply. The air flow generator and / or the control unit and / or the sensor cleaning system may be operated with 230V. The air flow generator and / or the control unit and / or the sensor cleaning system may be connected to 230 V AC and operated with 24 V DC. The sensor cleaning system may be operated with 230V. The sensor cleaning system may be connected to 230 V AC and operated with 24 V DC. The container may hold one, two, three or preferably four air flow generators. The air flow generators may be arranged according to the locations of the sensors of the object located above the container. The number of air flow generators may correspond to the amount of sensors to be cleaned. The container may have preferably four air flow generators, since in practice, objects and / or robots of top loaded cube based storage system may have four sensors which have to be cleaned. In order for the storage system to operate efficiently, all of said sensors must be cleaned. The container may be installed in a grid of top loaded cube based storage system. The container may be located in a grid of top loaded cube based storage system. The container may be mounted at a strategic point of the grid. The strategic point may be a location or a storage cell of the grid, which is often frequented by the robots of the storage system. The container may be installed in a storage cell of a grid of top loaded cube based storage system. The container may be mounted to the grid, without damaging the grid. The container may be mounted to the grid by at least one fastening means. Preferably, the container may be mounted to the grid by four fastening means. The at least one fastening means may comprise a fastener. The fastener may be a screw or a bolt, preferably a knurled screw. The fastener may also be a clamp connection. The at least one fastening means may comprise an insertion means. The at least one fastening means may comprise an insertion means and a fastener. The insertion means may be inserted into a groove of the container. The insertion means may comprise a through hole. The fastener may be inserted into the through hole. The container may comprise at least one through hole. When inserted into the groove, the through hole of the insertion means may be coaxial to at least one through hole of the container. The fastener may reach through at least one through hole of the container and the through hole of the insertion means. Alternatively, the at least one fastening means may only comprise the fastener. In this embodiment the fastener reaches through the at least one through hole of the container. Preferably, the container may be mounted to the grid by four fastening means. The fastening means, the mounting device of the at least one air flow generator and the mount of the sensor each can be conveniently inserted into a groove of the container. Hence, the sensor cleaning system may be conveniently and cost effectively retrofittable to an existing system. A cable or a transmission line may connect the power supply to the container and / or the air flow generator and / or the control unit and / or the sensor cleaning system. The cable or a transmission line may be attached to a profile, preferably an aluminum profile, of the grid. The cable or a transmission line may be attached to the profile of the grid by at least on clamp, in particular at least one clamp holder. The cable or a transmission line may enter the container through a through hole in one of the sidewalls or the base. The air flow generator may be formed using an additive manufacturing technique, such as 3D-printing or may be formed using an injection molding technique. The at least one air flow generator, the sensor and the control unit may be a kit. A container as described above may be retrofitted with the kit. The sensor cleaning system may be retrofitted to a container as described above. The container may be conveniently retrofittable in an existing top loaded cube based storage system. The installation is convenient, since the container can be easily attached to the grid by the fastening means. The integration of the container can be accomplished without any inconvenience, such as stopping work or the system. Furthermore, no software adjustments to an existing top loaded cube based storage systems are needed, since the container and / or the at least one airflow generator can operate autonomously. The container and / or the at least one air flow generator only have to be connected to a power supply. The at least one air flow generator effectively removes of dust and deposits from the sensors of an object. Another advantage is that air pressure lines can be eliminated and the container can be installed cost-effectively, as it is ready to work when plugged in to a socket. In an embodiment, the container may comprise at least five grooves. The container may hold four air flow generators and one sensor. Two air flow generators may each be attached to one groove of opposing narrow sided sidewalls of the container. Two air flow generators may each be attached to one groove of a longitudinal sidewall. Two air flow generators may each be attached to one groove of the same longitudinal sidewall. The container may comprise two additional grooves in each longitudinal sidewall. A fastening means may be attached to each of the four grooves. The control unit may be located in the casing. The casing may be located at the base of the container. Description of Drawings In the following the invention will be described by way of example, without limitation of the general inventive concept, on examples of embodiment with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the air flow generator. Figure 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the air flow generator. Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the air flow generator. Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the air flow generator. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a container in a grid Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor cleaning system Figure 7 shows a top view of an embodiment of a sensor cleaning system Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a sensor cleaning system In figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of an air flow generator is shown. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the air flow generator 200. Figure 2 shows a front view of the air flow generator 200. Figure 3 shows a top view of the air flow generator 200. Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of the air flow generator 200. The air flow generator 200 comprises a channel 230 and a fan 250. The fan 250 is arranged within the channel 230 for generating an air flow in the channel 230 in a first direction. The first direction may be the flow direction 280 of the air flow generator 200. The at least one air flow generator 200 may further comprise a housing 210 with an inlet portion 240 on a fist side and a nozzle 220 on an opposing side. The inlet portion 240 may comprise an inlet opening 212 and the nozzle 220 may comprise an outlet opening 222. The channel 230 may extend through the housing 210, connecting the inlet opening 212 to the outlet opening 222, and providing a flow path. The rotor blades of the fan may be profiled in such a way that the air flow around the rotor blades create a pressure difference between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The housing 210 and the nozzle 220 may be formed as one part, may be monolithic or formed integrally. The air may be drawn into the channel 230 by the fan 250, enter the channel 230 through the inlet opening 212 and leave the channel through the outlet opening 222. The nozzle 220 may be a short tube with a taper and / or constriction. The nozzle may narrow the flow path. The nozzle 220 of the at least one air flow generator 200 may be curved. The housing 210 may have an inner surface 232 and an outer surface 216. The channel may 230 have a channel wall 232. The channel wall 232 may limit the channel 230 in a radial direction. The channel wall 232 may be the inner surface 232 of the housing 210. The inlet opening 212 may have a first cross section and the outlet opening 212 may have a second cross section. The second cross section may be smaller than the first cross section. The inlet opening 212 may have a circular cross section; the outlet opening may have an elliptical cross section 222. The inlet opening 212 may have a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter of the inlet opening 212 may be perpendicular to the second diameter of the inlet opening 212. The first diameter of the inlet opening 212 may be equal to the second diameter of the inlet opening 212. The outlet opening 222 may have a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter of the outlet opening 222 may be perpendicular to the second diameter of the outlet opening 222. The first diameter of the outlet opening 222 may be smaller than the second diameter of the inlet opening 212. The first diameter of the inlet opening 212 may be parallel to the first diameter of the outlet opening 222. The second diameter of the inlet opening 212 may be parallel to the second diameter of the outlet opening 222. The first diameter of the outlet opening 222 may be smaller than the first diameter of the inlet opening 212. The outlet opening 222 may be narrower than the inlet opening 212. The air flow generator 200 may comprise a mounting device 270. The mounting device 270 may be connected to the housing 210 of the air flow generator 200. The mounting device 270 may comprise a first part 272 and a second part 274. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be detachably connected to the second part 274 of the mounting device 270. The second part 274 of the mounting device 270 may be displaceable relative to the first part 272 of the mounting device 270. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be connected to the housing 210. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be integral with the housing 210. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be non-detachably connected to the housing 210. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be connected to the second part 274 of the mounting device 270 by positive connection or frictional contact, such as a dovetail joint. The second part 274 of the mounting device 270 may be movable relative to the first part 274 of the mounting device 270. The first part 272 of the mounting device 270 may be movable along the second part 274 of the mounting device 270. The air flow generator 200 may be movable along the second part 274 of the mounting device 270. The air flow generator 200 may comprise a means for configuring the speed of the fan 290. The means for configuring the speed of the fan may be a potentiometer, a microcontroller or a voltage controller. The air flow generator 200 may comprise a means for connecting a cable 295 to the air flow generator 200. The housing 210 may comprise an adjoining extension 214. The means for configuring the speed of the fan 290 may be located in the adjoining extension 214. A cap 260 may be located at the inlet opening 212 of the hosing 210. The cap 260 may surround the inlet opening 212 and / or cover the adjoining extension 260 on its inlet facing side. In figure 5, an embodiment of a container 100 is shown. The container 100 is mounted to a grid 500 of a top loaded cube based storage system. The container 100 holds at least one air flow generator 200 and a sensor 300. The container 100 further comprises a control unit 400. The container 100 may have a base 120 and four sidewalls 110. The sidewalls may have an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. The container may have two longitudinal sidewalls and two narrow sided sidewalls. The longitudinal sidewalls may be longer than the narrow sided sidewalls. The base may 120 have an upper surface and a lower surface. The container 110 may have an inner volume 130. The inner volume 130 may be defined by the sidewalls 110 and the base 120. The control unit 400 is connected to the sensor 300 and the at least one air flow generator 200. The sensor 300 is configured to provide a first signal for identifying an object in the proximity of the sensor 300 to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 is configured to provide a second signal to the air flow generator 200 for activating the air flow generator 200 in response to the first signal. The control unit 400 may be connected to the sensor 300 by an electric contact and the control unit 400 may be connected to the at least one air flow generator 200 by an electric contact. The electrical contact may be a cable connection or a transmission line. The control unit 400 may be arranged at or in the container 100. The control unit 400 may be arranged at the base of the container 100. The control unit 100 may be arranged at or in the air flow generator 200 or the sensor 300. The control unit 400 may be a relay, a semiconductor switch or a microcontroller. The sensor 300 may be connected to a mount 310. The sensor 300 may be connected to the container 100 via an adjustable mount 310. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be at least partially arranged inside the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be at least partially arranged inside the inner volume 130 of the container 100. The inlet portion 240 of the at least one air flow generator 200 may be located inside the container 100 and the nozzle 220 may be at least partially arranged inside the container 100. The outlet opening 222 of the at least one air flow generator 200 may be located outside the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be connected to the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be connected to the inner surface 112 of the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be detachably connected to the container 100. The at least on air flow generator 200 may be mounted to the container 100. The at least on air flow generator 200 may be adjustably mounted to the container 100. The at least on air flow generator 200 may be adjustably mounted to the inner surface 112 of the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may comprise a mounting device 270. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be connected to the container by a mounting device 270. The mounting device 270 may be adjustable in a horizontal direction. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be adjustable in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction with respect to the container 100. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the container 100 by displacing the mounting device 270 and / or the air flow generator 200 along the at least one groove 116. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be adjustable in a horizontal direction by displacing the first part of the mounting device 272 with respect to the second part of the mounting device 274. The container 100 may comprise at least one groove 116. The container 100 may comprise at least one groove 116 in the inner surface 112 of the container 100. The at least one groove 116 may be a vertical groove. The at least one groove 116 may be a vertical groove along a sidewall 110 of the container 100. The at least one groove 116 may be a vertical groove starting from or near the base 120 and extending along the sidewall 110. The container may have at least four grooves 116; the container may have 1 to 25 grooves 116. The grooves 116 may be distributed over the sidewalls llOof the container. In this embodiment, the container 100 may have 20 grooves 116. The longitudinal sidewalls may comprise seven grooves 116 each. The narrow sided sidewalls may comprise three grooves 116 each. The longitudinal sidewalls may be longer than the narrow sided sidewalls. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be attached to the at least one groove 116. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be mounted to the at least one groove 116. The at least air flow generator 200 may be connected to the container 110, preferably by a positive connection or a frictional contact. The mounting device 270 of the at least one airflow generator 200 may be at least partially located inside the at least one groove 116. The second part 274 of the mounting device 270 of the at least one airflow generator 200 may be at least partially located inside the at least one groove 116. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be displaceable along the at least one groove 116. The mounting device 270 may be at least partially inserted into the at least one groove 116. The at least one air flow generator 200 may be adjustable in a vertical direction along the at least one groove 116. The container may comprise a casing 450. The casing 450 may be located at or on the upper surface of the base 120 of the container 100. The casing 450 may be a housing that protects electrical components. The casing 450 may house the control unit 400, an inverter and / or a transformer (not shown). The control unit 400 may also be located on the casing 450. The container 100 may further comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400. Power may be supplied to the air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 by a power supply. The power supply may be a power grid. The air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 may be connected to a power grid, e.g. the local power grid. The inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power grid. The air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 and / or inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power grid by a socket. The air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 and / or inverter and / or the transformer may be connected to the power grid by a plug socket connection. The at least one air flow generator 200, the sensor 300, the control unit 400 may be referred to as a sensor cleaning system. The sensor cleaning system may also comprise the casing 400. The sensor cleaning system may be connected to the power supply. The air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 and / or the sensor cleaning system may be operated with 230V. The air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 and / or the sensor cleaning system may be connected to 230 V AC and operated with 24 V DC. The sensor cleaning system may be operated with 230V. The sensor cleaning system may be connected to 230 V AC and operated with 24 V DC. The container 100 may hold one, two, three or preferably four air flow generators 200. In the embodiment according to figure 5, the container 100 holds four air flow generators 200. The air flow generators 200 may be arranged according to the locations of the sensors of the object located above the container. The container 100 may hold four air flow generators 200 and one sensor 300. Two air flow generators 200 may each be attached to one groove 116 of opposing narrow sided sidewalls of the container 100. Two air flow generators 200 may each be attached to one groove 116 of a longitudinal sidewall. The container 100 may comprise two additional grooves 116 in each longitudinal sidewall. A fastening means 140 may be attached to each of the four grooves 116. The control unit 400 may be located in the casing 450. The casing 450 may be located at the base 120 of the container. The container 100 may be installed in a grid 500 of top loaded cube based storage system. The container 100 may be located in a grid 500 of top loaded cube based storage system. The container 100 may be installed in a storage cell of a grid 500 of top loaded cube based storage system. The container 100 may be mounted to the grid 500 by at least one fastening means 140. Preferably, the container 100 may be mounted to the grid by four fastening means 140. A cable or a transmission line may connect the power supply to the container 100 and / or the air flow generator 200 and / or the control unit 400 and / or the sensor cleaning system. The cable or a transmission line may be attached to a profile, preferably an aluminum profile, of the grid 500. The cable or a transmission line may be attached to the profile of the grid 500 by at least on clamp, in particular at least one clamp holder. The cable or a transmission line may enter the container 100 through a through hole in one of the sidewalls 110 or the base 120. The container 100 may be conveniently retrofittable in an existing top loaded cube based storage system. The installation is convenient, since the container 100 can be easily attached to the grid by the fastening means 140. Figures 6 to 8 show a sensor cleaning systems from different angles as it would be installed into a container 100. Figure 6 shows a side view; figure 7 shows a top view and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the sensor cleaning system. The sensor cleaning system may comprise at least one air flow generator 200, a sensor 300 and a control unit 400. Preferably, sensor cleaning system comprises at four air flow generators 200. The sensor cleaning system may further comprise a casing 450. The control unit 400 may be connected in or at the casing 450. The control unit 400 may be connected to the sensor 300 by an electric contact and the control unit 450 may be connected to the at least one air flow generator 200 by an electric contact. Figures 6 to 8 also show the at least one fasting means 140. The at least one fastening means 140 may comprise a fastener 144. The fastener 144 may be a screw or a bolt, preferably a knurled screw. The fastener 144 may also be clamp connection. The at least one fastening means may comprise an insertion means 142. The at least one fastening means 140 may comprise an insertion means 142 and a fastener 144. The insertion means 142 may be inserted into a groove 116 of the container 100. The insertion means 142 may comprise a through hole. The fastener 144 may be inserted into the through hole. The container 100 may comprise at least one through hole. When inserted into the groove 116, the through hole of the insertion means 142 may be coaxial to at least one through 5 hole of the container 100. The fastener 144 may reach through at least one through hole of the container 100 and the through hole of the insertion means 142. The container 100 may be mounted to the grid 500 by four fastening means 140. The sensor 300 may be connected to a mount 310. The sensor 300 may be connected to the container 100 via an adjustable mount 310. 10 List of reference numerals 100    container 110     sidewalls 112     inner surface 114    outer surface 116    grooves 120    base 130    inner volume 140    fastening means 200    air flow generator 210    housing 212     inlet opening 214     adjoining extension 216    outer surface 220     nozzle 222    outlet opening 230    channel 232     inner surface / channel wall 240     inlet portion 250    fan 260    cap 270    mounting device 272     first part 274    second part 280     flow direction 290     means for configuring the speed of the fan 295     cable connector sensor mount control unit casing grid

Claims

1. Container (100) for an automated storage system, the container holding at least one air flow generator (200) and a sensor (300), and further comprising a control unit (400),the at least one air flow generator (200) comprising:a channel (230) and a fan (250), wherein the fan (250) is arranged within the channel (230) for generating an air flow in the channel (230) in a first direction (280),wherein the control unit (400) is connected to the sensor (300) and the at least one air flow generator (200), and wherein the sensor (300) is configured to provide a first signal for identifying an object in the proximity of the sensor (300) to the control unit (400), and the control unit (400) is configured to provide a second signal to the air flow generator (200) for activating the air flow generator (200) in response to the first signal.

2. Container (100) according to claim 1, the air flow generator (200) further comprising:- a housing (210) comprising an inlet portion (240) on a first side and a nozzle (220) on an opposing side, the inlet portion (240) comprising an inlet opening (212) and the nozzle (220) comprising an outlet opening (222),wherein the channel (230) extends through the housing (210), connecting the inlet opening (212) to the outlet opening (222), and providing a flow path.

3. Container (100) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one air flow generator (200) is configured to convey air from inside the container (100) or within a radius of lm of the container (100) through the channel (230).

4. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet opening (212) has a first cross section and the outlet opening (222) has a second cross section, wherein the first cross section is be smaller than the second cross section.

5. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one air flow generator (200) is at least partially arranged inside the container (100).

6. Container (100) according to claims 2 to 5, wherein the nozzle (220) of the at least one air flow generator (200) is curved.

7. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 6, the container (100) further comprising a power supply configured to supply power to the air flow generator (200) and / or the control unit (400).

8. Container according to claims 2 to 7, wherein the sensor (300) is an inductive sensor.

9. Container according to claims 2 to 8, wherein the at least one air flow generator (200) comprises a filter arranged at the inlet portion (240).

10. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least on air flow generator (200) is adjustably mounted to the container (100).

11. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 10, wherein the container (100) comprises at least one groove (116), and wherein the at least on air flow generator (200) is attachable to the at least one groove (116).

12. Container (100) according to claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one air flow generator (200) and / or the control unit (400) comprises a means for configuring the speed of the fan (295).

13. Container (100) according to claims 1 or 12, wherein the container (100) holds one, two, three or preferably four air flow generators (200).

14. A top loaded cube based storage system comprising at least one container (100) according to claims 1 to 135   15. A cleaning system comprising an airflow generator (200), a sensor (300)and a control unit (400) according to claims 1 to 13.

Images